What to Do With Your Old CPAP Machines: Donate, Sell, Recycle, or Keep It (2026)

When you’re done with a CPAP machine, you have four options: donate it to a nonprofit if it’s under 10 years old and functional, sell it through a certified reseller, recycle it as e-waste if it’s broken or recalled, or keep it as a backup. Before any of these, check the FDA recall database and perform a factory reset to clear your sleep data.

Most people who upgrade their CPAP machine make the same mistake. They tuck the old one into a closet and forget about it. That machine still holds value, and in some cases, it holds your personal sleep data too.

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Letting it collect dust is not just wasteful because someone who cannot afford treatment goes without equipment that could genuinely improve their life.

CPAP machines are regulated medical devices, which means you cannot simply toss them in the trash or hand them off to a neighbor without following the right process.

The good news is that you have real options, and each one is straightforward once you know what applies to your situation.

Whether your machine is gently used, broken down, or somewhere in between, read on to find out exactly what to do with your old CPAP machine so it stops taking up space and starts doing some good.

Why You Should Not Let an Old CPAP Sit in a Drawer?

• Bottom line: A functional CPAP in storage has real value — either for someone who can’t afford treatment or as a backup for your own therapy — and its donation and resale eligibility decreases every year it sits idle.

Most insurance providers, including Medicare and Medicaid, cover CPAP machine replacements on a set schedule, typically every five years. A 2021 study Verified Source National Library of Medicine (NIH) World’s largest medical library, making biomedical data and information more accessible. View source noted that CPAP devices often outlasted manufacturer estimates.

Because upgrades often happen before an older machine has stopped working, a large number of functional devices end up in storage rather than in use.

If your old machine still powers on and meets basic safety standards, that means it likely has real value left, either for someone who cannot afford treatment or as a backup for your own sleep health.

Your old CPAP machine still has a useful life ahead of it, depending on its age and condition. Donating, selling, recycling, and keeping it as a backup are all valid options, and each one fits a different situation.

• Donate it: A gently used, functional machine can give someone access to sleep apnea treatment they could not otherwise afford.
• Sell it: Certified resellers will purchase qualifying machines and refurbish them for legal resale.
• Recycle it: Broken, recalled, or outdated machines belong in a certified e-waste program, not a landfill.
• Keep it: A working backup unit protects your sleep health when your primary machine needs service or breaks unexpectedly.

But a CPAP machine loses resale and donation eligibility the older it gets. Most organizations and certified resellers will not accept machines that are more than 10 years old. So every year that an unused CPAP machine sits, the fewer options you have for putting it to good use.

And you can’t just say “eh, then I’ll toss it in the garbage instead!” Throwing a CPAP machine in the regular trash is not a safe or legal option in most areas. These devices contain electronic components that count as hazardous waste, and improper disposal can harm the environment.

Beyond age, an idle machine can develop internal issues from disuse, including degraded foam components and dust buildup in parts that are difficult to clean.

On the personal side, a machine that stores your sleep data needs to be wiped before it leaves your hands. Passing along a machine without a factory reset means handing over detailed records of your breathing patterns, therapy hours, and pressure settings to a complete stranger.

And until then, all that personal health information sits in a drawer with no protection. Acting sooner rather than later keeps your options open and your data safe.

Handling disposal the right way protects both the environment and your privacy.

Option	Best For	Age Requirement	Condition Required
Donate	Functional machines you no longer need	Under 10 years old	Powers on; non-smoking household
Sell	Machines in good working condition	Usually under 10 years	Powers on; no visible damage or active recall
Recycle	Broken, recalled, or outdated machines	Any age	N/A — accepted regardless
Keep as backup	Functional machines with a working primary	Not recalled	Powers on reliably

Can You Donate an Used CPAP Machine?

• Bottom line: Yes — a CPAP that is under 10 years old, powers on, and comes from a non-smoking household can be donated to several nonprofits that distribute equipment to patients who can’t afford it.

