Who Needs Durable Medical Equipment?

You may be recovering from surgery, managing a chronic illness or helping a loved one regain their independence at home. In these moments, durable medical equipment (DME) and supplies can become an essential tool. These devices, such as portable oxygen concentrators, glucose monitors, wheelchairs and dialysis machines, can help provide at-home treatment and support for a variety of health conditions.

Whether for a temporary recovery from an injury or long-term support for a chronic condition, durable medical equipment can be important to maintaining comfort, mobility and independence in ways that might otherwise be challenging. Below are some of the most common types of durable medical equipment you may need:1

  • Breathing equipment. If you suffer from respiratory conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or sleep apnea, you may wish to purchase breathing equipment like an ASV machine or portable oxygen machine to help manage your condition at home by improving your oxygen levels and sleep quality and potentially reducing hospital visits.
  • Mobility equipment. Mobility equipment like a hospital bed, motorized scooter or stair lift can provide assistance for daily tasks like getting in and out of bed, chairs or cars or simply moving throughout the house. Mobility equipment may be helpful if you’re recovering from an injury, have a permanent disability or if aging has made daily movements more difficult.
  • Diabetes equipment. For those with diabetes, regularly tracking glucose levels is vital for being able to monitor blood sugar and correctly adjust medication and diet. Diabetes equipment like glucose monitors, test strips and insulin pumps are valuable tools to help at-home tracking.
  • Other common medical equipment. In addition to breathing, mobility and diabetes equipment, there are other types of durable medical equipment like breast pumps and dialysis machines that you may wish to buy or rent.

Average Cost of Breathing Equipment

The average cost for breathing equipment, such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines or nebulizers, varies greatly based on the type of equipment, brand name, model, accessories and supplier. Below is a list of national average cost ranges* for common breathing equipment.1

Breathing equipment pricing by type

Breathing equipment Average cost range
ASV machines $1,500 to $4,500
BIPAP machines $550 to $6,000+
CPAP machines $250 to $3,600+
Nasal oxygen cannulas $0.56 to $4 per cannula
Nebulizers and inhalers $19 to $400+
Portable oxygen equipment $200 to $4,300+
Ventilators $250 to $50,000+
 

Mobility Equipment Costs

The average cost for mobility equipment, such as mobility beds or power lift chairs, varies from a few hundred to thousands of dollars based on the specific type of equipment, brand name, model, accessories and purchase source. Below is a list of national average cost ranges* for common mobility equipment.1

Mobility equipment costs by type

Mobility equipment Average cost range
Accessibility lifts (auto) $350 to $6,500+
Mobility or hospital beds $500 to $30,000
Motorized scooters $300 to $15,000+
Powerlift chairs or recliners $100 to $5,000+
Stairlifts $2,500 to $15,000
Wheelchairs $35 to $30,000+
 

Diabetes Equipment Costs

The average cost for diabetes equipment, such as glucose monitors, test strips and insulin pumps, can vary based on type, brand name, model, accessories and purchase source. Below are the national average cost ranges* for common durable diabetes equipment.1

Diabetes equipment costs by type

Diabetes equipment Average cost range
Blood glucose monitors $100 to $500
Glucose monitor test strips $5 to $50 per 50 strips
Insulin pumps $3,000 to $7,000+
 

Other Common Medical Equipment Costs

There may be other types of durable medical equipment that can be helpful to have at home, such as a breast pump or a dialysis machine. Costs can vary based on brand, features, maintenance and quality, as well as if you choose to buy or rent. Below are the national average cost ranges* for purchasing a breast pump or a dialysis machine.1

Other medical equipment Average cost range
Breast pump $15 to $2,500+
Dialysis machine $100 to $50,000+