What to Check Before Buying a Used CPAP Online
By Yash, RRT — Licensed Respiratory Therapist & Owner, MyRespCo
Buying a used CPAP online can save you hundreds of dollars. It can also be a waste of money — or worse, a health risk — if you don't know what to check. This guide gives you the exact checklist a Licensed Respiratory Therapist uses when evaluating a used CPAP before recommending it to a patient.
The Non-Negotiable Checklist
1. Verify the Seller is a Licensed DME Provider
This is the single most important check. A licensed Durable Medical Equipment supplier is registered with the state, holds an active business license, and is accountable to regulatory standards. An individual selling a used CPAP on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist has none of these obligations. Always verify business licensing before buying any medical equipment.
2. Confirm All Patient-Contact Parts Are New
Patient-contact parts include: tubing, filters, water chamber/humidifier tub, and mask components. These parts carry contamination risk if not replaced. A legitimate refurbished CPAP supplier will always replace these parts and document that replacement. Ask for it in writing.
3. Ask About Data Wipe Confirmation
Modern CPAP machines store detailed therapy data from every prior user. This data includes usage patterns, AHI, and pressure history. A proper refurbishment includes a full data wipe and factory reset. If the seller can't confirm this was done, walk away.
4. Request Motor Hours or Usage History
Most CPAP machines store cumulative motor run hours. For AutoSet machines, a clinical professional can read this from the SD card data. A machine with 3,000+ hours may have significant motor wear. Ask for this disclosure before purchasing.
5. Get the Warranty in Writing
Any legitimate refurbished CPAP should come with a written warranty of at least 6–12 months covering mechanical defects. If there is no warranty, the seller does not stand behind the product. MyRespCo provides a 1-year warranty on every refurbished CPAP and BiPAP.
6. Confirm the Machine Model Has SD Card / Data Capability
If you are a CDL driver or need your CPAP data for compliance reporting, confirm the machine has an SD card slot or cellular data capability (ResMed AirSense 10 has both). Without this, you cannot generate a compliance report for your DOT Medical Examiner.
7. Verify Return Policy
A confident seller offers a clear return window. If the return policy is absent or vague, the seller is not confident in what they're selling. MyRespCo offers a transparent return policy on all refurbished equipment.
Platforms to Avoid for Used CPAP Purchases
- Facebook Marketplace — No verification, no warranty, no data wipe guarantee
- Craigslist — Same risks, zero accountability
- General eBay listings from individuals — High variability; no clinical standard
Where to Buy Safely
Buy from licensed DME suppliers with a documented clinical refurbishment process, active business credentials, and a licensed respiratory therapist or physician involved in the process.
→ Read the Complete Refurbished CPAP Buyer's Guide
→ Shop MyRespCo RRT-Certified Refurbished CPAPs
→ Is a Refurbished CPAP Machine Safe to Buy?