Your old CPAP machine could be the reason someone finally gets a full night of sleep. Donation is one of the most direct ways to turn unused equipment into life-changing treatment for someone who cannot afford it on their own.

Why Donation Is Often the Best First Option

Many people with diagnosed sleep apnea go untreated not because they do not want help, but because the equipment is simply too expensive and out of reach without adequate insurance coverage.

Donating a machine that still works puts it directly into the hands of someone who has been waiting for access to treatment.

Nonprofit organizations that distribute CPAP machines regularly report more Verified Source National Library of Medicine (NIH) World’s largest medical library, making biomedical data and information more accessible. View source requests than they have supply to meet, which means a working machine in good condition rarely sits waiting for long.

Donating a CPAP machine to a registered nonprofit also has a tax benefit worth understanding before you give. The IRS allows you to deduct the fair market value of your donated device, meaning what you could reasonably sell it for in its current condition, not what you originally paid for it or the full retail price of that model.

Non-cash donations of this kind must be reported on IRS Form 8283, and you will need documentation from the receiving organization to support the deduction.

Most donation programs will provide a receipt or acknowledgment letter upon request, so ask for one when you confirm your donation.

So when your machine qualifies, donation is the most impactful first option to consider before exploring anything else.

What Condition Your Machine Needs to Be In

Most organizations set clear standards before accepting a donated machine, and confirming your machine qualifies before you reach out saves time for everyone involved.

The majority of organizations only accept machines that are less than 4 to 10 years old, so checking the manufacture date on your device is the right place to start. Machines used in smoking households are typically rejected outright because odor and residue cannot be fully eliminated, even with thorough cleaning.

The device must also power on and function properly since most nonprofits do not have the resources or staff to repair donated equipment before redistributing it.

Organizations That Accept CPAP Donations

Several nonprofits across the country accept used CPAP machines and get them to people who need them most. Each organization has its own focus area and acceptance criteria, so confirming current requirements directly with them before you ship anything is always the right move:

• Wellness, Sleep and Circadian Network (formerly known as the American Sleep Apnea Association). This organization accepts data-capable machines that include an SD card for tracking therapy compliance.
• Reggie White Foundation takes both CPAP and BiPAP machines along with unopened, factory-sealed supplies that can be distributed alongside the equipment.
• Breathe California serves patients specifically within the San Francisco Bay Area and prioritizes local residents in need of respiratory care equipment.
• MedWish Medworks accepts drop-off donations in Cleveland and mailed donations from anywhere in the country, channeling equipment to patients both domestically and internationally.
• HERO (Healthcare Equipment Recycling Organization) accepts both CPAP and BiPAP machines and distributes them globally.
• Project MEND and Project C.U.R.E. are additional options with established medical equipment redistribution programs.
• REquipment focuses on connecting donors with recipients domestically and may have local chapters in your area.
• Advocates for World Health collects medical equipment and ships it internationally, with a consistent focus on underserved communities in Central America.

Contacting more than one organization at a time increases your chances of finding a match quickly, especially if your machine sits on the older end of their accepted age range.

What You Cannot Donate

Knowing what not to include matters just as much as knowing where to send your machine. Used masks, tubing, and filters cannot be donated under any circumstances because personal contact items carry Verified Source National Library of Medicine (NIH) World’s largest medical library, making biomedical data and information more accessible. View source hygiene Verified Source National Library of Medicine (NIH) World’s largest medical library, making biomedical data and information more accessible. View source risks that no Verified Source National Library of Medicine (NIH) World’s largest medical library, making biomedical data and information more accessible. View source standard cleaning process can fully eliminate.

Masks come into direct contact with skin and airways, tubing carries moisture and breath residue, and filters trap particles over time, making all three unsafe for reuse by another person.

Dispose of these items in your regular household trash or upcycle them as you wish—tubing can often be repurposed for organizing cables or as plant trainer. Send only the machine itself along with any factory-sealed, unopened supplies you may still have on hand.

Can You Sell an Used CPAP Machine?

