The 2025 Ultimate Guide to FSA & HSA for CPAP: Rules, Eligibility, and Smart Buys
By Clay Rollyson
Table of Contents
- FSA vs HSA: Easy Table Comparison
- The 2025 FSA/HSA Rules & Limits
- Is a CPAP Machine FSA Eligible?
- Travel CPAP Machines: A Smart Use of Funds
- Which CPAP Supplies Are FSA Eligible?
- Are CPAP Sanitizers FSA Eligible?
- Shop by Budget: How to Spend Your FSA Balance
- Ready to Shop? Using Your FSA/HSA Card is Easy
- Frequently Asked Questions
Content is carefully evaluated to provide factual information.
Content is carefully evaluated to provide factual information.
As we reach the end of the year, CPAP users with a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) must beat the December cutoff or risk losing their funds.
The "use it or lose it" rule catches thousands of people off guard every year, leaving real money on the table.
The good news?
Your CPAP therapy is one of the smartest ways to spend those pre-tax dollars before time runs out. Whether you need a backup battery for storm season, a fresh mask that actually seals, or a travel machine your insurance refuses to cover, your FSA has you covered.
Here's everything you need to know to spend wisely before December 31st.
FSA vs. HSA: What's the Difference?
First, let's clear up the confusion.
What is the difference between HSA and FSA?
While both accounts let you pay for CPAP gear with pre-tax dollars, they work very differently. Knowing the difference could save you thousands of dollars.
| Feature | FSA (Flexible Spending Account) | HSA (Health Savings Account) |
|---|---|---|
| Who Owns It? | Your Employer. | You (It's like a 401k for health). |
| The Deadline | "Use it or Lose it" (usually Dec 31). | None. Funds roll over forever. |
| Best For... | Spending now. Perfect for stocking up on consumables or buying that one big upgrade before the year ends. | Saving for the future, or investing in high-ticket items like a Travel CPAP. |
The 2025 Rules & Limits
The IRS has updated the limits for the 2025 tax year. If you are planning your contributions for next year or calculating what’s left for this year, here are the numbers you need to know:
- 2025 FSA Contribution Limit: You can now contribute up to $3,300 per year.
- 2025 FSA Carryover Limit: This is the most critical number. If your plan allows carryovers, the maximum amount you can roll into 2026 is $660.
- 2025 HSA Contribution Limits: Individual Coverage is $4,300 and Family Coverage is $8,550.
Is a CPAP Machine FSA Eligible?
The short answer is yes.
Because the FDA classifies sleep apnea equipment as Class II Medical Devices, the IRS fully approves them for both FSA and HSA spending.
This coverage applies to every machine we carry. Whether you are looking to upgrade to a modern home CPAP like the ResMed AirSense 10 or 11, or you require a specialized BiLevel device for complex therapy, you can use your pre-tax funds to cover the entire cost.
Do I need a prescription?
Yes. Because these are medical devices, we are required by law to have a valid prescription on file before we can ship a machine or a complete mask system.
Don't have a current script? No problem. We can help you renew it quickly with our CPAP Prescription Renewal Service.
Travel CPAP Machines: A Smart Use of Funds
If you have a large FSA balance (over $800) that you need to "burn" quickly, a Travel CPAP machine is arguably the best purchase you can make.
Insurance companies almost never pay for travel CPAP machines. They usually classify them as "luxury convenience items" and deny the claim, forcing you to pay out of pocket.
The good news is that your FSA has no such restriction. To the IRS, a travel unit is simply a medical device, just like your home machine.
This makes your FSA funds the perfect way to buy the equipment that your insurance refuses to cover, turning a potential loss of funds into a significantly better travel experience.
Top Travel Picks:
Which CPAP Supplies Are FSA Eligible?
You don't always need to buy a machine to use up your funds. Most of our customers use their FSA balance to stock up on the supplies they know they will need next year anyway.
FSA eligible CPAP supplies cover nearly every consumable part of your therapy.
Here is the comprehensive list of items that are eligible without any special paperwork:
- CPAP Masks: All styles are eligible, including the popular ResMed P10 (pillows), AirFit F40 (hybrid full face), and N30i (nasal).
- CPAP Battery Backup FSA Eligible: This is huge for our Florida customers. Backup batteries (like the Medistrom Pilot-24 or Zopec line) are eligible medical expenses. They aren't just for camping—they are essential for maintaining your therapy during power outages and hurricanes.
- Cleaning Supplies: CPAP wipes, tube brushes, and mild soaps.
- Replacement Parts: Filters, water chambers, heated tubing, and chinstraps.
- Comfort Accessories: CPAP-specific pillows (with cutouts for your mask) and mask liners.
