CPAP machine vs. oxygen concentrator: running cost
A CPAP machine is cheaper to run: about $30 a year versus $473 for an oxygen concentrator at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $443 difference.
| CPAP machine | Oxygen concentrator | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 55 W | 300 W |
| Watt range | 15–110 W | 40–600 W |
| Typical use | 8 hours a day | 24 hours a day |
| Energy per year | 167 kWh | 2,630 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 1.0¢ | 5.4¢ |
| Cost per day | 8.2¢ | $1.30 |
| Cost per month | $2.50 | $39.43 |
| Cost per year | $30 | $473 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $72 | $1,144 |
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What drives the difference
- CPAP machine: CPAP blowers use 15-30 W; the heated humidifier and heated tubing push average draw to 50-90 W, so humidification is most of the energy.
- Oxygen concentrator: Stationary 5 L/min concentrators draw 280-350 W and many patients run them 24/7, about 2,600 kWh a year. Medicare's oxygen payment is meant to cover electricity, and many utilities offer medical rate discounts.
Ways to cut either cost
Reduces rainout so you can run lower humidity and tube heat.
See options on AmazonKeeps therapy running during outages.
See options on AmazonNewer units draw 20-40% less than older stationary concentrators.
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Frequently asked questions
Which costs more to run, a CPAP machine or an oxygen concentrator?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), an oxygen concentrator costs about $473 a year versus $30 for a CPAP machine. That's $443 more, or 15.8× as much.
How many watts do CPAP machine and oxygen concentrator use?
A CPAP machine typically draws 55 W (range 15–110 W). An oxygen concentrator draws 300 W (range 40–600 W). Watts alone don't decide cost. Hours of use, cycling and standby matter just as much.
Rates: EIA, 12 months ending 2026-07. Methodology.