• Bottom line: You can legally sell a used CPAP only through a certified reseller, not directly to another individual — selling directly is prohibited because there’s no way to verify the machine is safe or appropriate for the buyer’s prescribed settings.

CPAP machines are classified as regulated medical devices, which means selling one directly to another person without going through the proper channels is not legal. This restriction is to protect patients. A machine set to the wrong pressure can cause real harm to someone using it without medical guidance.

Furthermore, listing a CPAP on platforms like Facebook Marketplace, eBay, or Craigslist puts both you and the buyer at risk because there is no way to verify that the machine is safe, unrecalled, and otherwise appropriate for the buyer’s prescribed therapy settings.

However, if your machine is in good working condition, selling it through a certified reseller is a legitimate option worth exploring. The process is more straightforward than most people expect, as long as you understand the rules that apply to medical device resale.

How the Legal Resale Process Works

Certified resellers handle the entire compliance process on their end. You contact the reseller, provide details about your machine including the model and serial number, and they evaluate whether it qualifies for purchase.

If it does, you ship the machine to them and they inspect, refurbish, and test it before listing it for resale. The reseller takes on the responsibility of making sure the machine meets safety and compliance standards before it reaches the next user.

This process protects everyone involved and keeps the transaction within the boundaries that apply to regulated medical equipment.

What Companies Look For in Qualifying Machines

Certified resellers like SecondWind CPAP evaluate several factors before agreeing to purchase a used machine. The model matters because some machines have stronger resale demand than others, and resellers prioritize devices that are commonly prescribed and easy to source replacement parts for.

The serial number allows them to cross-check the machine against the FDA recall database Verified Source U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) Part of America’s Department of Health and Human Services and dedicated to providing accurate health information. View source before moving forward with any purchase. They also assess the overall condition of the device, looking for signs of water damage, excessive wear, or internal issues that would make refurbishing it impractical.

Providing accurate information upfront speeds up the evaluation and avoids wasted time on both sides.

Age and Condition Requirements Most Resellers Follow

Most certified resellers will not accept machines that are more than 10 years old because older devices are harder to refurbish and less likely to meet current safety standards. The machine must power on and operate correctly since resellers are not equipped to rebuild devices that have stopped functioning.

Visible damage including cracked housing, corroded components, or signs of water infiltration will typically disqualify a machine from the resale process. Any machine currently listed on an active FDA recall is ineligible for resale regardless of its age or physical condition.

Checking these factors before you reach out to a reseller saves time and sets realistic expectations for what your machine may or may not qualify for.

How Do You Recycle an Old CPAP Machine?

• Bottom line: CPAP machines contain electronic components classified as hazardous waste, so they must be dropped off at a certified e-waste facility — not placed in regular trash — ideally one with e-Stewards or R2 certification.

Not every old CPAP machine is in good enough shape to donate or sell, and that is completely fine. Recycling becomes the right option when your machine is broken, under an active recall, or more than 10 years old.

If your machine fits any of these three conditions, recycling is the path that closes the loop responsibly. Attempting to pass the old machine along anyway puts the next person at risk. And doing it correctly makes a real difference for the environment.

Why CPAP Machines Do Not Belong in Regular Trash

Tossing a CPAP machine into your household trash bin creates problems that extend well beyond your own home. These devices contain electronic components, plastics, and materials that qualify as hazardous waste under most local and federal regulations.

When electronic waste ends up Verified Source World Health Organization (WHO) United Nations agency whose stated goal is to improve the health of all. View source in a landfill, those materials can leach into soil and groundwater over time, creating environmental damage that affects entire communities.

Many areas also have laws that specifically prohibit disposing of electronic devices in standard trash, meaning improper disposal can result in fines. Treating your old CPAP as e-waste Verified Source Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Works to control/prevent natural and manmade disasters. View source is not just the environmentally responsible choice, it is often the legally required one.

