In this economy, some items make sense to buy used in certain cases.
  Cars, appliances and even clothes come to mind.
  When it comes to medical devices, such as CPAP, a bit more discretion is advised.
  I realize how lucky I am to have insurance and that others are not so fortunate. A new CPAP machine — like virtually anything else in the medical world — is cost-prohibitive without coverage.
  There are other means of obtaining this vital treatment for sleep apnea.
  Apparently there are auction sites to purchase used CPAP machines online. I would use extreme caution to make sure the seller is reputable, the machine is clean and functional, and the product is guaranteed.
  SecondWindCPAP.com reports it provides “quality, cleaned and thoroughly tested” used CPAP machines with new filters and post-purchase support.
  “When you purchase a used CPAP machine from an auction site, the machine has not undergone formal cleaning or testing. The seller simply wipes the machine down, and posts it for sale,” said Mark Seager, owner, Midwest Sleep & Respiratory Supply, SecondWind CPAP.
  The American Sleep Apnea Association has a CPAP Assistance Program that provides a forum to donate or request a CPAP machine. Click here to read more.
  By the way, machines exposed to tobacco smoke or heavy perfume cannot be accepted.