If you've searched this question, you've probably found conflicting answers — largely because most of the information online is written for a US audience, where the FDA regulates CPAP machines as prescription-only medical devices. Australia works differently.
The short answer
In Australia, there is no legal requirement to have a doctor's prescription to purchase a CPAP or APAP machine. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) regulates whether a device can be legally supplied in Australia — through mandatory listing on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) — but this is a supply-side registration requirement, not a point-of-sale prescription law for the buyer.
This is a genuinely common source of confusion, because the US and Australian systems look similar on the surface but work quite differently underneath.
Why so many sites say you need one
Many Australian CPAP suppliers still ask for a prescription or a recent sleep study before selling a machine. That's a business policy, not a legal requirement — often tied to how sleep clinics operate, or to ensuring customers get pressure settings that actually suit them. It's reasonable practice, but it isn't the law.
Should you get a sleep study anyway?
Yes — for a different reason than "legal requirement." A proper diagnosis and pressure recommendation from a sleep physician means your CPAP therapy is actually set up correctly for your body. Buying a machine without knowing your prescribed pressure range means guessing, which can mean paying for a device that doesn't treat your apnoea effectively.
If you already have a diagnosis and know your settings — from a previous machine, a sleep study, or your specialist — you're free to purchase directly.
What about masks, filters, and accessories?
Masks, filters, tubing, and other CPAP accessories are not prescription items in Australia. If you know your mask size and machine connector type, you can buy replacements and spares without any documentation.
Buying with confidence
Every CPAP machine and mask we sell is TGA-registered and ARTG listed, with the registration number shown on the product page. If you're ever unsure what's right for your setup, our team is happy to help you match a machine or mask to your prescribed therapy — get in touch before you order.
This article is general information, not medical advice. Always follow the guidance of your treating doctor or sleep physician for therapy settings and device selection.