Is There a Place to Donate Used CPAP Machines? (2026)

Yes — there are organizations that accept used CPAP machines, though the options are more limited than for most donations. CPAP machines are medical devices, which means more stringent requirements around condition, hygiene, and regulatory compliance. Here's where to look and what to prepare.

Why CPAP Donation Is More Complicated Than Most Items

CPAP machines are classified as medical devices by the FDA. Used CPAP machines cannot simply be handed off to anyone — there are requirements around cleaning, parts replacement, and in some cases, documentation of the device's service history. This limits which organizations can accept them and what they can do with them. That said, CPAP machines retail for $500–$3,000 new, and uninsured or underinsured patients with sleep apnea often can't afford one. The need is real.

Before donating: The mask and tubing cannot be donated — these are single-patient items that cannot be safely sanitized for reuse. Only the CPAP machine itself (the main unit) can be donated. Remove and discard your mask, tubing, and water chamber before donating the machine. The unit should be cleaned thoroughly.

1. CPAP Assistance Program (American Sleep Apnea Association)

The American Sleep Apnea Association (sleepapnea.org) has run CPAP donation programs in the past. Check their current programs at sleepapnea.org — availability and program details change over time. They coordinate donated CPAP machines to reach uninsured patients who need them.

2. Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) and International Programs

Some international medical aid organizations accept CPAP machines for use in settings with limited medical equipment access. Check current donation guidelines at msf.org (Doctors Without Borders) and other medical relief organizations — they typically have specific needs lists that change based on current operations.

3. Local Sleep Clinics

Some sleep clinics and pulmonologists' offices coordinate CPAP equipment redistribution for patients who can't afford their own machines. Call a local sleep specialist's office and ask whether they accept or can help redistribute donated CPAP equipment. This is informal but sometimes effective, particularly in areas with many uninsured patients.

4. Free Medical Clinics

Free clinics that serve uninsured patients sometimes accept medical equipment donations. The National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics (nafc.org) can help locate free clinics in your area. Call and ask whether they accept CPAP machines or can connect you to a program that does.

5. Online Donation Matching

Platforms like Freecycle, Craigslist (free section), or Facebook Marketplace (listed as free) occasionally connect CPAP donors with individuals who need machines but can't afford them. This requires the recipient to do their own due diligence on machine compatibility and hygiene — and is more informal than a formal program — but can be effective when formal channels aren't available.

What to include with the donation: The machine itself (main unit only, no mask or tubing), the power cord, and any documentation you have about the machine's model, settings, and service history. A CPAP machine without its power cord is not usable. If you have a data card or SD card from the machine, include it — it may contain useful usage data for the recipient's provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you donate a used CPAP machine to Goodwill?
No — Goodwill and similar thrift stores don't accept medical devices including CPAP machines. They can't verify device safety history or ensure proper cleaning standards for medical equipment.
Can I donate the mask and tubing along with the machine?
No — masks and tubing are single-patient items and cannot be safely sanitized for reuse by another person. Remove and discard your mask, tubing, and water chamber before donating the machine unit itself.
What if I can't find anyone to take my CPAP machine?
Electronic waste recycling facilities accept CPAP machines as e-waste — they contain electronic components that shouldn't go in regular trash. Find your local e-waste recycler at epa.gov/recycle or call2recycle.org. Some municipalities have specific e-waste drop-off events.

Last updated May 2026. American Sleep Apnea Association at sleepapnea.org. NAFC clinic finder at nafc.org. E-waste recycling at epa.gov/recycle. Errors: [email protected]

More Donation Guides