Buying a CPAP yourself can save money and hassle, but where you buy affects your warranty, your safety and whether you’re getting the right machine. Here’s what to check, based on FDA rules and ResMed’s own documentation.
Rule 1: it’s a prescription device
ResMed’s AirSense 11 guide: “In the US, Federal law restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a physician” (AirSense 11 guide). Under FDA’s prescription-device rule, such devices are sold on a licensed practitioner’s order (21 CFR 801.109). Your prescription also sets your pressure. See getting a CPAP prescription online.
Rule 2: the warranty only follows the first buyer
From ResMed’s limited warranty (AirSense 11 guide):
| Item | Warranty |
|---|---|
| CPAP, bilevel and ventilation devices (incl. power supply) | 2 years |
| Humidifiers and cleanable water tubs | 1 year |
| Batteries for ResMed battery systems | 6 months |
| Masks (frame, cushion, headgear, tubing), accessories and standard water tubs | 90 days |
Conditions that matter when buying online or used:
- “This warranty is only available to the initial consumer. It is not transferable.”
- “Warranty claims on defective product must be made by the initial consumer at the point of purchase.”
- “Warranty is void on product sold, or resold, outside the region of original purchase.”
- Repairs by unauthorized service organizations, and damage from smoke or from ozone or activated oxygen, aren’t covered.
In practice: buy a U.S.-region unit, from a seller you can go back to, that sells new devices. A grey-market import or a resale may have no warranty at all.
Buying on a marketplace (Amazon and others)
| Check | Why |
|---|---|
| Seller asks for your prescription | Required for a prescription device |
| Seller identity: the manufacturer or an authorized dealer | The point of purchase handles warranty claims |
| U.S.-region model and power supply | Warranty void outside region of purchase |
| New, sealed, with full accessories | Avoid unknown history |
| Return policy in writing | You may need to exchange a mask that doesn’t fit |
| Price compared with known sellers | The ResMed AirSense 11 AutoSet we track: $1,004 |
Buying used
| Risk | What to do |
|---|---|
| No warranty | ResMed’s isn’t transferable; price that in |
| Unknown hygiene | ResMed says the HumidAir 11 standard tub is single-patient re-use and can’t be reprocessed; multi-patient reprocessing must follow ResMed’s instructions. Buy a new tub, mask, tubing and filters |
| Recalls | Check the model and serial against recall notices, especially Philips devices (Philips recall, alternatives) |
| “Refurbished” claims | The FDA distinguishes servicing (restoring the maker’s specs) from remanufacturing (FDA). Ask who did the work |
| Wrong settings | Have the pressure set to your prescription (AirSense 11 settings) |
| Smoke exposure | Ask whether the machine was used around smokers: smoke damage isn’t covered by ResMed’s warranty |
Cleaning tips for any machine: how to clean a CPAP.
Insurance and Medicare
A private purchase doesn’t go through Medicare’s supplier process. Medicare covers CPAP through enrolled suppliers when you meet its criteria (Medicare CPAP coverage). HSA/FSA funds can be used for prescribed equipment (HSA/FSA guide). Cash price comparisons: CPAP without insurance.
Verdict
Buy new, U.S.-region, from an authorized seller that asks for your prescription. That’s how you keep ResMed’s 2-year device warranty. A used CPAP can work as a budget or backup machine, but treat it as warranty-free, check recall status, replace every part that touches your air, and have it set to your prescription.
Related: CPAP buyer’s guide, best travel CPAP machines, AirSense 11 vs AirSense 10.