Perhaps you’re eyeing the latest CPAP model on the market and planning to upgrade. Or maybe you already have several machines on hand: one as your main device, another as a spare, and a third as your travel companion–with the old faithful simply taking up space.
You no longer need your old CPAP device, and you’re looking into getting rid of it. While chucking it into the trash bin seems like the easiest option, there are better, more eco-friendly ways to dispose of used sleep apnea machines.
Read on and check out our tips on what to do with old CPAP machines.
Donate Your Used CPAP Machine
What better way to honor your old reliable sleep companion than to gift it to someone who needs it most?
About 40 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea, and the harsh reality is not all of them can afford CPAP equipment. By donating yours, you’ll help others with the same condition sleep soundly–all while giving new purpose to your old device.
Here’s where to donate used CPAP machines and how to prepare yours before parting ways with it:
Where
To ensure your donation is made legally and safely, it’s best to donate used CPAP machines to registered institutions. Keep in mind that not all non-profit organizations accept donations of used sleep apnea machines. Some that do include:
- American Sleep Apnea Association
- Breathe California
- Reggie White Foundation
- Advocates for World Health
Another easy way to donate used CPAP machines is to reach out to local hospitals or respiratory therapy departments. They might have DME loan programs, which typically accept used CPAP machines. They might also know patients who need CPAP machines but can’t afford one.
How
Before handing your trusty sleep sidekick over to someone in need, make it a point to do the following:
Sanitize your equipment. For health reasons, make sure to clean and disinfect your CPAP properly before giving it away.
Consider including spare accessories. Have extra masks, tubing, or other CPAP supplies? Consider donating them, along with your device.
Follow the organization’s guidelines. Check with the organization for specific guidelines or requirements for donating used sleep apnea machines. Breathe California, for instance, only accepts machines from pet-free, smoke-free homes.
Sell Your Used CPAP Machine
Earning a few extra bucks from your old CPAP sure sounds appealing. After all, it doesn’t hurt to have more pocket money when upgrading to a new model. Plus, you’ll give others an opportunity to enjoy restful nights without them having to cover the entire cost of a brand-new machine.
But can you sell a CPAP machine if it’s used? The short answer is: yes, but with certain legal limitations.
Where
For a safe and legal transaction, you can reach out to authorized resellers of used CPAP devices. This is, by far, the most secure way to gain cash from your old equipment.
While these stores will deduct a commission from the cost of your machine, they’ll do most of the legwork to check the prescriptions of prospective buyers.
Some examples of companies that buy used CPAP machines are:
You might be wondering, “Where can I sell my CPAP machine locally?” Some people might suggest selling your old CPAP on eBay, as long as you have the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) approval. But currently, eBay’s policy states that CPAP, oxygen concentrators, and other medical devices requiring a prescription aren’t allowed on the platform.
Others might recommend listing your used CPAP on Facebook, Craigslist, and other online marketplaces. But under federal law, prescription devices can only be sold to authorized dealers and licensed practitioners. In other words, it’s illegal to sell your used CPAP equipment to other individuals, even if they have a prescription.
On the flip side, if you want to buy a used CPAP machine, be cautious. When you purchase from an unauthorized source, you’ll likely be exposed to certain risks, such as:
- Health problems: A used machine that isn’t properly cleaned and cared for may carry diseases and pose hygiene issues.
- Issues with the device: Without proper documentation, it’s hard to verify whether the device has been properly maintained or has a history of issues.
- Expired warranty: Used CPAP equipment from unauthorized sellers might not come with a warranty. That means you can’t check whether it’s still within the warranty period, and you might have to shoulder the costs of repairs and replacements.
Without a doubt, buying a used CPAP machine from an authorized reseller can save you the headache of hidden defects, contagious diseases, and expired warranties. Here on RespShop, we offer a variety of refurbished CPAP machines and open-box CPAP supplies. Using disinfecting wipes and compressed air, we thoroughly sanitize each product, making it ready for use.
How
After finding an authorized reseller of used sleep apnea machines, there are still a few things you need to do before putting yours up for sale:
- Check local laws. Your state might have specific laws about the sale of used medical equipment.
- Check the reseller’s policies. Most resellers only accept certain models and machines used for a few thousand hours. Some might have additional requirements for qualified machines.
- Double-check the condition of your device. Make sure your device is in good working condition before shipping it to the reseller. It’s also a good idea to sanitize it to ensure it’s fit for resale.
Used CPAP Machine Trade-In Programs
If you’re planning to ditch your old device for something new, consider trading in your CPAP. It’s the best way to keep your machine up-to-date with the latest technology while responsibly disposing of your old one.
Torn between trading in and selling your machine? Here are the pros and cons of each:
Trade-in
Pros
Trading in your machine is a pretty straightforward process. Simply ship or bring it to the seller, and they’ll be responsible for refurbishing it. Then, you’ll get a store credit, which you can spend on a new machine offered by the same supplier.
Cons
One huge drawback of trade-in programs is that you only have limited options to choose from. You can’t purchase a new device from another CPAP store–your selection is restricted to the seller’s offerings. Plus, some trade-in programs only include one hand-picked device from the store.
Selling
Pros
What makes selling your CPAP better than trading it in is that you have more flexibility in deciding what to do with the money. You can spend it on a brand-new machine sold by any store, use it to rent a CPAP, or save it for a rainy day.
Cons
Like trade-in programs, the resale value of your used CPAP will depend on its condition and market demand. If your CPAP is heavily used, for instance, there’s a chance you’ll earn less than $50 from the sale.
Recycle Your Used CPAP Machine
Is your CPAP machine past its warranty? Is it no longer in working condition or fit to be reused? If you’re sure that your device is beyond repair, your best option is to recycle it.
To ensure it doesn’t end up in a landfill (which can cause serious environmental risks), you have to know where and how to properly recycle CPAP machines.
Where
Like other electronics, you can’t just dump your old CPAP in any recycling bin. You have to find the right recycling center for your machine.
While not all recycling centers accept medical equipment, your community might have electronic waste centers that can recycle CPAP machines, salvaging their parts for reuse. Contact your local waste administration to find the nearest collection site, learn the types of e-waste they accept, and see whether you need to pay certain fees. You can also visit Earth911 and search for recycling centers that accept CPAP machines near you.
How
Before heading over to the recycling center or collection site, prepare your machine for recycling by doing the following:
- Wear gloves if your CPAP machine is broken.
- Remove any batteries if you’re recycling a travel CPAP.
- Tie up the cord and tape it onto the unit to avoid accidental trips.
- Erase all of your personal data from your device.
The Takeaway
Whether you choose to donate, sell, or trade in your CPAP, you’ll be doing someone else a favor by letting them start their therapy for free or at a low upfront cost. But if your machine can no longer be repaired, you’ll already be doing your part for the planet by bringing your device to the right recycling center.
Looking to save money on your next CPAP purchase? RespShop carries a wide selection of refurbished CPAP and BiPAP machines from ResMed, Philips Respironics, and more–and they all come with limited warranties. We also offer open-box CPAP supplies and parts, with virtually the same quality as brand-new ones at a fraction of the cost.
All these products are thoroughly sanitized and far more affordable than brand-new ones. If you need further help on what to do with old CPAP machines or have questions about our refurbished products, feel free to reach out using one of the options below.