Selling a used oxygen concentrator is entirely possible, but it comes with specific legal restrictions and practical steps that differ from selling most secondhand items. Oxygen concentrators are classified as Class II medical devices by the FDA, and many models require a prescription for purchase. That means your selling options are narrower than a typical electronics resale, but several legitimate channels exist for turning your unit into cash.
Legal Restrictions You Need to Know
The FDA classifies oxygen concentrators as Class II medical devices, which places them under “general controls” that govern labeling, safety, and distribution. Many models are designated as prescription-use devices, meaning the buyer technically needs a valid prescription to purchase one. This is the single biggest factor shaping where and how you can sell.
You are not required to hold a medical license to sell a used oxygen concentrator you own. However, you do need to sell through a channel that either handles prescription verification or only deals in models cleared for over-the-counter sale. Some newer portable units are sold OTC, but most home and portable concentrators remain prescription devices. Misrepresenting the device, altering its performance or safety specifications, or selling it as something it isn’t can create real legal liability under federal misbranding rules.
Where You Can (and Can’t) Sell
eBay explicitly prohibits listings for oxygen concentrators, compressors, or conservers that require a prescription. Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist have similar restrictions on prescription medical devices, though enforcement varies. Listing on these platforms risks having your post removed and your account flagged.
The most straightforward option is a medical equipment buyback program. The Oxygen Concentrator Store, run by American Medical Sales and Rentals, operates a buyback program that accepts used Inogen, Respironics, and CAIRE units. Eligible models include the Inogen G4, Inogen G5, Inogen Rove 6, CAIRE Eclipse 5, CAIRE Freestyle Comfort, and the Inogen at Home stationary unit. They provide a prepaid shipping label for sellers in the continental U.S. and accept units from Canada as well, though Canadian sellers pay their own shipping. You can reach their buyback team at [email protected].
Other options include local durable medical equipment (DME) dealers, who sometimes purchase or consign used units, and specialty resellers you can find by searching “sell used oxygen concentrator” along with your brand name. Some respiratory therapy supply companies also run trade-in programs where your old unit offsets the cost of a newer model.
Donating as an Alternative
If selling proves difficult, organizations that serve uninsured or underinsured patients sometimes accept working concentrators as donations. This can also provide a tax deduction based on the device’s fair market value.
What Your Used Unit Is Worth
Used oxygen concentrators typically sell for 40% to 65% of their original retail price, depending on the model, condition, and hours of use. Here’s what reconditioned units sell for through a major reseller, which gives you a ceiling for what to expect as a private seller:
- Inogen One G4 (portable): resells around $1,500, originally $2,495
- Inogen One G5 (portable): resells around $1,700, originally $2,495
- Inogen One Rove 6 (portable): resells around $1,700, originally $2,995
- Inogen Rove 4 (portable): resells around $1,900, originally $3,999
- Inogen at Home 5L (stationary): resells around $1,095, originally $1,695
Keep in mind these are retail prices from a professional reseller who tests, reconditions, and warranties the units. A buyback program will offer you less, typically 25% to 50% of retail, because they need margin to refurbish and resell. Units with very high hours, cosmetic damage, or expired sieve beds will fall toward the lower end. Older stationary models from brands like Invacare or DeVilbiss hold less value than portable units, sometimes as little as $100 to $300.
How to Prepare Your Concentrator for Sale
Buyers and buyback programs evaluate three things: the device’s total hours of operation, its oxygen output purity, and its cosmetic and functional condition. Addressing all three before listing will get you a better price and a faster sale.
Check the Hour Meter
Every concentrator tracks cumulative hours of use internally. On many portable units, you can access this by pressing and holding the alarm button for about five seconds while the device is running. The display will cycle through the hour meter reading, serial number, and software version. For other brands, check the user manual or look for a “device info” or “diagnostics” option in the settings menu. Lower hours mean higher value. Units under 2,000 hours are considered lightly used, while anything over 10,000 hours on a portable unit is approaching end of life for the sieve beds.
Clean and Inspect the Unit
Wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth and mild soap. Remove and inspect the air intake filter, replacing it if it’s discolored or clogged. Check the cannula port for damage. If you have the original carrying case, accessories, AC and DC power adapters, and user manual, gather them all. A complete package with original accessories commands a noticeably higher price.
Test Oxygen Output
If possible, run the device and confirm it’s producing oxygen at each flow setting without triggering low-oxygen or service-required alarms. Professional resellers test purity with specialized analyzers that measure oxygen concentration from 21% (room air) up to the device’s rated output. You likely won’t have this equipment, but if the unit runs without alarms and the green indicator light stays steady, that’s a good sign. Be upfront about any alarms, error codes, or reduced battery life when listing.
Shipping a Portable Concentrator Safely
Portable oxygen concentrators contain lithium-ion batteries, which are regulated as hazardous materials for shipping purposes. The Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) sets the rules here, and major carriers like UPS, FedEx, and USPS each have their own compliance requirements on top of federal regulations.
If you’re selling through a buyback program, this is largely handled for you. They’ll send a shipping label and may include packaging instructions specific to their carrier agreement. If you’re shipping independently, the safest approach is to remove the battery from the concentrator and ship them in the same box but separated by packing material. Use the original packaging if you still have it. Mark the box with lithium battery handling labels, which you can get from the carrier’s shipping location. Ground shipping is simpler from a regulatory standpoint than air, so choose ground when possible.
For stationary home units, which are heavier (often 30 to 50 pounds) and don’t contain lithium batteries, the main concern is padding. Double-box if possible, with at least two inches of cushioning material on all sides.
Tips for Getting the Best Price
Contact multiple buyback programs and DME dealers for quotes before committing. Prices vary significantly, and having a competing offer gives you leverage. When listing privately through any allowed channel, include the model name, serial number, total hours, battery condition, and clear photos of the unit from multiple angles. Mention what accessories are included and whether it’s been serviced recently.
Timing matters too. Demand for portable concentrators tends to increase before summer travel season, when people with respiratory conditions want lightweight units for trips. Listing in spring can get you a better return than selling in the off-season. If your unit is a popular model like the Inogen G5 or CAIRE Freestyle Comfort, pricing it 10% to 15% below the refurbished retail price from a major reseller is a reasonable starting point for a private sale, adjusting down based on hours and condition.