--- title: Sleep Better, Live Better Blog | CPAP Treatment description: CPAP Treatment | Read the latest information about sleep and heath on our Sleep Better, Live Better. Blog. Los Angeles based Advanced Sleep Medicine Services, Inc. provides diagnosis and treatment for sleep disorders with sleep centers located across Southern California. --- **[![ASMS_logo_shadow_round](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ASMS_logo_shadow_round.png?width=200&name=ASMS_logo_shadow_round.png "ASMS_logo_shadow_round")](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/)** **Advanced Sleep Medicine Services, Inc.** The Sleep Experts`®` (877) 775-3377 ## Sleep Better, Live Better Blog ### *We believe that education is the first step to finding better sleep. Our articles educate people on sleep news, sleep disorders, and sleep care to help them achieve better health and live better lives. * *Thanks for joining the conversation.* ## [Insurance Coverage for Bi-Level PAP](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/insurance-coverage-for-bi-level-pap) Posted by [Julia Steele Rodriguez](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/author/julia-steele-rodriguez) Oct 20, 2016 9:00:00 AM [![](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hubfs/bilevel_PAP_device_for_sleep_apnea.jpg) ](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/insurance-coverage-for-bi-level-pap) PAP (positive airway pressure) therapy treats [obstructive sleep apnea](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/learn-about-sleep-apnea) by delivering pressurized air into the airways to keep it open during the night while sleeping. PAP can reduce or completely eliminate sleep apnea (learn more about how PAP therapy works [here](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/pap-therapy)). There is significant evidence that treating sleep apnea with PAP therapy improves quality of life, reduces daytime sleepiness, reduces motor-vehicle accidents, improves hypertension and may [reduce death due to cardiovascular events](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/sleep-apnea-and-the-heart). The most common device is called CPAP; however, there is another device called bi-level PAP or BiPAP that can be more comfortable for some patients. Learn more about how that device works and what's required to get approval from your insurance company. [Read More](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/insurance-coverage-for-bi-level-pap) Topics: [CPAP Treatment](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/cpap-treatment) ## [At What Severity Will Insurance Cover CPAP for Sleep Apnea?](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/at-what-severity-will-insurance-cover-cpap-for-sleep-apnea) Posted by [Julia Steele Rodriguez](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/author/julia-steele-rodriguez) Oct 13, 2016 8:00:00 AM [![](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hubfs/determining_insurance_coverage_for_cpap_can_be_frustrating.jpg) ](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/at-what-severity-will-insurance-cover-cpap-for-sleep-apnea) The patient clearly has sleep apnea, but it's not severe enough for the insurance company to cover therapy. Why? Unfortunately, there are varying opinions about how sleep apnea is diagnosed and when CPAP is the appropriate therapy. Primarily, the difference is between how Medicare (CMS) and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) define a diagnosis of sleep apnea. And many commercial insurances are starting to follow Medicare's guidelines for CPAP coverage. In this post we'll explain what insurance companies, including Medicare, are looking for in a sleep study to determine coverage for CPAP. We'll offer suggestions of what to do if insurance won't cover CPAP. [Read More](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/at-what-severity-will-insurance-cover-cpap-for-sleep-apnea) Topics: [Health Insurance](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/health-insurance), [CPAP Treatment](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/cpap-treatment) ## [Where Can I Sell or Donate My Used CPAP Equipment (machine & supplies)?](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/where-can-i-sell-or-donate-my-used-cpap-equipment) Posted by [Julia Steele Rodriguez](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/author/julia-steele-rodriguez) Sep 7, 2016 6:00:00 PM [![](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hubfs/Website_Redesign_Photos/JUDY_SESSION_3_JPG-138_website.jpg) ](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/where-can-i-sell-or-donate-my-used-cpap-equipment) ### **Do you have a new PAP machine and no longer need your old machine?** ### **Do you have an extra mask or tubing for your old machine that you never used? ** ### **Would you like to donate your unused or gently used equipment?** Chances are, if you've been using PAP therapy for more than a couple of years, you've got an old device hanging around. We're keeping an updated list of local and national organizations that can help you sell or donate your new or gently used equipment to those in need. [Read More](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/where-can-i-sell-or-donate-my-used-cpap-equipment) Topics: [CPAP Treatment](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/cpap-treatment), [CPAP Supplies](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/cpap-supplies) ## [JAMA Study Highlights Concerns About Buying Used CPAPs on Craiglist](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/concerns-about-buying-used-cpaps) Posted by [Julia Steele Rodriguez](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/author/julia-steele-rodriguez) Aug 23, 2016 7:00:00 AM [![](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hubfs/used-cpap-equipment.jpg) ](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/concerns-about-buying-used-cpaps) A study published this month in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) examined the unauthorized sales by private individuals of secondhand CPAP devices. While most health insurance plans