How to Find a Local E-Waste Drop-Off or Collection Event

Finding a nearby e-waste option is easier than most people expect, and your local government is the best starting point. Search your city or county’s waste management website using terms like 'e-waste,' Verified Source National Library of Medicine (NIH) World’s largest medical library, making biomedical data and information more accessible. View source “hard to recycle,” or “electronic waste collection” to find scheduled drop-off events and permanent collection sites in your area.

Many municipalities hold free e-waste collection days several times a year specifically to make disposal accessible for residents. Retailers and manufacturers sometimes run their own take-back programs as well, so checking with electronics stores in your area is worth the effort.

That said, availability is inconsistent and not guaranteed for all consumers. Still, contact your manufacturer’s customer support directly to ask about current options for your specific equipment before assuming no program exists.

Locating an option before you need it means you are ready to act as soon as you decide recycling is the right call for your machine.

What to Look for in a Certified Recycler

Not all recycling facilities handle electronic waste Verified Source National Library of Medicine (NIH) World’s largest medical library, making biomedical data and information more accessible. View source in a way that is safe for people or the environment. When choosing a recycler, look specifically for facilities that hold e-Stewards or R2 certification, as these are the two most recognized standards for responsible e-waste processing.

e-Stewards certification confirms that a facility follows strict environmental and ethical standards, including prohibitions on dumping e-waste in developing countries. R2 certification, which stands for Responsible Recycling, verifies that the facility meets federal safety and environmental requirements throughout the entire recycling process.

Choosing a certified recycler Verified Source Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Works to control/prevent natural and manmade disasters. View source gives you confidence that your machine is being handled properly from the moment it leaves your hands.

A Special Note on Recalled Machines

Some CPAP machines require a specific disposal process that goes beyond a standard e-waste drop-off. Certain models were subject to a significant FDA recall after it was found that internal foam components could break down and release potentially harmful particles and gases during use.

For example, in 2021, Philips Respironics recalled Verified Source U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) Part of America’s Department of Health and Human Services and dedicated to providing accurate health information. View source millions of CPAP, BiPAP, and ventilator devices after internal sound abatement foam was found to degrade in ways that could release harmful particles.

If you have a recalled Philips device, do not donate it, sell it, or drop it at a general e-waste facility. Register directly with Philips for repair or replacement instructions specific to your model. Most donation programs explicitly exclude these units.

If your machine appears on the FDA recall database, do not drop it off at a general e-waste facility and do not donate or sell it under any circumstances. Contact the manufacturer directly through their recall registration process to get specific return and disposal instructions for your model.

Handling a ends up Verified Source U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) Part of America’s Department of Health and Human Services and dedicated to providing accurate health information. View source through the manufacturer is the only way to make sure it is removed from circulation safely and completely.

Should You Keep Your Old CPAP as a Backup?

• Bottom line: If your machine is not recalled, not damaged, and still powers on, keeping it as a backup eliminates therapy gaps when your primary device needs repair or replacement.

Not every old CPAP machine needs to leave your home right away. If your device is still functional and meets basic safety standards (not recalled, not damaged, and still powers on reliably), keeping it as a backup unit is a practical decision that can protect your sleep health when you need it most.

After all, primary machines can break down, get sent in for servicing, or develop technical issues without warning. Having a backup means your therapy does not stop while you wait for a repair or replacement.

Holding onto a working CPAP machine also makes sense when replacing it quickly is not realistic. If you live in an area where same-day equipment replacement is not available, a gap in therapy can affect your sleep, energy, and overall health in ways that build up fast.

Travel, Camping, and Emergency Use Cases

An old CPAP machine makes an excellent dedicated travel unit, and designating it for that purpose alone reduces wear on your primary device at home.

Traveling with a separate machine means you are not risking your main unit to checked baggage handling, humidity changes, or the general unpredictability of being on the road.

Camping trips present a similar case, especially when paired with a compatible battery pack for locations without reliable power access.

A backup unit also provides continuity during extended power outages or emergencies when your primary machine may not be usable, giving you a functional option while you work through the disruption.

