What To Do with Old CPAP Supplies – Updated Guide

CPAP machines are essential for the people who have respiratory problems.

They help them breathe easier, doing the work of their exhausted muscles so that they may relax.

However, it is not uncommon for people to grow tired of their machines after a while, or to find that they need a new one.

It is important that you know what to do with your old CPAP supplies.

CPAP machines are quite expensive; if you do not know where to turn your old supplies, you may end up spending a lot of money on something that is no longer working for you.

That said, throwing it out in the trash is not a good idea either, as there are a few ways to give it a new lease on life.

We’re going to cover some of those ways here.

What to do with old CPAP Supplies

CPAP machines are an invaluable tool, but not all CPAP supplies are capable of living on forever.

Often, people find that they need to replace their CPAP supplies after a while; sometimes it’s because the machines break down and other times it’s because the person is just tired of using them.

It could also be because you finished therapy and no longer need it.

Whatever the reason, there are a few things you can do to keep your old CPAP supplies out of the trash.

Donate the CPAP Machine

If your CPAP machine no longer serves you or you no longer require it, it is important to give it a new home. You can donate the device to someone who is in need of it through any local hospital or clinic.

You can also have the machine delivered to an organization like American Sleep Association if you choose to do so.

Giving your old CPAP equipment away can be a good way of making sure that other people benefit from this valuable therapy and every piece of CPAP equipment counts when someone needs it.

A lot of people struggle with sleep apnea (narcolepsy), which is a condition in which a person has problems with the slowing of his or her breathing while sleeping.

While CPAP machines are an essential therapy for people with sleep apnea, not everyone can afford to purchase a CPAP machine.

Some don’t even have proper medical insurance, which would be needed to have it purchased.

And with a shortage of CPAP machines in many regions, more and more people are asking for help with purchasing them.

Some organizations are trying to help depressed people who use CPAP machines by donating them to those in need.

You can even find insurance companies that provide free CPAP machines for their policyholders.

If you are interested in donating your old machine, be sure to contact the organization first and check the guidelines they have regarding donations.

If it’s OK with them, you can hand deliver the machine or have it delivered through a third party trucking company.

In most cases, the machine is refurbished and sold for a lower price than the original CPAP machine.

This is especially helpful to people who can’t afford to pay for it out of pocket.

Also, the machine should have been in use gently for no more than 4 years.

Anything longer than that can render the machine ineffective and unsafe for use.

If you are looking for a way to help people who are in need of CPAP machines, donating it is an excellent way to make sure that they get an affordable product.

People who receive the machine from your donations can thank you for helping them breathe easier at night and live healthier lives.

Sell the CPAP Machine

If you’re looking to part with your CPAP machine, it’s important to know what you will be getting for your money.

Unfortunately, the market for used CPAP machines is still quite saturated, which makes it difficult for certain people to sell their devices.

However, there are a few ways you can ensure that you get the most out of your sale.

First of all, it’s important that you make sure the machine is working correctly by checking its levels and functions.

Then, you should consider doing some tests of your own to be safe.

This can include a few simple checks and questions regarding the machine’s capabilities.

You will want to make sure that the machine performs up to its specifications.

Before you put it up for sale, check the legal rules and regulations regarding the sale of used CPAP equipment.

Some states don’t allow the transfer of any medical equipment unless it is approved by a medical authority.

In addition, people can’t buy CPAP supplies without a prescription.

Remember, this is for your safety as well as the safety of the people you are selling to.

To make sure that you are in compliance with these rules, it’s important that you have a clear and accurate description of your machine.

Be sure to include all of its warranty cards, directions and manuals, serial number, etc.

While this information can help potential buyers read the machine’s specifications and test it in person, it can also be useful for those who are considering buying from you without making the trip to your home first.

Since it’s difficult to verify a prescription on your own especially for purchases made over the internet, it’s best to seek the help of an authorized reseller.

The authorized dealer will be able to provide documentation from the manufacturer that your machine is approved for regular use and will be less likely to get into trouble over it.

