Refurbished CPAP Machines: Save Money on Sleep Apnea Therapy

If you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea and prescribed CPAP or BiPAP therapy, you’ve got a lot of sleep apnea equipment you need to buy. You’ll need the CPAP or BiPAP machine itself as well as a mask, tubing and maybe some comfort accessories to make the therapy experience more enjoyable. These essential medical supplies can put a dent in your wallet, but luckily, you can save money on CPAP supplies with refurbished sleep apnea machines.

In this guide, we’ll define what constitutes a refurbished CPAP machine and examine the differences between refurbished and open box machines. We’ll also look at the pros and cons of refurbished sleep apnea machines as well as how to get a CPAP machine for free. 

But first, let’s start by looking at the two types of sleep apnea machines—CPAPs and BiPAPs.

A Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine is the most widely prescribed treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. The machine pushes air into your airways, preventing any pauses in breathing or decrease in airflow during sleep. The pressurized air from the CPAP splints open the airway to prevent soft tissue and muscles from collapsing and obstructing, either partially or completely, airflow to the lungs. 

There are two types of CPAP devices—auto CPAP machines, otherwise known as APAP machines and manual or fixed pressure CPAPs. While both types of CPAP machines deliver pressurized air to the user when they breathe in and out, their pressure settings are a bit different.

Auto CPAPs are self-regulating CPAP machines that use advanced algorithms to monitor the user’s breathing patterns. They respond in real time to the user’s breathing and increase or decrease pressure as needed to prevent apneas and hypopneas. When setting the pressure on an APAP machine, you set a minimum and a maximum pressure. 

In contrast, manual CPAPs, sometimes referred to simply as CPAP machines, do not respond to the user’s breathing pattern. A manual CPAP delivers air at one pressure setting (e.g. 12 cm H₂O) throughout the entire night. 

BiPAP stands for BiLevel Positive Airway Pressure, and like the name suggests, a BiPAP machine delivers pressure at two settings—a higher one on inhalation and a lower one on exhalation. BiPAPs treat more complicated forms of sleep apnea such as central sleep apnea and mixed sleep apnea, which is a combination of obstructive and central sleep apnea. BiPAPs are also used to treat OSA when a pressure greater than 15 cmH₂O is needed. It’s more comfortable to breathe out on a BiPAP since the machine delivers a lower pressure on exhalation.

BiPAP can be used interchangeably with VPAP (Variable Positive Airway Pressure), which is the brand name given by ResMed to their BiPAP machines. Learn more about the difference between APAP vs CPAP vs BiPAP from Anne, RespShop’s in-house registered sleep technologist or watch our CPAP vs BiPAP video below.

A refurbished CPAP is a gently used CPAP machine that has been tested for functionality and carefully cleaned before being put on the shelves. Unlike a used CPAP machine for sale that you see on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace, refurbished machines are quality-assured by the seller and come with limited warranties. 

Choosing a refurbished device is a great way to save money on CPAP supplies as these machines can be discounted by as much as 75 percent. That’s a couple hundred extra dollars you can use towards a CPAP mask or even an ozone-free CPAP cleaner, to make life easier. Depending on the unit, some refurbished CPAP machines can be in practically brand new condition with only a few hundred hours of usage time so it’s possible to buy a CPAP with all the bells and whistles at a fraction of the price.

At RespShop, we sanitize our refurbished sleep apnea machines with disinfecting wipes and remove dust from all openings with compressed air. We also replace CPAP supplies such as filters, water chambers and CPAP tubing as well as accessories such as CPAP travel bags with new ones.

Our refurbished devices are mainly retired rental machines and display units. Occasionally, we have customers who return their machines after a few weeks of use because they can’t adjust to therapy or simply prefer a different manufacturer. Regardless of the origin, all the refurbished BiPAP and CPAP machines you’ll find at RespShop.com come with a 90-day warranty.

If you’re looking for a bargain on ResMed CPAP machines or searching for an affordable BiPAP machine, we have a wide selection you can choose from. We carry refurbished BiPAP machines from ResMed, Philips, as well as from lesser known brands. While our inventory is subject to availability, we tend to always have a couple refurbished ResMed AirSense 10 CPAP machines in stock. And we have year-end clearance sales on our refurbished sleep apnea machines!

While you can browse the selection without a RespShop account, if you want to view our refurbished ResMed CPAP machines, you’ll need to create an account and sign in. Creating an account has its perks though. You’ll collect RespShop Reward Points each time you shop and you can use reward points to save money on future purchases.