How to Store It Properly So It Stays Functional

Proper storage keeps a backup machine ready to use when you actually need it. Store the device in a clean, dry location away from direct sunlight, dust, and humidity, and keep it in its original carrying case if you still have it.

Before putting it away, thoroughly clean the CPAP machine parts so it’s ready to use when you need it. Empty and dry the humidifier chamber completely before putting the machine into storage to prevent mold and bacteria from developing inside the water tub.

Power the machine on every few months to confirm it still runs properly and to keep the internal components from sitting completely idle for extended periods.

A machine you maintain in storage is far more useful than one you pull out in an emergency only to find it has stopped working.

When Keeping a Backup Genuinely Protects Your Sleep Health

Missing even a few nights of CPAP therapy can bring back the symptoms that the treatment was managing in the first place.

For people who rely on nightly therapy to control their breathing, a lapse in treatment can mean disrupted sleep, daytime fatigue, and increased strain on the cardiovascular system.

If your primary machine needs an unexpected repair and your supplier cannot get a replacement to you within a day or two, a backup unit eliminates that gap entirely.

Keeping a functional second machine on hand is a low-effort safeguard that pays off the moment something goes wrong with your primary device.

How to Prepare Your Machine Before You Do Anything With It?

• Bottom line: Before your CPAP leaves your hands, check the FDA recall database, perform a factory reset to clear your sleep data, remove the SD card, and set aside all used personal supplies for separate disposal.

Before your old CPAP machine leaves your hands or goes into long-term storage, a few preparation steps are non-negotiable. Taking care of these details protects your personal information, keeps others safe, and makes sure your machine is handled the right way from start to finish.

How to Factory Reset Your Device and Wipe Personal Sleep Data

Your CPAP machine records detailed information about your sleep therapy every night it runs. That data includes your pressure settings, usage hours, apnea event frequency, and other health details that are personal to you and your treatment.

Before donating, selling, or recycling your device, perform a factory reset using the instructions in your machine’s manual or the manufacturer’s support page to clear everything stored in the device memory.

If your machine uses an SD card, remove it and either reformat it or keep it rather than passing it along with the device. Leaving personal sleep data on a machine you hand off to a stranger is an avoidable privacy risk that takes only a few minutes to eliminate.

How to Check Whether Your Model Is Under an FDA Recall

Checking your machine against the FDA recall database is a required step before you do anything else with it. Visit the FDA’s medical device recall database online and search using your machine’s brand name, model number, or serial number to get accurate results.

Recall information is publicly available and free to access, so there is no reason to skip this step. If your machine appears in the database, stop the process entirely and contact the manufacturer directly for return and disposal instructions specific to your model.

A recalled machine must never be donated, sold, or passed along to another person under any circumstances.

What to Do With Used Supplies

Used masks, tubing, and filters require their own disposal process separate from the machine itself. These items come into direct contact with your skin, airways, and breath, making them impossible to fully sanitize for safe reuse by another person.

None of these supplies can be donated or included with a machine you are sending to a reseller or nonprofit, regardless of how clean they appear. The easiest thing to do is dispose of used masks, tubing, and filters in your regular household trash since they do not qualify as hazardous e-waste the way the machine itself does.

However, humidifier chambers are typically made from polycarbonate, a number 7 plastic. While technically recyclable, number 7 plastics are not accepted by most curbside programs.

Empty and thoroughly clean the chamber before attempting disposal, then check directly with your local recycling facility to confirm whether they accept this plastic type. If not, the chamber goes in regular trash.

And if you want to be sustainable, used tubing has some practical second-life options before it reaches the trash. Clean lengths of CPAP tubing can be repurposed for light garden irrigation, cable organization, or craft projects. It won’t work for everyone, but it is worth considering before defaulting to disposal.

If you have unopened, factory-sealed supplies that were never used, those can be included with a donation to organizations that accept them alongside equipment.