Are CPAP Sanitizers FSA Eligible?
Automated sanitizers like the Sinoriko or LiViliti are incredibly popular upgrades for keeping your equipment sterile without the daily hassle of soap and water.
But are they FSA eligible? Yes, but it depends on your specific plan administrator.
While most plans cover them, some stricter administrators classify sanitizers as "General Health" products rather than strict "Medical Necessities" since you technically could just use soap and water.
Important Consideration: Since these rules vary by employer, many of our customers prefer to buy sanitizers with their personal credit card (to get the points!) and then submit the claim manually. A simple Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) from your doctor stating the device prevents infections will usually clear up any questions your administrator might have.
Shop by Budget: How to Spend Your FSA Balance
Not sure what to get? Find your remaining balance below and see exactly what you can buy to get your account down to zero.
- CPAP Wipes: You will use them eventually. Buy 3 tubs.
- Filters: Grab a 2-pack or 6-pack of hypoallergenic filters.
- Tube Brush: The tool you forget to buy but definitely need.
- Heated Tubing: If you hate waking up with water in your nose ("rainout"), this is the fix.
- New Mask Cushion: If yours is over 3 months old, it's time for a fresh seal.
- CPAP Battery Backup: Secure your peace of mind for the next storm season.
- Mask Multi-Pack: Buy a "Fit Pack" to try a brand new mask style risk-free.
- Travel Machine Bundle: Get the machine, the case, and the battery. It’s the ultimate upgrade.
Ready to Shop? Using Your FSA/HSA Card is Easy
At CPAPmyway, we believe spending your health benefits should be as easy as buying a pair of shoes. Because we are a fully authorized medical merchant, you don't need to jump through hoops to use your funds here.
Here is how to use your benefits today:
- Simply browse our site, add your gear to the cart, and select "Credit Card" at checkout.
That’s it. You don't need to select a special "FSA" option. Just enter your FSA or HSA card numbers exactly like you would a standard Visa or Mastercard. Our system is coded to recognize medical purchases automatically, so the transaction will go through instantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are travel CPAP machines eligible for FSA/HSA reimbursement?
Yes. The IRS considers travel CPAP machines (like the AirMini or Transcend Micro) to be Class II Medical Devices, making them fully eligible expenses. This is a popular way to buy a travel unit since most insurance companies deny them as "convenience items."
Are CPAP batteries and backup power supplies eligible?
Yes. Backup power supplies are considered eligible medical necessities because they ensure your therapy continues during power outages, storms, or travel.
Are CPAP sanitizers (like SoClean or LiViliti) FSA eligible?
This is conditional. Some FSA administrators approve them automatically, while others require a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) from your doctor stating that the device is necessary to prevent recurrent infections. Check with your plan administrator first.
Are consumables like CPAP wipes and soaps FSA eligible?
Yes. Supplies used to maintain the hygiene of your medical equipment, such as CPAP wipes, tube brushes, and mild soaps, are generally eligible expenses.
Are comfort items like CPAP pillows and mask liners eligible?
Yes. Accessories designed specifically for CPAP therapy, such as contour pillows to reduce mask leaks or cloth liners to prevent skin irritation, are eligible.
Can I use my FSA balance to buy CPAP supplies for my spouse?
The IRS allows you to use your FSA funds to cover qualified medical expenses for your spouse and any claimed tax dependents (like children).
Can I use FSA funds for a Travel CPAP if my insurance denied it?
Absolutely. Your FSA funds are your money, and they are not subject to your insurance carrier's "medical necessity" guidelines for coverage. As long as the item is an FDA-approved medical device (which all our machines are), you can use your funds to buy it even if insurance said no.
What happens to my FSA funds if I don't spend them by December 31st?
Generally, you lose them. This is the "Use it or Lose it" rule. However, many plans now allow you to carry over up to $660 into the next year. You should check your specific plan rules immediately.
How much FSA money can I carry over into 2026?
For the 2025 plan year, the IRS allows a maximum carryover of $660 into 2026. Any amount above that remaining in your account on December 31st will be forfeited.
Do I still need a prescription if I'm paying with my own FSA funds?
Yes. The requirement for a prescription comes from the FDA, not your insurance company. We are legally required to have a valid prescription on file to ship any CPAP machine or complete mask system, regardless of payment method.
What if I need to buy a machine but don't have a current prescription?
We offer a convenient CPAP Prescription Renewal Service that can get you a renewed script from a board-certified sleep physician quickly, allowing you to place your order before the deadline.
Do I need to select a special "FSA" option at checkout?
No, you can simply enter your FSA or HSA card information into the standard "Credit Card" field at checkout. Our system is coded to recognize the transaction as a medical expense automatically.