Are you in need of a low-cost or free CPAP machine?

I was in need of a low-cost or free CPAP recently and had no idea where to turn for help. CONSIDER GETTING A USED CPAP. THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH A USED MACHINE. FOR LESS THAN $50, ANY HEALTHCARE EQUIPMENT STORE WILL CHECK OUT YOUR MACHINE AND CAN SET IT TO YOUR CORRECT PRESSURE. I GOT ONLINE AND FOUND A COMPANY (WWW.CPAP.COM) THAT EMAILED ME THE OWNERS MANUAL(FREE) FOR MY USED MACHINE AND IT TOLD ME HOW TO SET THE PRESSURE AND I DID IT MYSELF FOR FREE. I PUSHED 3 BUTTONS AND IT TOOK A WHOLE 10 SECONDS! (THE WEBSITE SAID THAT THE TECHNICIAN WOULD TALK YOU THRU IT IF YOU NEEDED THEM TO) I'm posting this to help others who are in need of a CPAP so they know what some of the resources are. I asked on the main message board of this website, thinking there would be some helpful advice from others. What I got was tons of replies from people who didnt understand what I was asking or those gave me lots of unwanted medical advice (some bordering on scare tactics!) All I asked for was : a used CPAP machine from someone who no longer needs it or advice on how or where to obtain a machine for cheap or free. Finally, I received a few emails from people who offered their machines to me. They were too afraid to even post on the main message board because of how badly people were 'flaming' me. Anywho..it worked out. But not before I found some valuable resources. I would suggest that you invest in a new mask and hose, because those items cannot be successfully steralized for reuse. These items can be a bit pricey...from a healthcare store, you might pay upward of $150 depending on style just for the mask. Ebay or cpapauction are both good places to look for the best deals on those. You might get one for less than $20! I contacted a friend of mine who works in the healthcare field and they got me a new mask that was a sample from a healthcare store for free. CPAP RESOURCES: #1 Check out this board for free or cheap CPAPs (there's one on here for sale now). #2 www.cpapauction.com #3 run a "want" ad in local newspapers or classified papers #4 short term rental or purchase on payments from a healthcare supply store #5 go to a surgery support group and make a request there. #6 www.ebay.com does not sell cpaps, but does sell needed accessories #7 healthcare supply stores often sell used or refurbished machines 75% or more off of the huge $1200 price tag. I found one for $300 locally... THIS ONE WILL GET YOU SOME CRITICISM BUTTT... #8 Post on main message board that you are in need of a free or cheap CPAP. I warn you: You will get lots of people telling you that its dangerous and that you just need to go buy a new one and be done with it. I had a woman (an EMT) give me all kinds of unsolicited medical advice...some true, but some just a bunch of scare tactic crap! I told her that I took my medical advice from my MD, not an EMT! Well, the fact of the matter is: not all of us have money lined pockets or great healthcare insurance and must go this route. It is perfectly safe and legal! One lady told me I could sue the person who gave me the machine if it malfunctions and i'm injured...bullcrap! One person said the cpap is a machine only given by prescription and it was analagious to buying prescription drugs from somebody! CRAP! The truth is you cant set up shop to sell CPAP's, but to 'gift' it to someone is perfectly legal and if someone is concerned about legal issues, then exchange the machine annonymously thru the mail!!!!! I hope this helps someone...I wish I would have known where to turn a month ago when I started looking for one... OH AND BY THE WAY... >>>I AM NOT ADVISING ANYONE TO GO OUT BUY A CPAP BEFORE HAVING THE PROPER SLEEP STUDIES DONE AND ACTUALLY BEING DIAGNOSED WITH SLEEP APNEA.>AS SLEEP APNEA IS A VERY SERIOUS DISORDER DEALING WITH YOUR LUNGS, YOU CAN DAMAGE YOU LUNGS IRREPAIRABLY OR EVEN DIE IF YOU USE A CPAP INCORRECTLY.

That's craps on buying a used Cpap system. You take it and get it get it adjusted to what your needs are. Mine was Auto. Meaning if my breathing went down the machine adjusted it's self, breathing went up it again took care of the breathing for me. I paid $800.00 for mine back in 2004 and was thinking of trying to get $200.00 for it but I see you can get them much cheaper. I have a warmer that attaches on the bottom and gave me mist at night. Hugs Donna