Buying a used machine from someone you don't know

[lynninnj]

Has anyone done this?

I discussed privately with a few peeps but wanted to bring it out here so all can benefit.

I see newish machine like mine with 172 hours on it, $800, an hour and a half away. Guy said he couldn't get used to it-very believable of course!

My question is, how does one know? What to look for?

Right now I asked if he has a copy of the bill of sale and that would probably be enough for me to know he owns it outright and insurance company isn't still renting it to him. Dude is messaging me right now so I am wondering.

And if one were to go and make a purchase, I would guess finding a place to plug it in and attach hoses etc would be ideal. I really don't know what to look for.

Then if I buy it and get it home, what is the best way to disinfect it?

[lynninnj]

How important is a backup if I have a brand new machine already?

I am only 7 weeks into this and my machine has a 2 yr warranty I think. Not that I own it at this point.

Any thoughts are appreciated.

[Dog Slobber]

I've bought and sold a few machines, here is what I like to do:

• ask seller:
  • Why they're selling it
  • Run hours, not usage hours. (Many sellers don't know difference)
  • Verify model, many sellers simply don't know there are AutoSet's, Elite's, CPAP, or model numbers for respironincs.
  • Smoking/non-smoking home
  • Pet/Pet Free home (this may not be as important to some)
  • Can I test it?
• Look for redflags in responses....
• I prefer to go to their house, so I can see their environment. This of course may be a safety concern to some.
• Test machine:
  • go into clinical mode
  • verify run hours
  • Smell machine both running and non-running
  • Attach my hose and mask (p10)
  • Listen closely for noise while run testing, especially during breathing in and out
  • I am not overly concerned about sanitizing. Machines that are being sold, typically have not been used for weeks/months and I doubt there are any surviving pathogens. But this is also dependant on a casual look around their living environment and your comfort. And why I like to go to their place. I didn't buy any during the COVID period.
  • If you are concerned about pathogens and don't want to try it. Tale the mask off, turn the machine on, and place your hand over the end of the hose and open/close the opening to let different amounts of air through, while listening to the motor.

[lynninnj]

I've bought and sold a few machines, here is what I like to do:

• ask seller:
  • Why they're selling it
  • Run hours, not usage hours. (Many sellers don't know difference)
  • Verify model, many sellers simply don't know there are AutoSet's, Elite's, CPAP, or model numbers for respironincs.
  • Smoking/non-smoking home
  • Pet/Pet Free home (this may not be as important to some)
  • Can I test it?
• Look for redflags in responses....
• I prefer to go to their house, so I can see their environment. This of course may be a safety concern to some.
• Test machine:
  • go into clinical mode
  • verify run hours
  • Smell machine both running and non-running
  • Attach my hose and mask (p10)
  • Listen closely for noise while run testing, especially during breathing in and out
  • I am not overly concerned about sanitizing. Machines that are being sold, typically have not been used for weeks/months and I doubt there are any surviving pathogens. But this is also dependant on a casual look around their living environment and your comfort. And why I like to go to their place. I didn't buy any during the COVID period.
  • If you are concerned about pathogens and don't want to try it. Tale the mask off, turn the machine on, and place your hand over the end of the hose and open/close the opening to let different amounts of air through, while listening to the motor.

This is all excellent advice thank you!

[Jlfinkels]

Depending on how quickly you need it, keep an eye on the forum. LSAT frequently finds diamonds in the rough and sells them for a very fair price.

[lynninnj]

Depending on how quickly you need it, keep an eye on the forum. LSAT frequently finds diamonds in the rough and sells them for a very fair price.

He did indeed find me a diamond since I posted this.

Hopefully this helps someone else too.

[babydinosnoreless]

Lsat is wonderful. I got my backup machine from him and will likely buy from him again.

[lynninnj]

Lsat is wonderful. I got my backup machine from him and will likely buy from him again.

Yup that’s the way I plan to go now.

Kinda exciting.

thanks

[AndyB]

Ditto on the kudos for LSAT. I bought a very slightly used ResMed VAuto from him several years ago. I live only a few miles from him so I had a pleasant and easy face-to-face transaction. He was straightforward and fair. I hope he's still doing this in a few years when I'll be ready for another machine.