They can also check prescriptions for you, which can help to ensure the legitimacy of the sale.

The most important part of selling an old CPAP machine is to make sure that you’re following the FDA rules.

The last thing you want is someone else making use of your equipment and potentially harming themselves or someone else.

Recycle

If you can’t find a way to donate your old CPAP equipment to Goodwill or Salvation Army or sell it, the last thing you can do is recycle it.

Unfortunately, a lot of people simply choose to throw their old CPAP machine away in the trash, which is one of the worst things they can do.

Instead, opt to recycle your CPAP supplies and don’t add to the landfill load.

Not only is this better for the environment, but it can also help you to get some extra money.

While you may not get as much as if you were to sell it, at least you’re doing a good deed for the community and keeping harmful items out of the landfills.

In that case, find a recycling center nearby.

Most local areas should have one that accepts medical supplies.

Be sure to find out what days and times you can drop off equipment for free.

Also, recycling centers have different policies on what they can and can’t accept, so it’s best to call ahead in order to find out what types of equipment and supplies will be accepted.

There are also some recycling centers that only take larger items, so it’s a good idea to first check the policies of the center before you bring in any big items.

Once you’ve found a recycling center nearby, make sure you identify your old CPAP machine by taking some photos and also locating the label that was once attached to the machine.

You will then be able to show these details when drop off your equipment.

Having this information will help ensure that it is properly recycled.

In some instances, they charge a small fee for recycling and depending on the equipment, it can be anywhere from $.10 to $2.00 per pound of CPAP supplies.

While you may not get anything out of recycling, you can feel confident that your CPAP supplies are being recycled responsibly and not endangering anyone in the process.

Fix it

If you just can’t seem to get rid of your old CPAP machine, it’s possible that you may be able to fix it up or refurbish it.

You see, if your CPAP supplies have been properly maintained and don’t pose any health risks for people in the community, there are many people who would like to have the handyman services of a pro.

However, most people simply don’t know how to fix these machines up so it takes someone who knows what they are doing to do the work.

For example, the majority of a CPAP machine is made up of plastic parts.

These parts can be easily replaced and repaired by people who repair and maintain appliances and electronics.

With experience in this field, you can take on some larger projects that may have been out of your reach before.

You will be able to fix your machine up or sell it on and recoup what you’ve already invested in repairs.

Keep it

Lastly, if you’re still not sure what to do with your old CPAP machine and don’t want to follow any of the suggestions above or have simply decided that you no longer need it, there’s always one option left – keep it.

While this may seem like an odd choice at first, there are actually good reasons to keep your CPAP machine even when you don’t need it.

For example, some people choose to keep their machines as reminders of how far they’ve come in their condition or treatment.

Others keep the machine to use in case they need it in the future.

Final Thoughts

It’s up to you and your preferences on what you’d like to do with your old CPAP machine.

No matter what you choose, make sure that you get rid of it properly and don’t add it to the pile of trash that we call landfills these days.

Keep it, fix it, recycle it, or just donate it; the choice is completely up to you.

If you want to sell your old CPAP machine, follow the tips above and you’ll have no trouble getting the best price possible.

Who knows maybe you’ll even be able to make a little extra money while doing so?

Lastly, don’t forget CPAP supplies are actually medical devices and should only be used by those that are under a doctor’s care.

This means that if you do have any leftover supplies, you should always consult with a medical professional before making use of them.

FAQs

What is the average lifespan of a CPAP machine?

About 5 years and then it will be time to replace it.

How much is a CPAP worth?

The average CPAP is usually priced around $1,000.

CPAP machines are used for continuous positive airway pressure.

When the machine is turned on, it closes the airways and allows enough air to go into the lungs.

CPAP machines are used to help people suffering from obstructive sleep apnea, or a condition in which the patient’s breathing passages do not close completely during sleep.

Does sleep apnea ever go away?

Sleep apnea is mostly a chronic condition that might not ever go away.

However, treating the condition properly can significantly reduce the severity of the symptoms.