Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy is a standard treatment for obstructive sleep apnea, but many individuals end up with unused or retired equipment. This often happens when a patient upgrades to a newer model, switches treatments, or discontinues therapy. CPAP machines are classified as durable medical equipment (DME), meaning they cannot be disposed of with regular household waste, and federal regulations generally restrict selling them directly to another person. Donating these devices and supplies is a responsible way to ensure the equipment is safely reused, benefiting others who cannot afford the high cost of therapy.
Acceptable Items and Preparation
Donation centers maintain strict standards regarding the condition and type of supplies they accept to ensure patient safety and device functionality. Most organizations readily accept the CPAP machine itself, including the main blower unit and the humidifier tank, provided it is in good working order. Machines are generally preferred if they are newer models, typically less than five years old, and must come from a smoke-free and pet-free environment to minimize allergen exposure.
Many organizations place an age limit on devices because manufacturers eventually stop producing replacement parts, making older machines difficult to refurbish and maintain. It is often a requirement that the machine be “data-capable,” meaning it utilizes a removable SD memory card to store therapy data, a feature needed by clinicians who manage the recipient’s ongoing treatment. Before donating, the main unit should be thoroughly cleaned and wiped down, and the humidifier chamber should be emptied and allowed to dry completely.
Accessories that directly contact the user’s airway, such as masks, headgear, tubing, and air filters, are subject to stringent hygiene protocols. For this reason, nearly all legitimate donation programs only accept these accessories if they are brand new, factory-sealed, and remain in their original, unopened packaging. Any items that have been used, even once, or removed from their sterile wrapping, must be discarded or recycled through an e-waste program rather than donated.
National and Local Donation Pathways
The most common recipients of CPAP equipment are large, national non-profit organizations focused on respiratory health and international aid. These charities have established logistics for collecting, testing, cleaning, and distributing the devices to patients in need, both domestically and abroad. Groups like the Wellness, Sleep, and Circadian Network (WSCN), formerly the American Sleep Apnea Association, specifically manage programs that help match donated devices with patients who lack insurance coverage or the financial means to purchase a new machine.
Other organizations, such as the Reggie White Sleep Disorders Research & Education Foundation, also accept gently used machines, often preferring specific models like BiPAP devices, which are generally more expensive. International aid charities, including Advocates for World Health and World Medical Relief, frequently welcome CPAP machines to supply essential medical equipment to underserved communities globally. Donors should always check the organization’s website first, as many have specific lists of which machine models they can and cannot accept, especially regarding recalled devices.
Beyond the national charities, local and regional options are available, such as durable medical equipment (DME) lending closets or equipment banks run by community health centers. These local centers often serve as a direct resource for community members who need a machine quickly, and they may be more flexible with drop-off arrangements. Similarly, some pulmonary clinics or sleep disorder centers maintain a small inventory of used CPAP machines for use as temporary loaners or for training purposes. Before attempting a drop-off, a donor must contact the local facility to confirm they are actively accepting CPAP donations and to schedule the delivery.
Important Logistical Considerations
The donor is typically responsible for the cost of shipping the machine to the donation center. Using a carrier like the United States Postal Service with a tracking number is advisable to ensure delivery confirmation. Most organizations require the donor to contact them prior to shipping, sometimes necessitating a photo of the device or the completion of an online pre-approval form to verify the machine’s eligibility. This pre-approval prevents the donor from incurring shipping costs for a machine the charity cannot use due to age or condition.
When preparing the machine, it is generally recommended to leave the SD memory card inside the device, as some centers use the card to verify usage hours, though they will erase all personal patient health information before redistribution. It is wise to include a slip of paper inside the package with the donor’s contact information, including an email address, to ensure the organization can send the necessary paperwork.
Donating to a registered non-profit organization makes the contribution eligible for a tax deduction under specific Internal Revenue Service (IRS) guidelines. Upon receipt, the charity will issue a tax receipt or charitable donation letter, which the donor must retain. While the organization does not assign a monetary value to the machine, the donor can include the fair market value of the equipment and the cost of shipping for tax purposes, provided the donor itemizes their deductions. Consult with a tax professional regarding the valuation of the used equipment and the proper procedures for claiming the deduction.