cover CPAP (learn more [here](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/will-my-insurance-cover-cpap-frequently-asked-questions-about-coverage) about coverage for these devices), the average cost of a device for those without insurance or with a high deductible can be prohibitive . The study examined person-to-person sales of CPAP devices at a range of geographic locations, median incomes, population densities and number of sleep clinics. They sorted through online ads for CPAP sales and even placed anonymous postings on Craigslist to solicit information from potential sellers and buyers. What did they find? [Read More](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/concerns-about-buying-used-cpaps) Topics: [CPAP Treatment](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/cpap-treatment) ## [What Are the Side Effects of Using CPAP?](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/side-effects-of-using-cpap) Posted by [Julia Steele Rodriguez](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/author/julia-steele-rodriguez) Jul 19, 2016 7:00:00 AM [![](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hubfs/side-effects-of-cpap.jpg) ](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/side-effects-of-using-cpap) CPAP is the only treatment that is 100% effective for treating obstructive sleep apnea, but a lot of patients struggle with using the device properly and using it every night. CPAP works by blowing air into the air way to keep the airway from closing at night (this closure is called an apnea, learn more about obstructive sleep apnea [here](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/learn-about-sleep-apnea)). CPAP therapy consists of a flow generation device, called the PAP machine, or blower, tubing that delivers the air to your airway and a mask that is strapped to your face at night to allow the pressurized air to flow into your airway and your exhalation to come out. While many people have no difficulty using CPAP and report the best sleep of their lives in the first weeks after they start therapy, this isn't the case for everyone. In this post we cover the top side effects of PAP therapy (any device- CPAP, APAP or bi-level, read about the difference between these devices [here](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/what-is-a-pap-machine-cpap-apap-bipap-asv)) and how you can reduce or even avoid them. [Read More](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/side-effects-of-using-cpap) Topics: [CPAP Treatment](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/cpap-treatment) ## [Should I Pay Cash for my CPAP Machine and Supplies?](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/should-i-pay-cash-for-my-cpap-machine-and-supplies) Posted by [Julia Steele Rodriguez](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/author/julia-steele-rodriguez) Jun 30, 2016 7:00:00 AM [![](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hubfs/should-you-pay-cash-for-cpap-and-supplies.jpg) ](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/should-i-pay-cash-for-my-cpap-machine-and-supplies) # 1. You don't have health insurance. This is a no-brainer. If you don't have health insurance, but have [sleep apnea](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/learn-about-sleep-apnea), you will need to pay cash for your machine and supplies.  If you're having a hard time making ends meet, check out the organizations listed in [this post](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/where-to-find-low-cost-or-free-cpap-machines-and-supplies) that offer free or low-cost CPAP and supplies.   # 2. You have a high deductible health plan. Many Americans now have higher deductibles to meet before their health insurance benefits kick in (check out our guide for understanding your health insurance [here](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/insurance-guide)). While we understand that having a higher deductible usually means lower monthly premiums and that some benefits, like preventative care, are covered before you meet your deductible, almost all plans require you meet your entire individual or family deductible before CPAP and supplies, or [sleep studies](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/how-much-will-a-sleep-study-cost-me), are covered. Especially at the beginning of the year, this can mean paying entirely out of pocket for your new CPAP and supplies. Even if you have insurance, you may prefer to shop online and pay cash for CPAP and supplies. While most online suppliers will not bill your health insurance (most of them aren't contracted with any insurances at all) some will and many will provide you with a list of codes so that you can submit the bill to your insurance. While you won't receive anything back from your insurance, you will receive "credit" towards your deductible. Especially if you or another family members expects to use your insurance throughout the year, you want to make sure every dollar you spend out of pocket is counted towards your deductible (learn about in-network vs. out-of-network deductibles and coverage differences [here](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/why-is-it-important-to-choose-an-in-network-provider)). You should also consider using your HSA (health savings account) or FSA (flexible spending account) funds to pay for CPAP and supplies online. Save your receipts!   [Read More](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/should-i-pay-cash-for-my-cpap-machine-and-supplies) Topics: [Health Insurance](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/health-insurance), [CPAP Treatment](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/cpap-treatment), [CPAP Supplies](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/cpap-supplies) ## [How Often Can I Get a New CPAP Machine?](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/how-often-can-i-get-a-new-cpap-machine) Posted by [Julia Steele Rodriguez](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/author/julia-steele-rodriguez) Jun 28, 2016 7:00:00 AM [![](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hubfs/CPAP-on-bedside-table.jpg) ](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/how-often-can-i-get-a-new-cpap-machine) Like iPhones, CPAP machines have changed a lot over the past few years. The latest models are even starting to look like Apple devices. These changes in the form and function of CPAPs serve very important purposes. (1) If a CPAP machine is more attractive and user-friendly, someone diagnosed with sleep apnea is more likely to use it. - They're quieter and smaller. - It's easier to turn on and off (many turn on automatically once you put on the mask and start breathing). (2) If the technology allows for wireless transmission of usage data, the CPAP supplier (for some of you that might be us, learn more about "smart machines" [here](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/smart-cpap-machines)) doesn't have to hassle patients for smartcard download. When compliance data is required by the insurance company, the provider can easily access the data (here's a post where we talk about our process). - Your CPAP supplier can help you troubleshoot when you're having issues with therapy. They can even adjust the settings remotely on some machines. - You have access to your usage data, either online or on an app. Knowledge is power. - If/when your insurance company requires proof of usage for your device rental or purchase or when it's time for new supplies, your supplier can easily obatin the info and send it directly to the insurance company. No need to mess with shipping cards back and forth. (3) New devices are better at treating sleep apnea. That's a big deal. So, now that you want a new machine, you're going to ask, "How do I get a new CPAP?" [Read More](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/how-often-can-i-get-a-new-cpap-machine) Topics: [CPAP Treatment](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/cpap-treatment), [CPAP Supplies](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/cpap-supplies) ## [Medicare Coverage for CPAP & Supplies](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/medicare-coverage-for-cpap-supplies) Posted by [Julia Steele Rodriguez](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/author/julia-steele-rodriguez) Jun 16, 2016 7:00:00 AM [![](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hubfs/sleeping-with-cpap.jpg) ](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/medicare-coverage-for-cpap-supplies) Are you enrolled in Medicare or have patients who are? We reviewed Medicare coverage for sleep studies [here](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/medicare-coverage-for-sleep-studies). In this post, learn about Medicare Part B coverage for CPAP and other PAP therapy (Part B covers certain doctor's services, out patient care, medical supplies and preventative services). [Read More](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/medicare-coverage-for-cpap-supplies) Topics: [CPAP Treatment](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/cpap-treatment), [CPAP Supplies](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/cpap-supplies) ## [Best Online CPAP Support Groups and Resources](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/best-online-cpap-support-groups-and-resources) Posted by [Julia Steele Rodriguez](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/author/julia-steele-rodriguez) Jun 9, 2016 7:00:00 AM [![](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hubfs/online_support_groups_for_cpap_users.jpg) ](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/best-online-cpap-support-groups-and-resources) CPAP is hard. Proper education during the set-up and beyond is critical. Another key factor for success is support from your healthcare provider, family and friends, or other CPAP users ([here's our post](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/treating-sleep-apnea-saves-lives-and-family-support-makes-a-big-difference) about a study that shows patients with family support have better CPAP compliance). In this blog post we provide info about five of the best online support groups and educational resources for PAP users. [Read More](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/best-online-cpap-support-groups-and-resources) Topics: [CPAP Treatment](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/cpap-treatment) ## [What is a CPAP Machine? (Difference Between CPAP, APAP, BiPAP and ASV)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/what-is-a-pap-machine-cpap-apap-bipap-asv) Posted by [Julia Steele Rodriguez](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/author/julia-steele-rodriguez) May 24, 2016 7:00:00 AM [![](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hubfs/CPAP_vs_BiPAP_1.png) ](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/what-is-a-pap-machine-cpap-apap-bipap-asv) It's important to know the basic about the different types of PAP (positive airway pressure) devices that are used to treat sleep apnea. Whether you're newly diagnosed with sleep apnea or a more seasoned user or healthcare provider, this post outlines the basics of each of the devices. Our goal is to help you understand the differences in the devices or better understand the device you're currently using. Ultimately, we want to help those who suffer from sleep apnea be successful with PAP therapy. Read on! [Read More](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/what-is-a-pap-machine-cpap-apap-bipap-asv) Topics: [CPAP Treatment](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/cpap-treatment), [Doctor's Opinion](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/doctors-opinion), [CPAP Supplies](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/cpap-supplies) [All posts](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/all) [Next](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/cpap-treatment/page/2) ## Share this blog post: [![Share on Facebook](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/facebook-24x24.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%2Ftopic%2Fcpap-treatment%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on LinkedIn](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/linkedin-24x24.