I check the ads occasionally. More before I got a second spare.
A few years back, I bought a spare Resmed S9 Autoset for $200, but I forgot to check for smell, and it had been used by a smoker. I was able to sell it with full disclosure and got my money out of it okay. Later, I got super lucky and found one at a goodwill for $12.99! I saw the bag and opened it. Saw autoset and put it in the cart. Even if it was broken, the parts could be helpful. It workes great, and that is my spare/travel machine. Came in handywhen my mom's machine had a problem. Turned out to be hair clogging the air intake because the filter cover fell off during a trip. I was able to trade out the blower with my mom before I went out of town, then trouble shoot it later. It has since been fixed and the filter cover replaced. Full cost was less than $10, and no emergency since I had a spare machine.
More recently, I was given a Resmed Airsense 10 Autoset that belonged to my boss' husband. He was diagnosed with lung cancer shortly after getting it (last June) and died in early September. She knew I had sleep apnea as well as my mom, so now we both have two machines.
I replaced my humidifier tank with one that comes apart for cleaning, found it new on craigslist. Found a climateline hose in the packaging at goodwill for $4 (in the hardware section).
I was buying replacement cushions on ebay and checking on craigslist. My mom has medicare which requires an appointment and hassle to get supplies. I rarely meet my deductible, so it has been cheaper to just get replacements when I find a deal. I try to stay ahead so that we don't have to pay full price for speed.
Back in November of 2017, I got very lucky. I was on a small email list for cpap and a sleep lab was closing and offered their leftover new masks for the cost of shipping. They had 4 of the quattro fx in the small size. My mom and I both use the same mask. I just have to order smaller headgear or modify the regular. So, I replied. Turned out that he had 10 or 11 masks. For $27 shipping. I only need a couple cushions per year. My mom uses one per year. So, we are set for a few more years
For local craigslist, cash is the only way, but I do meet in person at a place like Starbucks, fast food place, etc (I buy something since I am using their facility). I check the item out. I will buy long distance, but I only use paypal for that, and I try to check what I can, such as a phone number, etc to see if there are any red flags. I am always prepared to walk away if I get a bad vibe. They could be flaky, late, changing times, something that just doesn't seem right or feels scammy.
As a seller, I have also sold many items, and I try to let people try something out. For something really expensive, I met at my work place. I knew I was safe with coworokers around as well as cameras. The buyer knew it was a public, yet discreet place. And they knew where I worked if there was a problem with the item. I also did video of an expensive mixer working since that was an item that had to be transferred car to car without a way to test it.
If I were buying a cpap machine long distance, I would ask for photos and/or video to at least show the machine, screens with info, etc.
