Posts Tagged ‘used cpap machine’
If you have sleep apnea or for whatever reason are in the market for used CPAP machines, you of course can save some money by purchasing a piece of equipment from a private seller. However, as with anything else that you may buy secondhand, you do want to be careful of a few things before purchasing. If you want to buy a used CPAP machine, here are a few tips.
Remember that when using any breathing machine, you’re going to need to have a professional show you exactly how to adjust the settings. If you’re looking at used CPAP machines this means you’ll probably be purchasing from a private seller who may or may not be able to show you the proper adjustment of this machine. Remember that too much oxygen pressure is not good for your lungs and too little oxygen defeats the purpose of the machine in the first place. While you may assume that you can figure the machine on your own or that the private seller of any used CPAP machines can show you how to use it properly, don’t take this for granted. CPAP machines are pieces of medical equipment like anything else but of course are more complicated than just a pair of crutches or an Ace bandage.
You have to make sure that the used CPAP machine is in perfect working order – you don’t want any leakages because of faulty sealing or such like. If the hoses or any of the sealants are loose or leaking, you’re not getting enough oxygen. Again, this defeats the entire purpose of using the machine in the first place. It’s imperative that used CPAP machines be examined carefully and thoroughly just as you would a used car or any other complicated piece of machinery that you might purchase secondhand.
In theory there’s no harm in purchasing a used CPAP machine. You can save literally hundreds of dollars by purchasing something secondhand and usually those machines last so long that they’ll work well for years. Typically you can find used CPAP machines on eBay and other online sites, or can ask your own doctor for a recommendation. He or she may know of a place that sells items that are used and that can save you some money in the long run; never be afraid to talk to your doctor about this subject.
Many people today are having a hard time with their breathing overall and it seems as if more and more are suffering from sleep apnea. Whether or not this is simply due to better diagnosis and reporting of the disease or because there is more pollution in the air or more cases of obesity, the bottom line is that many people are on the hunt for used CPAP machines. These of course are the machines that fit a breathing apparatus over the nose and face and literally force air into one’s lungs while you sleep. It’s not as painful as it sounds; the air is forced very gently and comfortable. Searching for used CPAP machines can make sense for many as of course they are very expensive to begin with; most run several hundred if not several thousand dollars.
Although you can shop for used CPAP machines on the internet it is not really a good idea as you cannot be entirely sure that they are going to work properly. Some dealers are very reputable and offer a refund or warranty after some time but you should only purchase from a website that has been established for some time and that offers a lot of equipment, not just from a private person. Remember that used CPAP machines may be somewhat delicate and they have many different little parts that all need to be working properly in order for it to function; it’s not like buying a used bicycle where you can easily replace a tire if it has gone flat.
When shopping for used CPAP machines many people also forget that the pressure it is set to is something unique just to you. A doctor should set this pressure for you so you may need to consult with him or her to have it function properly. Setting the pressure of any used CPAP machines incorrectly will mean you’re getting too much air pressure which can damage your lungs, or not enough which defeats the purpose of the machine in the first place.
Sometimes used CPAP machines are about as expensive as new ones; they don’t seem to depreciate in value as time goes on. Many find that they might as well purchase a new one for the price they pay for used. Of course this is up to you and your own discretion; used CPAP machines also work just as good, so consider your budget.