If you need to sell used oxygen concentrator units that are currently gathering dust in a closet, you're actually sitting on something quite valuable. These machines are expensive, and because they're built to last for thousands of hours, there is a massive secondary market for them. Whether you've upgraded to a newer, lighter model or no longer have a need for supplemental oxygen in the house, getting that unit into the hands of someone else can put a decent chunk of change back in your pocket.
It's not quite as simple as selling a used bike or a coffee maker, though. Since we're talking about medical equipment, there are a few hoops to jump through and some specific things you need to know to get the best price. Let's break down how to handle the process without getting a headache.
Why you should consider selling now
Medical technology moves pretty fast. If you have a portable oxygen concentrator (POC) that's a few years old, it's still worth a lot today, but as newer models with better battery life come out, the value of older ones will naturally dip.
Most people decide to sell because they've finished their treatment or perhaps a loved one has passed away. Keeping a stationary unit (those big ones on wheels) around just takes up space and they're honestly a bit of an eyesore. By selling it, you're not just clearing out space; you're helping someone else get the equipment they need at a price they can actually afford. New units can cost thousands of dollars out of pocket, so the used market is a lifesaver for many families.
Getting your machine ready for a buyer
Before you even think about taking photos or calling a buyback company, you've got to do a little bit of prep work. You wouldn't sell a car without washing it, right? The same logic applies here, but with a focus on hygiene.
Check the "odometer"
Every oxygen concentrator has an internal clock that tracks how many hours it has been running. This is the single most important piece of information for a buyer. To find it, you usually just have to look at the digital display. Some machines require you to hold down a specific button combination to see the hours. If you can't figure it out, a quick search for your specific model's manual online will tell you how to find it. Generally, a machine with under 1,000 hours is considered "low hour," while anything over 5,000 might be getting close to needing a service.
Give it a deep clean
Nobody wants to buy a medical device that looks grimy. Wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth and some mild soap. Check the particle filters—those are the little foam pieces usually located on the side or back. If they're clogged with dust, wash them or replace them. If the machine smells like smoke or pets, you're going to have a much harder time selling it. In fact, many professional resellers won't even touch a machine that was used in a smoking household because the smell gets trapped in the internal zeolite beds and is almost impossible to remove.
Test the purity
If you really want to be a pro seller, you should mention the oxygen purity levels. Most machines should be putting out around 87% to 96% purity. You can buy a cheap O2 analyzer online, or if you're selling to a professional company, they'll test this themselves. If the machine is "alarming" or showing a low-O2 light, it likely needs the sieve beds replaced. You can still sell it, but you'll have to adjust your price expectations.
Where is the best place to sell?
This is where things get a bit tricky. Because oxygen concentrators are regulated by the FDA, some platforms have strict rules about listing them.
Professional buyback companies
This is the "easy button." There are several companies that specialize in buying used medical equipment. They'll usually give you a quote over the phone or via email, send you a shipping label, and pay you once they've inspected the unit. You won't get the absolute highest price this way—since they have to turn around and sell it for a profit—but it's fast, safe, and you don't have to deal with flaky strangers.
Local marketplaces (Facebook and Craigslist)
You can try listing your unit on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist, but be careful. Technically, these platforms sometimes flag medical devices that require a prescription. If you do list here, you'll likely deal with a lot of "Is this still available?" messages and people trying to lowball you. However, you avoid shipping costs and get cash in hand immediately.
Specialty medical forums
There are online communities for people with COPD or other respiratory issues. Sometimes these sites have classified sections. The benefit here is that you're talking to people who actually know what the equipment is and what it's worth.
What's your concentrator actually worth?
Pricing isn't an exact science, but several factors play into the final number.
- Brand Name: Brands like Inogen, Philips Respironics, and Caire (AirSep) hold their value the best. They are the "Toyotas" of the oxygen world—reliable and easy to find parts for.
- Portability: Portable units (the ones you carry in a bag) are almost always worth more than the big stationary units that stay in a bedroom. Everyone wants mobility.
- Accessories: Do you have the extra batteries? The AC and DC chargers? The carrying case? If you have the original box and all the manuals, you can definitely ask for more. Extra batteries are a huge selling point for portable units since those things are expensive to buy separately.
- Age and Hours: A one-year-old machine with 50 hours on it is going to fetch a premium compared to a five-year-old machine with 3,000 hours.
A quick word on the legal stuff
It's important to remember that in the United States, oxygen concentrators are technically prescription items. While it's perfectly legal for you to sell your own property, many people feel more comfortable selling to a licensed dealer or a buyback company because they handle the "medical" side of the transaction. If you sell to an individual, just make sure they know what they are buying. Most people who are looking for a used unit already have a prescription and are just trying to save money on the hardware.
Shipping your unit safely
If you decide to sell used oxygen concentrator units to a buyer in a different state, you've got to pack them like you're shipping eggs. These machines have compressors and delicate internal parts that don't like being tossed around by delivery drivers.
Use a heavy-duty box and at least two to three inches of bubble wrap or foam on all sides. Don't use packing peanuts—they shift around during transit and can end up inside the vents of the machine. If it's a stationary unit, it's heavy. Make sure the bottom of the box is reinforced with extra tape. Most shipping damage happens because the unit wasn't snug inside the box.
Wrapping it all up
Selling your used oxygen equipment doesn't have to be a chore. If you're honest about the machine's condition, have the hour count ready, and clean it up nicely, you'll find that there's a lot of demand out there. It's a win-win: you get your storage space back and some extra cash, and someone else gets to breathe a little easier without breaking the bank.
Just remember to take good photos, be clear about what's included (batteries, cords, etc.), and choose the selling method that fits your schedule. Whether you go with a quick buyback company or a local private sale, you're doing the right thing by keeping a perfectly good medical device in circulation.