Introduction
If you rely on home oxygen, a CPAP machine, or other medical equipment delivered to your door, uncertainty can feel frightening. Lately, many patients and caregivers have been wondering: is Apria Healthcare going out of business? When you depend on regular deliveries to breathe comfortably or sleep safely, even small service changes can spark serious concern. I completely understand that feeling. Healthcare is not something you gamble with. You want reliability, stability, and clear communication. In this article, we’ll walk through what’s actually happening, why people are worried, and what it truly means for patients and families in 2026.
Who Is Apria Healthcare?
Apria Healthcare is one of the largest home medical equipment providers in the United States. The company supplies oxygen concentrators, portable oxygen tanks, CPAP and BiPAP machines, nebulizers, hospital beds, mobility aids, and other durable medical equipment. For many people living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), sleep apnea, or serious mobility limitations, Apria Healthcare plays a daily role in maintaining independence and quality of life. Instead of picking up equipment at a storefront, most patients receive deliveries directly at home. That convenience makes any hint of instability feel personal and urgent.
Is Apria Healthcare Going Out of Business in 2026?
At this time, there has been no official nationwide announcement that Apria Healthcare is shutting down operations. The company continues to function under its current ownership. However, there have been operational changes over the past few years that created confusion in some regions. Certain local branches have closed or consolidated. Some patients have experienced changes in customer service contacts or billing processes. These adjustments can easily create the impression that something much larger is happening. In reality, consolidation and restructuring are common in large healthcare organizations.
What Changed Behind the Scenes?
In 2022, Apria Healthcare was acquired by Owens & Minor, a global healthcare logistics and supply company. This acquisition was part of a broader strategy to strengthen home-based healthcare services. When a large company acquires another, systems are merged, leadership structures shift, and operations are streamlined. These transitions often involve updating software systems, centralizing warehouses, adjusting staffing, and reviewing regional performance. During that period, service disruptions can sometimes occur. A delayed delivery or longer customer service wait time can quickly cause worry for patients who rely on consistent medical support.
Why Some Patients Became Concerned
Several factors contributed to rising concerns: some local offices were consolidated into regional hubs; delivery schedules changed in certain areas; insurance contracts were reviewed or updated; staffing adjustments occurred during integration; and communication gaps left some customers uncertain. When you’re waiting for oxygen refills or CPAP supplies, even one late shipment can feel alarming. It’s understandable that people started asking questions.
Branch Closures Do Not Always Mean Company Closure
Large healthcare providers often reduce physical storefront locations while keeping core operations active. Centralized distribution centers can handle larger volumes more efficiently. If your nearby Apria branch closed, your supplies may now ship from another regional facility. That shift can feel disruptive at first, but it does not necessarily indicate financial collapse or nationwide shutdown. Healthcare companies frequently restructure to reduce costs and improve logistics.
What This Means for Oxygen Patients
For individuals dependent on oxygen therapy, stability is critical. Oxygen is not optional. It’s essential. If you use oxygen concentrators or portable tanks delivered by Apria Healthcare, you likely want reassurance that deliveries will continue. Healthcare providers that serve Medicare and private insurance patients operate within regulated frameworks. If a provider ever exits a region, patients are typically transferred to another approved supplier to prevent interruption. Sudden, unsupported service termination is extremely rare in this regulated environment.
What About CPAP and Sleep Equipment?
Patients with sleep apnea rely on CPAP or BiPAP machines every night. Supplies such as masks, filters, and tubing require regular replacement. Any delay in shipments can disrupt sleep and health. If you have experienced slower service or communication changes, contacting customer service directly can help clarify delivery schedules. Keeping an extra set of essential supplies when possible can also provide peace of mind. As of now, there is no confirmed nationwide shutdown affecting CPAP supply distribution.
Employee and Workforce Considerations
Healthcare employees often feel the impact of acquisitions before patients notice changes. Respiratory therapists, warehouse staff, and delivery teams may see internal restructuring, role adjustments, or technology updates. While this can create uncertainty, acquisition by a larger organization sometimes strengthens long-term stability. Larger supply chains, improved distribution networks, and broader corporate support can actually enhance operations once integration is complete.
The Growing Demand for Home Healthcare
The home medical equipment industry continues to expand. An aging population, rising rates of chronic respiratory conditions, and increased preference for home-based care have all driven demand. Hospitals increasingly discharge patients earlier with home oxygen or therapy equipment. Insurance companies support home treatment because it often reduces overall healthcare costs. In a growing market like this, providers adapt and restructure to stay competitive and efficient.
How to Protect Yourself as a Patient
If you feel uneasy, there are practical steps you can take. Call customer support and confirm your next scheduled delivery. Keep copies of your prescriptions and medical records. Speak with your physician about backup supplier options covered by your insurance. Contact your insurance company to review alternative in-network providers, if necessary. Most importantly, don’t rely solely on online rumors. Direct communication is always more reliable.
Financial Stability and Industry Reality
Corporate restructuring often happens quietly in the background. Healthcare mergers and acquisitions are common strategies for expanding services and improving operational efficiency. Being acquired does not automatically signal financial distress. In many cases, it represents strategic growth. While no company is immune to market pressures, there is currently no public confirmation indicating a full shutdown of Apria Healthcare nationwide.
FAQs
Is Apria Healthcare shutting down nationwide?
There has been no official nationwide announcement confirming a shutdown. Operations continue under current ownership.
Why did my local Apria office close?
Local branch closures may result from operational consolidation rather than company-wide closure.
Who owns Apria Healthcare now?
Apria Healthcare is owned by Owens & Minor.
Should I change my oxygen or CPAP provider right now?
If your deliveries are consistent and service is stable, there may be no urgent need to switch. If you are experiencing problems, contact your insurance provider to explore options.
What happens if a medical equipment company closes?
Patients are typically transitioned to another approved provider to maintain continuity of care.
Conclusion
Hearing uncertainty around a company that supports your medical needs can feel unsettling. If you or someone you love depends on home oxygen, CPAP therapy, or other medical equipment, it’s completely normal to want clear answers. Based on available information, Apria Healthcare continues to operate, despite restructuring and regional adjustments following its acquisition by Owens & Minor. The healthcare industry evolves constantly, and operational changes do not automatically mean closure. The best approach is simple: stay informed, maintain communication with your provider, and keep backup documentation ready. Your health deserves steady, reliable care—and clear information helps you make confident decisions.
