I just got a new CPAP machine today (hooray!), and I was wondering...what do you do with the old machine?  My provider told me I should keep it as a backup, and I was wondering if this is the right thing to do, or should I donate it (are there any places that even take old machines?)?

The old machine works fine, but I got a new insurance, and was getting new everything anyway, so I got a newer machine.  But AFAIK, there is nothing wrong with my old machine.


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"You may only be one person to the world, but you may also be the world to one person."

I don't know if there is a place to donate it to, but there are plenty of people out there who either have no insurance or, like me, whose insurance company won't pay for anything related to sleep disorders.  On my last visit to my GP to get all my prescriptions refilled, I mentioned my sleep problems and he recommended me to a sleep specialist.  My insurance company then disallowed the entire office visit and all my routine bloodwork and I got a bill for $330.00 that I've got to fight with them over.

I would keep one as a backup.  The backup machine is also good for drying you hose and mask after cleaning them.


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Aishel,

Man, I love your avatar.  Asleep in America a wonderful organization whose mission is to provide funding for sleep studies and XPAPs to those who cannot afford them.  Both the donation and application forms are at this site.  I've never used my old XPAPs and my hose dries quickly just hung over the shower curtain rod.  There are people out there who desperately need this equipment and who are really suffering, and we all can relate to that.

Asleep In America

Vicki


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That which does not kill you makes you stronger-Friedrich Nietzsche
Friedrich must of had apnea.

(I like the avatar too )

Thanks for your input.  I only just got my new CPAP machine yesterday, so I think what I'll do is hang onto it for a little while.  If  there appears to be no problems with my new machine, I may just donate the machine, but keep the extra hoses and stuff.


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"You may only be one person to the world, but you may also be the world to one person."

Aishel,

That's a good idea.  I always save masks, hoses and parts.  You can't donate masks and hoses anyway because of the health issue.

Vicki


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That which does not kill you makes you stronger-Friedrich Nietzsche
Friedrich must of had apnea.

I can understand the concern about the health issues associated with hoses and masks.  This makes me wonder about my sleep study for the titration.  I know they didn't pull a new hose and mask new out of a bag.  In fact I saw the tech washing this stuff with plain soap and water.

This begs the natural question:  Why is it ok for a mask and hose is used be a number of people at the sleep clinic when a DME will often force you to buy anything you just try on?  I would think any issues associated with health risks would be magnified in the clinical setting.

$$$$$$$$ is the answer, $$$$$$$ is also the answer for buying mask over the internet.  To bad no one care about your health.  The bottom line is the money and not your health no matter what comes out of their mouth.


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For another option to dispose of used XPAP try....

http://www.talkaboutsleep.com/message-boards/viewtopic.php?t=12573