One Rule That Applies No Matter What You Choose

Regardless of whether you plan to donate, sell, recycle, or store your old CPAP machine, one rule applies without exception. A machine that appears on an active FDA recall list must never be donated, sold, or handed off to another person in any form.

Recalled machines exist in the database because they have been identified as a potential health risk, and passing one along knowingly puts the next user in direct danger.

Contact the manufacturer, follow their specific instructions for returning or disposing of the unit, and keep a record of the steps you took. Every other decision about your old machine is flexible depending on your situation, but this one is not.

Next Steps Checklist

You now have everything you need to make the right call for your old CPAP machine. Work through this checklist in order to make sure nothing gets skipped before your device changes hands or goes into storage.

• Check your machine’s age, as machines older than 10 years are generally not eligible for donation or resale
• Look up your model number on the FDA recall database to confirm it is not subject to a recall
• If recalled, contact the manufacturer directly for return or disposal instructions
• If in good condition, research the donation organizations listed above and confirm their current acceptance criteria
• If selling, contact a certified reseller and ask about their qualification requirements before shipping
• If recycling, search your local government’s website for e-waste collection events or certified drop-off locations
• Before handing it off, perform a factory reset to clear your personal sleep data from the device and SD card
• Dispose of used masks, tubing, and filters in regular trash and do not include them with a donation
• If keeping it as a backup, store it in a clean, dry location and confirm it still powers on every few months

Your old CPAP machine has more value than a drawer can offer it. Taking these steps now means it ends up exactly where it should be, whether that is in someone else’s hands, a certified recycling facility, or safely stored as your backup.

FAQs

Can I give my old CPAP machine to a family member or friend?

Giving a CPAP machine directly to another person is not recommended because the device is prescribed to match a specific patient’s therapy needs, and using the wrong pressure settings can cause harm.

Do I need to include the original power cord and accessories when donating or selling?

Yes, most organizations and certified resellers prefer to receive the full setup including the power cord, humidifier chamber, and carrying case. Including everything you still have improves the chances of acceptance.

Can I donate a CPAP machine that has never been used?

An unused machine in its original packaging is typically welcomed by donation organizations, but you should still confirm that the model is not under an active FDA recall before sending it.

How long does the resale process take with a certified reseller?

The timeline varies by company, but most certified resellers complete their evaluation and issue payment within a few weeks of receiving and inspecting your machine.

Will my health insurance cover a new CPAP machine if I donate or recycle my old one?

Coverage depends entirely on your insurance plan and provider, so contacting your insurance company directly before making any decisions about your old machine is the smartest first move.

Can I recycle my CPAP machine at a regular electronics store drop-off?

Some electronics retailers do accept CPAP machines through their recycling programs, but confirming with the store beforehand is important since acceptance policies vary by location and brand.

What happens to donated CPAP machines after an organization receives them?

Most nonprofits inspect, clean, and test donated machines before redistributing them to patients, and some organizations ship equipment internationally to reach people in countries where access to sleep apnea treatment is severely limited.

Can I get a tax deduction for donating my CPAP machine?

Yes, donations to registered nonprofit organizations are tax deductible. Ask the receiving organization for a receipt or acknowledgment letter to support the deduction.

Conclusion

Your old CPAP machine represents something bigger than a piece of equipment you no longer use. Every year, people living with sleep apnea go without treatment because access to affordable equipment remains out of reach for too many.

The choice you make about your old device, whether it goes to a nonprofit, a certified reseller, a recycling facility, or a storage shelf, puts you in a position to do something genuinely useful with it.

Taking the preparation steps seriously before anything else protects you legally, safeguards your personal health data, and makes sure the next person who interacts with your machine does so safely.

Sleep health affects every part of a person’s daily life, from their ability to focus at work to their long-term cardiovascular health, and access to working equipment is a bigger part of that picture than most people realize.

You have already done the hard work of getting treatment for yourself, and now you have the knowledge to extend that impact beyond your own household.

The right next step is the one that matches your machine’s condition, and after reading this, you know exactly what that step is.