Question:
What did the rest of you do with your used CPAP machines ?

   — Kathy S. (posted on March 19, 2004)


March 19, 2004
don't know what to do with mine...any ideas? melinda
   — melindainfla

March 19, 2004
After 2 1/2 years the darn thing is still up in the bedroom closet. I wonder if some free clinics would be able to use them and give them to patients who don't have the finances to pay for them. Thanks for reminding me about the machine. I'll check into some clinics and let you know.
   — Karen Renee

March 19, 2004
I know of a couple of churches that collect durable medical equipment and "lend" it to people in need. You may want to try there. A free clinic is another good alternative. When I had a lot of meds left over, I gave them to my doctor....he always has patients who can't afford things but need them.
   — Linda S.

March 19, 2004
I recently browsed on e-bay and I know that CPAP machines are going for 100.00 and up on Ebay. That is a pretty good amount of money for something that you have just lying around the floor. You can put that money toward a new wardrobe after going down in dress sizes.
   — Rainbowbunch

March 19, 2004
Fortunately mine was on rental as I only got it 1 month before WLS, so it just went back. I had a very expensive BiPAP machine, so it would have taken 10 months to pay for it. It was about $3500. <p>Please be aware that these machines are prescribed equipment and it is illegal to sell something gotten with a prescription. I believe you could donate it to a company that places the machines and they could give it to someone who doesn't have insurance etc. The big thing is that it needs to be calibrated to each person's needs. Too high or too low could be very dangerous. I know people seel them on e-bay but it technically is illegal. Just like selling prescribed drugs.
   — zoedogcbr

March 19, 2004
My husband has to use a C-pap... he has one, but he drives a truck and needs another.... I couldnt find an email address to email you... I would be interested in buying it from you. I couldnt pay a WHOLE lot for it, as we have 3 kids and I stay at home with our kids.... He needs another to use in the truck or home, which ever.... He also knows how to set it. PLease let me know ok.... Thanks!!! [email protected]
   — rebecca J.

March 19, 2004
I was hoping to find someplace that bought them as I sure could use the money to put towards my hospital bills. Never heard of it being illegal..alot of items that are prescription are sold on ebay.
   — Kathy S.

March 19, 2004
It is absolutely illegal to sell a prescription only medical device, as illegal as if you were to sell your leftover vicodan. The legality is not just the only issue, what if you sold it to someone who thought they knew all about it and how to use it and they were damaged in some way. You could be liable for not only Criminal charges but also possibly sued. I think defending your self in a lawsuit would be far more expensive than the $100 or so you might get from selling it. and possibly having to live with knowing your actions caused another person harm.
   — **willow**

March 19, 2004
addendum - the durable medical equipment that is lent out by churches etc would most likely be items such as crutches, walkers, wheelchairs etc, that are ok to use with out a prescription.
   — **willow**

March 20, 2004
Hmmmm, I never thought about it, as mine sits and collects dust. I only used mine for about 6mo. I never would have thought you could be charged with anything for a cpap machine, I guess they should'nt be able to sell them on ebay if it's a crime. I would think you'd be able to sell/give it back to a medical center or some type of social servive program for the needy? Always something to think about :o) Maybe someone could look into it before selling or buying to protect yourselves. Good luck!
   — Sandy M.

March 20, 2004
Even though it is illegal to do so...people do try and sell their cpaps on ebay....it is against ebay's rules and 9 times out of ten, ebay will catch the ad and yank it.
   — jennifer A.

March 20, 2004
Well so much for that LOL...doesnt even make a decent planter..I dont want to be resposible for hurting someone..never thought of that.Thanks everyone.
   — Kathy S.

March 20, 2004
Some support groups have clothing exchanges. They should have c-pap exchanges for pre - op patients who might need them.
   — jennifer S.

March 20, 2004
My community has a nursing group that takes used and donated medical supplies that they rent out (under $2 per month) to patients that cannot afford to buy and have no health coverage. You might want to call your local city hall to see if there is something like that in your area or call the hospitals to see if they know. Good luck and congrats on not needing your CPap anymore.
   — Michelle B.




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