What will happen if I use someone else's CPAP machine to treat my sleep apnea?

I've been putting off getting my sleep apnea treated because I don't have enough money. However, I found out one of my friends has a CPAP machine they don't use anymore and they said I can borrow it. Can I use somebody else's CPAP machine for my sleep apnea? What problems would using an old CPAP machine cause?

Doctors Answers (1)

Robert C. Jones, M.D.
Answered on: 10/15/2014

Obviously you would clean it well before using. The biggest problem is that you may be under-treated. Short term, the problem would be minimal, but you really should be checked and put on the proper level of pressure to treat your degree of sleep apnea.