What to do with backup / retired equipment

[trjeep]

Hello to all.
I've been on CPAP for around 6 years now. When I first started treatment, I was traveling quite a bit for work. I wish I had had all your help and support then, because even after getting settled with treatment, I find new ideas everytime I log into the forum. As you all know, different equipment and techniques can make or break your treatment success. Does anyone know any methods for recycling machines and equipment? I'm not thinking of masks or hoses etc, but humidifiers and machines. I understand the liabilities and laws regulating the sale of these items, but there has to be a way to share slightly used machines as we search for our perfect fit.

My thanks to all of you who regularly provide the information and support we all read here.

[Guest]

As prescribed items - trading them or even giving them away is questionable. DMEs usually keep a stock pile of "Indigent Machines" for patients who need treatment but can not pay. They will most likely accept them.

[chrisp]

Yea right . They will accept them. Then rent them out or sell them on yahoo auctions right next to the clinitian instructions that they stole from the box.

There is a group that will give them to the needy. The name escapes me at the moment.

Anyone got the answer to this. Dave , Wader, RG.

Cheers,

Chrisp

[Janelle]

It's AWAKE America. They have their own website and will accept machines, masks, anything for the underinsured or the uninsured. I have a friend bringing down several of her old masks, machines, etc. so I can try some and the rest I will send to Awake America.

I think this is a great idea, and hope everyone will consider donating their used or non-used items to them.

[wading thru the muck!]

Here is a link to the xPAP donation program.

http://www.awakeinamerica.org/DonateRelief/

This organization is called Awake in America.