In the current economic climate, everyone is trying all in their power to lower their cost of living. If you are one of the 20 million individuals who suffer from sleep apnea and are looking to purchase a new CPAP machine, you may experience some sticker shock when you conduct the research necessary to make your purchase.
It may be tempting to hunt for a used CPAP machine, but keep in mind that the expense may not just be on your budget but also on your health!
In the next post, we will discuss whether or not it is safe to buy used cpap machine and how to locate a safe option, if it is possible in any way. Learn more about the lifespan of cpap machines.
Is it Possible to Purchase a Used CPAP Machine?
Because of the hefty cost of brand-new CPAP machines, you may be curious about whether or not there are any other options available. It is feasible to acquire a used CPAP machine. Nevertheless, it is important to remember that a CPAP machine is a piece of medical equipment essential to your health and well-being.
You may discover used CPAP equipment for several hundred dollars less than the retail price by searching online marketplaces such as eBay and Craigslist or simply by going to a garage sale in your neighbourhood. This may seem like the perfect answer for someone who is seeking to save some money, but take into consideration the following things that you will NOT be receiving:
- A CPAP or BiPAP machine has a lifespan of around five years, and most suppliers do not indicate the number of hours of usage.
- A used CPAP machine will not come with a guarantee, so you will be responsible for the cost yourself if it fails.
- The air pressure on a used CPAP may not match the pressure settings on the screen, which means there is no guarantee that you are receiving the appropriate level of CPAP therapy.
- A certified clinician or respiratory therapist will not adjust the pressure settings.
- A used CPAP and CPAP supplies are in a stranger’s hands (and mouth).
The Dangers of Getting a Used CPAP Machine
When choosing to buy a second-hand CPAP machine, many people are unaware that doing so poses a potential threat to their health and safety. Used CPAP devices have been tainted by the bacteria and viruses of their previous owners. Even if you followed all of the necessary steps and cleaned the equipment to the best of your ability, there is still a significant possibility that the machine was previously owned by someone who introduced germs or other environmental pollutants into the space.
Warm and damp environments, such as those created by CPAP machines, are ideal for yeast, mould, bacteria, viruses, and mildew growth. It is also possible for little insects that are a nuisance in the home to deposit eggs in the crevices of the machine.
Make sure that sanitation is a top priority
Because of the stringent sanitization of equipment that takes place in an atmosphere that is carefully regulated and supervised for patient safety, hospitals and providers of medical devices can reuse machinery. This is done to ensure that patients remain safe. At home, it is quite difficult to produce an atmosphere as sterile as the one described.
Even if you are the only person who has used the machine and know that you are the only one who has used it, it is crucial to maintain a regular cleaning and replacement programme after purchasing a new unit.
The failure to adhere to a cleaning schedule presents a number of risks, including the following:
- Brochitis
- Parasites
- Bacterial and viral infections of the respiratory tract
- Skin conditions, such as infections and rashes;
- Pneumonia
To avoid these complications, you must clean your CPAP equipment regularly with warm, soapy water, and the water chamber of your humidifier has to be emptied every night. You should change your full-face mask or nasal mask cushion once every two to four weeks, your nasal pillows once every two weeks, and your headgear once every six months.
However, even if a cleaning and replacement programme is followed to the letter, purchasing a secondhand CPAP machine is not wise under any circumstance.
Even if the person who used the CPAP machine before you had the most stringent of cleaning routines, regularly vacuumed and dusted their home, and had no pets, there is a possibility that the person still used alcohol, and perfumed soaps, bleach, or other irritants to clean their machine. This could cause problems for you if you are sensitive to any of these substances. These irritants have a high potential to make you ill.
Is It Acceptable to Market a Second-Hand CPAP Machine?
Because the FDA mandates that consumers have a prescription to purchase a CPAP machine or CPAP mask, it is against the law to sell a used CPAP to anybody who is not an authorised reseller.
A trustworthy reseller may be advantageous for both buyers and sellers in a transaction. If you have a CPAP machine that is no longer in use and want to get rid of it, selling it to a reseller is one way to dispose of it to help keep it out of landfills.
If you are seeking a safe compromise that is also more cost-effective than purchasing a brand-new CPAP machine, a reconditioned CPAP may be the answer you have been searching for.
Comparing Used CPAP Machines to Refurbished Ones
Even though a brand-new CPAP machine is always the best option if you can afford it, we all need to face the fact that our budgets are what they are. At the end of the day, a reconditioned continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine is, at the very least, a safer and better option than a used CPAP.
Look for a reseller that confirms your prescription to increase the likelihood that they will adhere to authorised requirements for testing and sanitation. This can help you identify a trustworthy reseller.
Most refurbished CPAP machines have been put through a series of tests and cleaned, disinfected, and examined for any signs of damage. Each one displays the usage hours prominently up front, allowing you to shop with complete peace of mind, knowing that your CPAP device is both secure and efficient.
Don’t allow your sleep issue, or a used CPAP, to keep you up at night!