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%2Ftopic%2Fcpap-treatment%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Share on Twitter](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/twitter-24x24.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%2Ftopic%2Fcpap-treatment%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%2Ftopic%2Fcpap-treatment%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=Sleep%20Better%2C%20Live%20Better%20Blog%20%7C%20CPAP%20Treatment) [![Share on Pinterest](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/pinterest-24x24.png)](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%2Ftopic%2Fcpap-treatment%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dpinterest&media=) [![Share on Email](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/email-24x24.png)](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%2Ftopic%2Fcpap-treatment%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail%20&body=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%2Ftopic%2Fcpap-treatment%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail) ### Subscribe to Email Updates Search our blog Search ### Posts by Topic - [Children and Sleep (1)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/children-and-sleep) - [Coffee (1)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/coffee) - [CPAP Alternatives (2)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/cpap-alternatives) - [CPAP Supplies (9)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/cpap-supplies) - [CPAP Treatment (25)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/cpap-treatment) - [Diabetes (2)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/diabetes) - [Doctor's Opinion (4)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/doctors-opinion) - [Economics of Sleep Medicine (15)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/economics-of-sleep-medicine) - [Good Sleep Habits (59)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/good-sleep-habits) - [Health Insurance (20)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/health-insurance) - [Heart Disease (2)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/heart-disease) - [Insomnia (2)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/insomnia) - [Job-Related Sleep Disorders (7)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/job-related-sleep-disorders) - [Kids and Sleep (20)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/kids-and-sleep) - [Narcolepsy (1)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/narcolepsy) - [Preparing for your sleep study (2)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/preparing-for-your-sleep-study) - [Sex and Sleep (7)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sex-and-sleep) - [Sleep and Exercise (1)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-and-exercise) - [Sleep and Society (41)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-and-society) - [Sleep Apnea (60)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-apnea) - [Sleep Business (3)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-business) - [Sleep Disorders (30)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-disorders) - [Sleep Studies (30)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-studies) - [Telemedicine (1)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/telemedicine) - [Treating Sleep Apnea (29)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/treating-sleep-apnea) - [Women and Sleep (14)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/women-and-sleep) ### Most viewed posts ### Recent Posts **Contact Us:** Advanced Sleep Medicine Services, Inc. Corporate Office 17835 Ventura Blvd. Suite 300 Encino, CA 91316 Phone (877) 775-3377 Fax (877) 855-6227  [info@sleepdr.com](mailto:info@sleepdr.com) ## **Top Links:** [Frequently asked questions (FAQs) ](http://www.sleepdr.com/frequently-asked-questions)[Download Service Request Form (Rx) ](http://www.sleepdr.com/service_request_form)[Request medical records ](http://www.sleepdr.com/request-medical-records)[See a complete list of locations ](http://www.sleepdr.com/locations)[Schedule an appointment ](http://www.sleepdr.com/schedule)[Sleep Better, Live Better Blog ](http://www.sleepdr.com/sleepbetterblog)[Contact us](http://www.sleepdr.com/contact) **About Us:** Our mission is to empower sufferers of sleep disorders, like sleep apnea, to lead more fulfilling lives by improving their sleep. We believe that by caring for and educating our patients and diagnosing and treating their sleep disorders we can help them achieve better health. With 20 locations across California, we are the leading provider of in-center and in-home (HST) sleep studies, PAP therapeutic devices, and replacement PAP supplies. We are contracted with more than 300 medical groups and commercial health plans. We partner with independent physicians who are at the forefront of the field of sleep medicine and together we provide high-quality, affordable, result-oriented and patient-centric diagnostic and therapeutic sleep medicine services. We strive to make all our interactions with patients, referring physicians, coworkers, and others courteous, caring and professional and we consider each interaction with our patients as an opportunity to live up to our commitment to the highest standards of patient care.  ### Subscribe to our blog: [![Twitter link](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hubfs/twitter-865437-edited.png "Twitter link")](https://twitter.com/mysleepdr)[![Facebook link](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hubfs/facebook-square-750598-edited.png "Facebook link")](https://www.facebook.com/AdvancedSleepMedicine)[![LinkedIn link](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hubfs/linkedin-815276-edited.png "LinkedIn link")](https://www.linkedin.com/company/advanced-sleep-medicine-services-inc) ## Original photos by Francisco Crow [www.fc-images.net](http://www.fc-images.net) All rights reserved. Our administrative offices AND sleep centers will be closed on Monday, September 5, 2016 in observance of the Labor Day holiday.