Can You Donate a CPAP Machine?

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Table of Contents

What to Do With Old CPAP Machines
How to Donate a CPAP Machine
CPAP Recycling Near You
Additional Resources

Maybe you used CPAP therapy for a while, but switched to a different type of sleep apnea treatment and no longer need your CPAP machine. Or maybe you replaced your CPAP with a new machine and now have an extra one.

Regardless of why you have an old CPAP machine on hand, there are safe and legal ways to get rid of it, including donating it. Below we’ll discuss how to donate or recycle your old CPAP machine, wherever you live.

What to Do With Old CPAP Machines

Donating or recycling your old CPAP machine is likely your best option for getting rid of it. In many locations, throwing a CPAP device in the garbage is illegal. Many municipalities in the U.S. consider CPAP machines electronic waste. Generally, e-waste is not allowed in regular garbage or recycling because it contains parts that are potentially hazardous.

In the U.S., selling a CPAP machine without proper authorization is also illegal. CPAP machines are considered prescription medical devices. That means CPAP machines can only be sold to people who have received a prescription for CPAP from a doctor. Only authorized medical device sellers can sell CPAP machines, which is why you should not sell your CPAP machine directly to another person.

How to Donate a CPAP Machine

If your old CPAP machine is in good working order, you can donate it to an organization that accepts used CPAP devices. These organizations prepare and distribute medical supplies to people who need them but cannot afford them, both locally in the U.S. and around the world. Some organizations accepting gently used CPAP machines include:

Be sure to read the organization’s instructions carefully before sending your CPAP machine away for donation. Some organizations only accept machines that manufacturers are still making parts for. Others require machines to come from a smoke-free household.

Organizations that accept donated CPAP devices are usually willing to provide a charitable donation letter or receipt that you can use for tax deduction purposes. Others may pay you for your device.

Where to Donate CPAP Supplies

Most organizations that accept gently used CPAP machine donations also accept unused, unopened CPAP supplies. These supplies may include new tubing, masks, headgear, water chambers, and CPAP filters. Note that CPAP supplies that have been used or are not in their original packaging cannot be donated.

CPAP Recycling Near You

If the CPAP machine you’re looking to get rid of is broken, very old, or in rough condition, recycling it is a better option than donating it. The best way to recycle an old CPAP is by finding an e-waste recycling facility near you. Your local governmental recycling center may collect CPAP machines in the same way that they collect other electronic equipment, whether through a pick-up or drop-off program.

In most U.S. locations, putting a CPAP device out with the regular garbage or recycling is not a legal option. To find out details about how to recycle a CPAP device where you live, view your municipality’s recycling or waste management website or contact your nearest recycling center.

Additional Resources

Medical Disclaimer: The content on this page should not be taken as medical advice or used as a recommendation for any specific treatment or medication. Always consult your doctor before taking a new medication or changing your current treatment.

Written By

Jay Summer, Staff Writer

Jay Summer is a health content writer and editor. She holds a B.S. in psychology and master's degrees in writing and public policy.

Learn more about our Editorial Team

References
2 Sources

National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI). (2022, March 24). CPAP.
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/cpap
Skiba, V. and McLellan, B. Safe use of donated positive airway pressure devices to increase access to treatment for obstructive sleep apnea: a clinical outreach program. J Clin Sleep Med. 2022, May 1; 18(5): 1455-1457
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35484640/