Why Can't I Buy a CPAP on Amazon? A Step-by-Step Guide to Legally Getting Your AirSense 11

You've done the research. You've read the reviews, watched the videos, and decided on the best-in-class machine: the Resmed AirSense 11. You're ready to get started, ready to finally get a good night's sleep.

So, you go to buy it.

But you've hit a wall. Amazon says "Currently Unavailable." Other major retailers say "Prescription Required." You can't just add it to your cart. It's a frustrating experience, and you're not alone in asking: "Why is this so difficult?"

The simple answer is that the Resmed AirSense 11 isn't a sleep gadget; it's a sophisticated medical device.

In the United States, CPAP machines are regulated by the FDA as Class II medical devices. This is the same category as powered wheelchairs and infusion pumps. It's a safety measure, not a barrier. It ensures that you, the patient, are getting the correct therapeutic settings prescribed by a medical professional for your specific health needs.

This guide is your complete roadmap. We'll explain the process, explain why these steps exist, and show you the fastest, safest, and most affordable way to get your AirSense 11 delivered right to your door.

Before we get to the "how," let's cover the "how not to." You may see listings on eBay, Craigslist, or unauthorized third-party Amazon sellers. Buying from these "gray market" sources is a significant risk.

Buyer Beware: The Risks of "No-Prescription" Machines

• No Warranty: Resmed will not honor the warranty on a device sold by an unauthorized retailer. If it breaks, you have no recourse.
• No Support: These sellers offer no clinical support. When you have questions about setup, pressure, or mask fit, you're on your own.
• Unknown Condition: You may be buying a used, refurbished (and potentially unsanitary) machine, even if it's advertised as "new."
• Health Risk: The machine may be locked to the wrong settings, providing ineffective or even harmful therapy.
  Your health is worth more than the small savings you might get. The only safe way to buy is through an authorized dealer with a valid prescription.

You can't get a prescription without a diagnosis. This comes from a sleep study, which identifies if you have sleep apnea and how severe it is. You have two main options for this.

An in-lab study (polysomnography) is the traditional method, but for most cases of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), an at-home sleep test (HST) is a faster, more comfortable, and more affordable alternative.

You no longer need to wait months for a sleep clinic referral. We've streamlined this entire first step.

The CPAP Shop offers a simple, affordable at-home sleep test from Sleep Care Online. 

1. We mail you a small, easy-to-use testing kit.
2. You wear it for one night in the comfort of your own bed.
3. You mail it back.
4. A board-certified sleep physician reviews your results and provides a diagnosis. If you test positive for sleep apnea, they will write you a valid prescription you can use to purchase your AirSense 11.

This is the single most important document in your purchase. A vague or incomplete prescription is the #1 reason for delays.

A prescription from a U.S.-licensed physician (MD, DO, or NP) is valid, whether it's from your family doctor, a sleep specialist, or our at-home test service.

Anatomy of a "Perfect" CPAP Prescription

To get an AirSense 11 AutoSet, your prescription must contain specific wording. A script that just says "CPAP" is not enough.

1. Your Full Name
2. Doctor's Information & Signature: (Name, NPI number, and signature)
3. Diagnosis Code: (e.g., G47.33 for Obstructive Sleep Apnea)
4. Machine Type: It must say "AutoSet," "Auto-Titrating," or "APAP."
5. Pressure Setting: It will either list a specific range (e.g., "5-15 cm H2O") or simply state "AutoSet."
6. Mask Type: (e.g., "Nasal Mask," "Full Face Mask," or "Nasal Pillows")

What If My Prescription is Wrong? (This is Where We Help)

Many first-time buyers get a script from their doctor that just says "CPAP" with a pressure of "10." This would only allow you to buy a fixed-pressure machine, not the auto-titrating AirSense 11.

This is where our expert team makes the difference.

If your prescription is incomplete, don't worry. Our team of in-house experts will contact your doctor's office for you. We'll work with them to get your prescription updated with the correct "AutoSet" wording required for the AirSense 11. You don't have to play phone tag with the doctor's office—we handle it. Learn more about this here.

Once you have your prescription, you have two main choices for where to buy: a traditional DME or an authorized online retailer like us.

The "Insurance Trap" vs. "Cash Freedom" This is the most important decision you'll make.

A Traditional DME (Durable Medical Equipment) supplier is the old-school route. They work directly with your insurance. This sounds good, but it often comes with catches:

• It's Slow: Insurance verification can take weeks or even months.
• It's a "Rent-to-Own": You typically don't own the machine outright. Your insurance "rents" it for you for 10-13 months, and you pay a co-pay each month.
• Mandatory Compliance: Insurance companies will require you to use the machine for a minimum number of hours per night. If you don't (e.g., you're sick, or struggling with mask fit), they can stop paying and even take the machine back.
• Hidden Costs: With high-deductible health plans, your total co-pays and deductible costs over the rental period can often be more than the cash price of the machine.

An Online Retailer like The CPAP Shop offers you "Cash Freedom."

• It's Fast: We verify your prescription (often in hours) and ship your machine the same day.
• You Own It on Day 1: The machine is 100% yours.
• Total Privacy: No one monitors your data unless you choose to share it (like with the MyAir app). There are no compliance police.
• Transparent Price: The "cash price" is clear and upfront. It's often cheaper than a high-deductible insurance plan. You can also use your HSA or FSA card for the purchase.

Learn more about Insurance Claim vs Paying Out of Pocket options here.

You can do this. Here is your simple, step-by-step plan to get your AirSense 11.

●     Step 1: Get Your Diagnosis.
(Need one? Use our fast at-home sleep test.)

●     Step 2: Get Your Prescription.

●     Step 3: Verify Your Script.

     (Does it say "AutoSet" or "APAP"? If not, chat with our team and we'll help you get it fixed.)

●     Step 4: Upload Your Prescription.
(It's easy. Just snap a photo with your phone and upload it to our secure portal.)

●     Step 5: Choose Your Mask.
(The right mask is critical. Not sure where to start? Try out MaskFit AR to help you find your perfect mask.)

●     Step 6: Place Your Order.
(We'll verify your script and ship your AirSense 11—often on the very same day.)

You don't have to navigate this process alone. Our entire mission is to make sleep apnea therapy easy, affordable, and accessible.

Our team of experts is standing by to verify it and get your AirSense 11 shipped today. Give us a call at 866-414-9700 at your convenience to get started.