Buy a Second CPAP Machine as a Backup: The Cheapest Reliable Option
Direct answer: The cheapest reliable second CPAP is a certified refurbished full-size machine, not a pocket travel unit. MyRespCo sells the refurbished ResMed AirSense 10 AutoSet for $379.99, in stock as of November 7, 2026 — about half the price of a dedicated travel CPAP. Keep it at the cabin, the second home, or the RV, set to your prescription, and your therapy never stops because one machine is in the shop. A prescription is still required in the United States.
What a second CPAP actually costs
| Option | Price found 2026-11-07 |
|---|---|
| Refurbished AirSense 10 AutoSet, MyRespCo | $379.99, in stock |
| Brand new Dream Sleep Auto CPAP combo, MyRespCo | $469.99, in stock |
| Refurbished AirSense 11 AutoSet, MyRespCo | $449.99, sold out |
| Refurbished S9 AutoSet, MyRespCo | $249.99, sold out |
| Travel CPAP, typical US range (Transcend Micro, AirMini) | $779 to $919 |
| Brand new AirSense 11 starter bundle, MyRespCo | $849.99, in stock |
The two cheapest refurbished options at MyRespCo — the S9 at $249.99 and the AirSense 11 at $449.99 — are both sold out as of November 7, 2026. The refurbished AirSense 10 at $379.99 is the lowest-priced buyable backup, and it is the same proven machine most people already use at home.
When a refurbished full-size backup is the right call
- Second home, cabin, or lake house: leave the backup there so you never pack a machine.
- RV or camper: a full-size machine with a humidifier is more comfortable than a pocket unit for multi-night stays.
- Your main machine is in for repair: a backup means no missed nights while you wait.
- You already own a mask you like: the AirSense 10 works with any standard mask, so the backup uses the mask you already trust.
When a travel CPAP is worth it instead
- You fly weekly and pack light: a pocket travel CPAP (Transcend Micro, ResMed AirMini) fits in a carry-on and runs on battery power.
- You need FAA-approved in-flight use: travel units are built for that; a full-size machine is not practical on a plane.
- Honest note: MyRespCo does not sell the AirMini or the Transcend Micro. Travel CPAPs typically cost $779 to $919, about double the refurbished AirSense 10. If you fly often enough that size matters, buy the travel unit — but for a stay-put second machine, the refurbished AirSense 10 is the better spend.
Backup vs travel CPAP vs new machine
| Refurbished AirSense 10 backup | Travel CPAP (AirMini / Transcend Micro) | New AirSense 11 bundle | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $379.99 at MyRespCo | $779 to $919 typical | $849.99 at MyRespCo |
| Size | Full-size bedside machine | Pocket-size, about the size of a baseball | Full-size bedside machine |
| Humidifier | Built-in HumidAir | Waterless or none | Built-in HumidAir |
| Mask | Any standard mask | Specific compatible masks only | Any standard mask |
| Sold by MyRespCo | Yes, in stock | No | Yes, in stock |
| Best for | Second home, cabin, RV, repair backup | Frequent flyers who pack light | Newest platform, first machine |
The 6 checks before you buy a second CPAP
- Prescription: A second machine still requires a valid prescription in the US. Your prescriber can send the same prescription — you do not need a new sleep study for a second machine.
- Same settings: The backup must be set to your prescribed pressure range, not copied from memory. Your prescriber or an RRT sets it — an article or a seller cannot set it for you.
- Mask compatibility: Confirm your current mask fits the backup. The AirSense 10 works with any standard mask, while travel CPAPs need specific compatible masks.
- Run hours: Ask for the motor run-hours reading on a refurbished backup. Lower hours mean less motor wear. If a seller will not show hours, treat that as a warning sign.
- Warranty in writing: Get the length and coverage in writing. MyRespCo describes a 1-year functionality warranty on its refurbished machines.
- Return policy: Confirm the return window before ordering. MyRespCo describes a 30-day money-back guarantee, with the buyer paying return shipping.
Ready to order?
If you want a stay-put second machine, order the refurbished AirSense 10 AutoSet from MyRespCo and have your prescriber confirm the settings before first use. If you fly weekly and need a pocket unit, a travel CPAP is the honest answer — MyRespCo does not stock one, so compare travel units on their own merits. Re-verify price and stock live before ordering, as stock changes.
FAQ
Do I need a second prescription for a backup CPAP?
No new sleep study is needed. You still need a valid prescription on file — your prescriber can send the same prescription for the second machine. In the United States, CPAP machines are prescription devices at any price.
Can I use the same mask on my backup machine?
Yes, if the backup is a standard full-size machine like the AirSense 10. Travel CPAPs are different — they need specific compatible masks, so your home mask may not fit.
Is a refurbished AirSense 10 good enough as a backup?
Yes, for most people. It is the most widely prescribed CPAP in North America, with the same AutoSet algorithm as newer models. MyRespCo's units are RRT-inspected, sanitized, factory reset, and covered by a 1-year functionality warranty.
What if my main machine breaks while I travel?
That is exactly what a backup is for — but only if the backup is where you are. Keep the backup at the place you sleep most often away from home, and carry your mask and tubing with you. A backup sitting in a closet at home does not help on a trip.
Should I buy the cheapest refurbished machine I can find?
Compare the full deal, not the headline price. The cheapest out-of-state listings are often sold as-is with no warranty. MyRespCo's $379.99 AirSense 10 includes a 1-year functionality warranty, a 30-day money-back guarantee, new consumables, and an RRT who answers the phone.
General information only — not medical advice. Whether a buyer needs CPAP, APAP, or BiPAP, and what pressure settings to use, comes from their prescriber and sleep study, not from a seller or an article.