Auction: haven't any of those masks been used?

[Claire]

Hi, I've been surfing around the CPAP auction, particularly look at masks. I was struck by the fact that almost every one lists its condition as "never used."

Does this sound fishy to anyone else? Why would there be so many unused masks around? Are DME's trying to get rid of stuff?

On the other hand, many say that they're in the original packaging...although I don't know how valuable that information is.

Any ideas?

[yardbird]

I bought a Swift II on cpapauction ... I think the small pillows had been out of the packaging but everything else was sealed. I don't use the smalls so I just put them away. They don't LOOK used but how "used" would they look if someone had tried them out for a few hours?

Lots of people buy masks only to find out they got the wrong size or it doesn't feel right or whatever. So.... unused doesn't surprise me. BARELY used doesn't bother me either,

This stuff is so easily cleaned it's ridiculous. If it's sealed, it's sealed. If it's opened but looks clean.... CLEAN IT!

cpapauction is a good way to try a mask you are pretty sure you want without spending full price. Go ahead.... you KNOW you want to.

[Darntired]

I'll give you a hint as to why there are so many new masks listed on the auction(s) as never used.

These masks were originally sold to the fortunate few individuals who has 100% insurance coverage and their DME automatically send them a monthly package of supplies. Its very profitable for the DME to have a guarnteed monthly sale.

After several months, the stuff piles up in the corner and then eventually is listed on the auction. That is also the reason why masks sell for less than Cpap.com prices. For the rest of us who does not have insurance, its called bargain hunting!

Other cases, the masks being sold were salesmen samples and promotion masks.

Stay loose and sleep tight!!!