Understanding Sleep Apnea Treatment Costs
Sleep apnea treatment costs in Singapore vary widely depending on severity, treatment choice, and where you seek care. This guide breaks down all the costs you need to know.
Diagnosis Costs
Home Sleep Test (HST)
Cost: $300-$600 What it measures: Breathing patterns, oxygen levels, heart rate Best for: Initial screening, suspected moderate-severe OSA
In-Lab Polysomnography (PSG)
Cost: $800-$1,500 What it measures: Comprehensive brain waves, breathing, movement Best for: Complex cases, mild symptoms, treatment titration
ENT Consultation
Cost: $150-$300 (private), $50-$100 (public) Includes: Examination, review of sleep study, treatment discussion
DISE (Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy)
Cost: $1,900-$3,700 (based on MOH benchmarks) Purpose: Identifies where airway collapses during sleep When needed: Planning for surgery
CPAP Costs
CPAP Machine
| Type | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Basic CPAP | $800-$1,200 |
| Auto-CPAP (APAP) | $1,500-$2,500 |
| BiPAP | $2,500-$4,000 |
CPAP Masks
| Type | Cost | Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| Nasal pillow | $100-$200 | Every 3-6 months |
| Nasal mask | $150-$250 | Every 6-12 months |
| Full face mask | $200-$350 | Every 6-12 months |
Ongoing Costs
- Filters: $20-$50/year
- Tubing: $30-$60/year
- Humidifier chamber: $50-$100/year
- Mask cushions: $150-$300/year
Total first year: $1,500-$3,500 Annual ongoing: $400-$800
CPAP Rental
Some providers offer rental: $100-$200/month Good for: Trial period before committing to purchase
Oral Appliance Costs
Custom Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD)
Cost: $2,000-$4,000 Includes: Dental impressions, fitting, adjustments
Maintenance
- Adjustments: $100-$200 per visit
- Replacement: Every 2-5 years
Pros
- One-time cost (no ongoing supplies)
- Portable
- No electricity needed
Surgery Costs
UPPP (Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty)
| Hospital | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Public (subsidized) | $5,000-$10,000 |
| Private | $13,700-$21,600 |
Costs based on MOH Fee Benchmarks (Jan 2025). See detailed breakdown →
MediSave claimable: Up to $4,900 (Table 4A)
Multi-Level Surgery
Cost: $18,000-$35,000 (private) Combines multiple procedures (nose, palate, tongue base)
MMA (Maxillomandibular Advancement)
Cost: $40,000-$70,000 (private) Most effective but most invasive option
Inspire Implant
Cost: $50,000-$70,000 Includes device, surgery, and programming Some insurers cover for CPAP-intolerant patients
Other Procedures
| Procedure | Cost |
|---|---|
| Septoplasty | $8,000-$15,000 |
| Turbinate reduction | $5,000-$10,000 |
| Tongue base reduction | $10,000-$20,000 |
Insurance and MediSave
MediSave
Sleep-related surgeries are generally MediSave claimable.
Limits:
- UPPP: Up to $4,500 (Table 5A)
- Septoplasty: Up to $2,450 (Table 4B)
- Daily hospital: $450-$700/day
Not claimable:
- CPAP machines
- Oral appliances
- Sleep studies (usually)
Private Insurance (Integrated Shield Plans)
Coverage varies by plan:
- Pre-authorization usually required
- May need documented CPAP failure for surgery
- Deductible applies ($3,000-$3,500)
- Some plans exclude "elective" procedures
Tips:
- Get a letter of medical necessity from your doctor
- Document CPAP intolerance thoroughly
- Check if surgeon is on panel
Corporate Insurance
Many employer plans cover:
- Sleep studies
- CPAP (sometimes with limits)
- Surgery (may need pre-approval)
Cost Comparison: Long-Term
CPAP (10 years)
- Machine: $1,500
- Supplies: $6,000
- Total: ~$7,500
Oral Appliance (10 years)
- Device x2: $6,000
- Maintenance: $2,000
- Total: ~$8,000
UPPP Surgery
- One-time: $15,000-$25,000
- Follow-up: $500
- Total: $15,500-$25,500
Inspire (10 years)
- Device + surgery: $60,000
- Battery replacement: Included in lifespan
- Total: ~$60,000
How to Minimize Costs
Public vs Private
Public hospitals are significantly cheaper but may have:
- Longer wait times
- Less choice of surgeon
- Shared wards
Bundle Procedures
If multiple procedures needed, doing them together saves on hospital/anesthesia fees.
Insurance Timing
If you know you need surgery:
- Upgrade insurance before diagnosis
- Wait for waiting period (usually 12 months)
- Then get assessed and treated
HST vs PSG
Home sleep test is cheaper and often sufficient for straightforward cases.
Questions to Ask
- What's the total estimated cost including follow-ups?
- Is this procedure MediSave claimable?
- Will my insurance cover this? (Get pre-authorization)
- What are the ongoing costs after treatment?
- What happens if the first treatment doesn't work?
Conclusion
Sleep apnea treatment is an investment in your health. While costs can seem high, untreated OSA leads to more expensive health problems down the road — not to mention reduced quality of life.
The key is finding the right treatment for your situation and understanding all the costs upfront. A good sleep specialist will discuss options at different price points.
For detailed, MOH-sourced pricing breakdowns, visit our Treatment Cost Guide.
Ready to explore your options? Get matched with a sleep specialist who can provide a detailed cost estimate for your situation.