CPAP Rental Belgium - Rent or Buy?

CPAP Rental in Belgium: INAMI Convention or Buy Your Own Device?

Searching for CPAP rental in Belgium? It's a common question - a CPAP device is an investment, and many patients wonder whether it's possible to borrow or lease one before committing to a purchase. This guide explains how the INAMI/RIZIV "provision" system really works, its advantages, its limits, and when buying your own CPAP makes more sense.

VivaRespire is a specialist CPAP online shop. We do not offer INAMI reimbursement or rental services. For full details on the INAMI convention, see our page CPAP reimbursement in Belgium.

The INAMI Convention: A Loan, Not a Rental

In Belgium, there is no commercial CPAP rental market. What exists is the INAMI/RIZIV convention: an accredited sleep centre provides a CPAP device on loan (bruikleen). The device does not belong to you - it remains the property of the centre. You pay only the co-payment: approximately €7.50/month (free for BIM/OMNIO status patients).

It is effectively a long-term subsidised loan, similar to a rental covered by your health insurer. But it comes with strict conditions and important limitations.

Who Qualifies for the INAMI Convention?

Condition	Requirement
Diagnosis	AHI ≥ 15/hour (apnoeas-hypopnoeas per hour of sleep)
Type of study	Polysomnography (PSG) performed at an accredited centre
Centre	Sleep centre recognised by INAMI/RIZIV
Follow-up	Annual medical follow-up with the centre's partner pharmacy
Device choice	None: the centre selects the model

Limitations of the INAMI Convention

Waiting time: 4 to 8 weeks between diagnosis and device provision
No device choice: the centre selects the CPAP based on its supplier contracts
AHI threshold ≥ 15: if your AHI is between 5 and 14, you are not eligible
No ownership: you cannot travel freely with the device without the centre's approval
Tied to one centre: if you move or change provider, the process restarts
Limited data access: some centres do not share your device usage reports

When Buying Your Own CPAP Makes More Sense

AHI between 5 and 14: you have symptoms (fatigue, snoring, micro-arousals) but do not meet the threshold of 15. The convention does not cover you, but a CPAP may significantly improve your sleep quality.
Second device for travel: travelling with a convention device is often restricted. The AirMini AutoSet is the ideal travel CPAP.
Immediate start: no 6-week wait. Order today, receive tomorrow.
Choice of model: choose the quietest, most connected device that fits your lifestyle.
Expats and cross-border workers: not covered by Belgian social security or followed abroad.
Full ownership: the device is yours. Access your data freely via ResMed myAir or OSCAR.

CPAP Devices Available to Buy

ResMed AirSense 11 AutoSet - The benchmark: auto-adjustment, ForCare algorithm, built-in myAir. Full AirSense 11 guide →
Philips DreamStation 2 Auto - Compact, quiet, DreamMapper app. DreamStation 2 guide →
Löwenstein Prisma SMART Auto - German quality, ultra-quiet. Prisma SMART guide →
ResMed AirMini AutoSet - The world's smallest CPAP, perfect for travel.

Important: VivaRespire does not replace your doctor or sleep centre. If you have not yet been diagnosed, consult a specialist first. Find out how a home sleep apnoea test works.

INAMI Convention vs. Buying: Comparison

	INAMI Convention	Buy at VivaRespire
Monthly cost	€7.50/month (or €0 BIM)	One-off purchase
Eligibility	AHI ≥ 15 only	All patients
Lead time	4 to 8 weeks	1 to 3 business days
Device choice	No (centre decides)	Yes, full range
Ownership	No (centre's device)	Yes (your device)
Data access	Depends on centre policy	Full access via myAir/OSCAR
Travel	Restricted	Unrestricted