Pros

• A refurbished CPAP machine is an affordable backup machine. 
• A refurbished travel CPAP is a great choice for budget-conscious shoppers who like the convenience of travel CPAP machines but don’t travel frequently enough to justify buying a new unit.
• Buying a refurbished unit gives you peace of mind. Refurbished BiPAP and CPAP devices are tested and sanitized so you won’t end up putting your health at risk. You are also protected from buying a discontinued or recalled pre-owned machine that isn’t safe to use. 
• Unlike a used CPAP machine for sale privately, a refurbished sleep apnea machine comes with a warranty. 
• By giving these gently used CPAP and BiPAP devices a second chance, you’re reducing the amount of electronic waste and helping the environment.  

Cons

• There is a limited selection of machines to choose from. 
• As with buying anything used, there’s a risk of unexpected maintenance costs. We recommend always checking the machine runtime or total blower hours before buying any refurbished CPAP machine. Extremely low-cost units usually have more usage hours so think about upfront savings vs potential maintenance fees before you buy. 
• Although refurbished units are quality checked, they are still used and it is impossible to know exactly how the machine was used. 

If you’d rather not use a medical device that has been “tested” by someone else, open box sleep apnea machines are worth considering. These devices are unused but are discounted due to damaged packaging or minor cosmetic flaws. Like refurbished machines, open box CPAPs and BiPAPs include a limited warranty. 

Aside from getting a free CPAP machine from a family member or friend, many local charities also provide free medical equipment. If you’re wondering how to get a CPAP machine for free, we’ve put together a list of organizations that offer CPAP machines at no cost or for a small nominal fee. All of these organizations also offer low cost or free BiPAP machines although BiPAPs are harder to come by.   

American Sleep Apnea Association: CPAP Assistance Program

The American Sleep Apnea Association’s CPAP Assistance Program was founded in 2010 to help sleep apnea patients with financial difficulties gain access to treatment. For $200 USD, you will receive a CPAP package that includes a gently used CPAP machine with humidifier and water chamber as well as a carrying case. A factory-sealed CPAP mask, hose and filters are also included. 

Machines are cleaned, tested and set to the user’s prescription before they are shipped out. You can apply online or by fax for a CPAP package. Please note that you’ll need to provide a valid prescription. You can find more information on the CPAP Assistance Program page.

Breathe California 

Residents of the Bay Area can request a CPAP machine from a local non-profit, Breathe California, at a low cost. Breathe California’s CPAP and BiPAP machines are donated devices from smoke-free and pet-free households. Masks, tubing and humidifiers are available upon request.

You can request a sleep apnea machine by completing an application online or faxing your current prescription to 408-998-0578. Please visit the Breathe California Request a CPAP Machine page for details.

Reggie White Sleep Disorders Research & Education Foundation 

Co-founded by Sarah White, the wife of football star Reggie White, and the Sleep Wellness Institute following Reggie’s premature death, this non-profit organization provides CPAP and BiPAP machines to those in need. While you can get a free sleep apnea machine and supplies, you’ll need to pay a $25 shipping and handling fee. Proof of financial hardship and a valid prescription is required. 

You can find the application online. Please see the Reggie White Sleep Disorders Foundation’s About Us page for details.

Untreated sleep apnea damages your body because your blood oxygen levels can drop each time you have a breathing event. Over time, this chronic lack of oxygen at night can worsen existing heart conditions, increase blood pressure, and also increase the risk of a stroke. Untreated sleep apnea is also a risk factor for dementia. Despite all this, some sleep apnea patients are forced to go without treatment because the upfront cost of a CPAP machine and the necessary supplies can cost between $1000 and $2000 USD.

Fortunately, you can save money on CPAP supplies by buying refurbished sleep apnea machines, which are tested for quality and come with limited warranties. Although the selection is more limited, refurbished BiPAP and CPAP devices offer great bargains without jeopardizing your health. 

Those looking for even more affordable machines can turn to the American Sleep Apnea Association and the Reggie White Foundation for free or extremely low cost CPAP equipment. You can also check local non-profits for donated CPAP and BiPAP machines.

RespShop has a selection of refurbished CPAP and BiPAP machines as well as open box CPAP masks and mask parts. Our inventory is constantly being updated so make sure to check back regularly for great deals. If you have any questions about our refurbished products, please use any of the three methods below to get in touch. We’re here to help you sleep better…without breaking the bank.