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In Belgium, CPAP treatment coverage for sleep apnea does not work like a traditional reimbursement. Understanding the system will help you choose the right path for your situation.
Two options in Belgium
Option 1 - INAMI/RIZIV Convention
- Device provided on loan by your accredited sleep center
- You never pay for the device - you never own it
- Cost: €7.50/month (or €0 with BIM status)
- All included: device, mask, maintenance, medical follow-up
- Requirement: AHI ≥ 15/hour (PSG diagnosis)
- Waiting time: 4 to 8 weeks before starting therapy
- Device model chosen by the center (often refurbished)
- Mandatory: minimum 4h/night average usage
Option 2 - Buy from VivaRespire
- Free choice of model (latest connected generations)
- You own the device permanently
- Available even with AHI < 15 (outside convention)
- Start immediately, no waiting
- Full access to your CPAP data
- No compliance obligation
- Cost: €600-1,200 depending on model
- Medical follow-up to arrange with your doctor
The INAMI/RIZIV Convention - How Does It Work?
The Belgian CPAP convention is an agreement between INAMI/RIZIV and accredited sleep centers. It is not a purchase reimbursement: the sleep center provides the device, maintains it and provides medical follow-up. You only pay a small monthly co-payment.
Eligibility conditions
- Full polysomnography (PSG) at an accredited sleep center
- AHI ≥ 15/hour (adults ≥ 16 years)
- CPAP efficacy proven (titration)
- No more appropriate treatment available
What is included in the convention
- CPAP or Auto-CPAP device (on loan from the center)
- Mask, tubing, filters, humidifier if needed
- Maintenance, repairs and replacement included
- Regular mandatory medical follow-up
| Your status | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIM status (increased intervention) | €0.00 | €0.00 | €0.00 |
| Standard beneficiary | €0.25 | €7.50 | €91.25 |
INAMI/RIZIV convention rates (amendment 5, since 2017). This covers the device, mask, all accessories, maintenance and medical follow-up.
Why Buy Your CPAP from VivaRespire?
VivaRespire serves patients who wish to own their own CPAP device, outside the INAMI/RIZIV convention circuit. Several situations make this the right choice:
AHI < 15/hour
Your apnea index doesn't reach the INAMI threshold, but treatment is still needed.
Freedom of choice
Choose the latest connected models (AirSense 11, DreamStation 2) rather than a refurbished device.
Start immediately
No 4-8 week wait. Order today, start therapy this week.
Our Available CPAP Devices
ResMed AirSense 11 AutoSet
Reference auto-CPAP. AutoSet-14 algorithm, built-in Wi-Fi, myAir app, HumidAir 11 humidifier.
View productPhilips DreamStation 2 Auto
Auto-CPAP with integrated humidifier, color touchscreen and DreamMapper app. Compact design.
View productLöwenstein Prisma SMART Auto
Auto-CPAP with SoftPAP technology for a more comfortable expiration. Ideal for higher pressures.
View productWant to own your CPAP device?
VivaRespire offers a wide range of new CPAP devices with fast delivery in Belgium. Personalised advice available.
Browse all CPAP devicesFrequently asked questions about the INAMI CPAP convention
The INAMI convention targets patients diagnosed by polysomnography at an accredited sleep centre with an AHI (or AHIO) typically above 15 events per hour and associated criteria (daytime sleepiness, cardio-metabolic comorbidities). The centre manages the file, prescribes the CPAP and makes it available for 5 years. The patient does not own the device. For patients below threshold or wanting free choice, out-of-convention direct purchase is an option, with no reimbursement.
The typical threshold is an AHI (Apnoea-Hypopnoea Index) above 15 per hour on overnight in-lab polysomnography. Some specific situations (resistant hypertension, severe metabolic syndrome, high-risk occupation) may qualify patients with AHI around 10 to 15. The sleep centre validates final eligibility based on examination and context. Thresholds can evolve: check the current decree with your physician.
For the convention patient, personal contribution is limited: the mutual fund and INAMI cover the bulk via the convention with the accredited centre. You typically pay a flat fee depending on your mutual. Note: this is not a purchase reimbursement. The device remains the centre's property. For direct purchase at VivaRespire you pay the device once, amortised over 5 to 7 years of personal use.
Generally no, or only with motivated centre approval. You receive the device the centre assigns, chosen from its partner suppliers. Model, brand and accessories are decided by the centre. If you want a specific model (AirSense 11, AirMini as a second travel device), direct purchase out-of-convention is the route to consider.
Direct purchase is appealing if your AHI is below convention threshold, if you want to freely choose your model (AirSense 11, AirMini, DreamStation 2, Loewenstein), if you want to start treatment without waiting lists, or if you want a second travel device. You own your CPAP from day one, without contractual observance constraints or dependency on a specific centre.
Yes. This is one of the most common scenarios among our customers. You stay in convention for your home CPAP (fixed or auto AirSense supplied by the centre) and you separately buy a travel CPAP like an AirMini at VivaRespire, without interfering with the convention. No declaration to the centre is required for a personal out-of-convention purchase.
Minimum required observance is typically 4 hours per night on at least 70 percent of nights, measured by the centre via the device usage counter. If observance stays low for too long, the centre may stop the convention and reclaim the device. You can then switch to a direct out-of-convention purchase to keep your treatment going, choosing a new device such as an AirSense 11.