Where Can I Legally Sell A Used CPAP Machine? (On eBay?)

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I don’t have sleep apnea. In fact, despite telling my wife that I should probably have a sleep study done, I’ve never even seen a doctor about my sleep issues.

Now, for someone without sleep apnea or a related prescription, I own a highly unusual number of used CPAP machines. As a reseller, I typically pick them up whenever I see them for sale at garage sales or thrift stores. In addition, I get texts or messages from people who don’t know where to sell a used CPAP machine and want to know if I’ll sell it on eBay.

Long story short, I will keep buying them even though I can’t sell them on eBay. So, can anyone sell a used CPAP machine on eBay? Because everyone I talk to seems to have different answers and most people who are asking know someone who has gotten away with selling their used one online. However, just because someone has done it, doesn’t mean it’s okay.

You cannot sell a CPAP machine on eBay unless you have FDA approval to do so. eBay forbids the sale of any medical device (or accessories) that require a prescription. In general, if you can’t buy it over-the-counter at your local store, you can’t sell it on eBay.

There are usually some CPAP machines for sale on eBay but it’s typically because eBay hasn’t caught them yet. eBay uses AI software to scan listings for categories and keywords and then automatically removes the offending listings. If you don’t play by eBay’s rules, they will typically restrict your selling privileges or remove your account completely.

Is It Illegal To Sell A Used CPAP Machine Anywhere?

Well hold up now, no one said you can’t sell it. All we’ve done so far is decide that there’s no money to be made selling a CPAP machine on eBay. So now the question is, is your second-hand machine worth jumping through the necessary hoops to turn it into money? Because it’s definitely possible!

CPAP machines are prescription devices and are therefore illegal to resell without a license. You can, however, sell a used CPAP machine to a licensed third party that will refurbish and sell the machine to an individual.

Which leaves the door wide open for you to pick and choose from the laundry list of companies that are willing to buy from you!

Best Places To Sell A Used CPAP Machine

CPAP machines can be extremely expensive, even with insurance. Because of this, a small industry has sprung up around buying and refurbishing used units for resale.

There are several reputable and licensed companies that will give you a quote for your used machine and if the quoted amount works for you, buy it from you outright.

So how much is your used CPAP machine worth? It’s impossible to know really. Its value is dictated by its model, age, hours used, etc. Getting a quote is the fastest way to figure out exactly what you can get out of it. However, as a data point, I have received around a hundred dollars for many of the used units I’ve sent in. You may do better than that.

So, if you want to get the ball rolling, the first step is to get a quote from a reputable used CPAP machine buyer. We recommend either CPAPLiquidators or SecondWindCPAP as both have excellent reputations and pay fair prices.

The Problem With Selling A CPAP On Platforms Like eBay

eBay’s restrictions on medical devices are not limited to simply CPAP and BiPAP machines. In order to avoid any sort of liability, they cast their net as wide as they can. Because of this, I have had several listings removed for being against their Prescription Devices Policy even though they weren’t.

Some of the most common items that you are not allowed to sell on eBay include:

• CPAP and BIPAP Machines (either new or used)
• EMS or TENS Machines
• Oxygen Concentrators or Nebulizers
• Anything that can be implanted (pacemakers, grafts, infusion pumps, etc.)
• Expired medical items

So if eBay removed a listing that you’re sure was allowed, be sure to call them. Having items removed puts a strike against your account. Too many and you’ll end up banned from the site.

Now, there are some gray areas of things you can sell that you might not expect. Most braces and rehab items that are typically sold by/through a doctor or hospital can actually be bought and sold on eBay. Just be sure to do your research before listing and get a feel for what eBay is enforcing.

Can I sell CPAP Accessories On eBay?

In general, no. A CPAP mask is also considered a prescription device by the FDA. As such, you cannot sell it without a license. You might be able to get away with selling a power cord or maybe some tubing but you’re probably better off not trying to sell any of the accessories you have.

3 Things To Figure Out Before Trying To Sell Your CPAP or Bipap Machine:

If order to give you the most accurate offer possible on your used CPAP machine, you’ll need to provide some information to the buyer. While it may vary slightly based on where you’re trying to sell, in general, they will want the following information:

1. Manufacturer and the model name/number.

Knowing who made the unit and when is the main deciding factor for value. You can typically find this information on the top or back of the machine.

2. Hours used.

If you are unsure of how many hours the machine has been in use, you can describe how long it has been since you got it (for example, “It has been used for 3 months.”) If you’re a reseller, you obviously won’t be privy to this information so simply do your best to accurately describe the condition of the machine.

3. Accessories Included.

Do you have a mask to include? A case or travel bag? Maybe even unopened accessories? They’ll want to know about it and, if you want more money, you’ll want to tell them.

All in all, it’s a fairly painless process to get an offer and most companies will email you back within a day or two after you provide the information.

Is It Worth Buying CPAP Machines From Thrift Stores To Flip?

This might be the question that interests us (and you?) the most. This blog is all about finding things to flip and making money on eBay after all! Now, this question is an interesting one because, technically, thrift stores are not allowed to sell CPAP machines. Since they don’t have any special licensing, thrift stores have to abide by the same FDA rules that you and I do.

In fact, you can’t actually donate them to thrift stores either and, if you do, they typically get recycled or (more likely) thrown in the trash. If you want to donate your used CPAP machine, find a local company that takes medical donations or call your hospital and ask what they recommend.

With that being said, however, things slip through the cracks. I regularly see CPAP machines at thrift stores and garage sales for sale and, since the sellers either don’t know what they are or don’t know how to sell them, you can regularly get them for dirt cheap.

If I find any used CPAP machine that seems to be in good condition (I’m no expert) I will buy it. I usually set it on a shelf until I have several machines before getting a quote so that it’s worth it for me to send them in.

You may find it beneficial, especially if you’re selling multiple machines that you don’t know much about, to get an offer from a couple of different places. Just be aware that, since you don’t know their age or much about them, you probably won’t get a great offer.

Can I Buy A Used CPAP Machine On eBay?

Now, is it possible to buy a used CPAP machine without a prescription? Yes. Is it advisable? Probably not. There is a reason that it is illegal to sell certain items (CPAPs for example…) with a prescription. To get properly outfitted for one you’ll need a sleep study and at least one consultation with a doctor. So, while they are often available on local classifieds (and on eBay if you buy them before they get caught) I would highly recommend against it. If you legitimately have sleep apnea, it’s an issue that needs serious attention. If you don’t, you don’t need a machine like this anyway and shouldn’t be messing with them.

Hopefully that was helpful in showing you how and where to sell your used CPAP machine. While you can’t sell used CPAP machines on eBay, there are several other options and you’re far better off turning your machine into a couple of dollars and passing it on to someone that will use it than just letting it sit around. Good luck!