How to Donate Your CPAP

Monday’s blog post discussed where to donate your used CPAP machine. Once you decide to donate your device, how do you go about actually doing it?

According to the Guidelines for Health Care Equipment Donation created by the World Health Organization, donors are asked to follow some basic steps.

1. First, before donating your CPAP, it is important to critically evaluate it. Is it fully operations? Are all essential accessories and supplies available? As a donor, you will want to complete a checklist to ensure that all sub-systems, components, accessories, and supplies are included. Documentation, especially operating and service manuals with part lists, is critical to the usability of the donated equipment.

2. Second, your CPAP should meet or exceed existing safety and performance specifications provided by the manufacturer. Equipment that is the subject of manufacturer recalls or hazard alerts should be updated to the new requirements or not be donated. Equipment that has non-functional sub-systems may be donated provided that those sub-systems are clearly identified and labeled.

3. Third, your CPAP device can’t be obsolete. Second Wind CPAP won’t take a CPAP that is 10 years old or older. According to the WHO, a minimum of two years, preferably four years, of manufacturer’s sales support is required. A CPAP or its accessories that are obsolete may be donated if designated “for parts only.”

4. Fourth, when donating your CPAP to an organization supplying equipment to developing economies may require some additional requirements including simplicity of operation, ease of maintenance, and minimal number of accessories required. Check with the organization to which you’re donating for additional requirements.

5. Finally, it would be a good idea to visit the organization’s website or to call them directly to find out how to deliver your CPAP to them. Shipping your device will require some precautions such as  draining the humidifier of water, making sure the equipment is dry, and packing the device in waterproofing wrapping for protection. Include a checklist of everything included: device, accessories, manuals, etc. Also indicate that the CPAP is a donation. When giving to a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, your donation will be tax deductible. Be sure to ask for a receipt.