I firmly believe that the banning of CPAP accessories is totally unjustified and unfair. I can totally understand the banning of the CPAP machines themselves as there is a potential risk for personal injury if not properly setup by certified or at least experienced people with knowledge in adjustment procedures. The accessories however I feel should be easily accessible for each and everyone who needs them. Since CPAP accessories such as masks, headgear, hoses etc. would not be purchased by anyone other than a current CPAP user, and since they pose no risk whatsoever to anyone even if used improperly, the reasoning for the banned sales of the is completely unfounded. I can go online at any internet CPAP supply store and purchase any and all accessories for my machines without a prescription or even a filling out a questionaire. CPAP manufacturers charge extremely high prices for machines as well as accessories. Many of the CPAP users might not have any type of medical of insurance coverage, resulting in the end user being liable for 100% of the costs. I am not concerned about the machines themselves as I can look in any local newspaper and purchase another replacement at a tiny fraction of the cost of a new replacement from a supplier. The air flow settings are subject to change with increase or decrease of a users body weight, sleeping habits and numerous other factors. I personally have adjusted my settings at least a dozen times in the past decade. I just haven't got the time to participate in another sleep study each and every time my criteria changes. I have also been able to purchase replacement machines through private sales from users that found the machines to be inneffective for their purpose. I have been able to purchase new machines for as little as 1/10 the cost of from a retailer. When paying out of pocket for these items the difference from $1,000 and $100 is a huge deal. But back to the original topic. Since I can purchase all accessories for my ResMed and each of my spare DeVilbiss, Fisher Paykel and Respironics CPAP machines from any online retailer, I feel the banning of the exact same accessories from being auctioned on Ebay is completely unfounded and unfair. I will also continue to purchase my accessories from private sales as long as the auctions are being banned therefore not allowing Ebay to collect any fees.

UPDATE JUNE 28 2008

I would like to take an opportunity to thank everyone for taking the time to view my guide. It has been quite some time since I wrote my review and I can assure you that I have not changed my feelings towards this ridiculous restriction set forth by Ebay. After hearing from dozens of people with the same problem of trying to find affordable equipment, it only strengthens my negative attitude towards this issue. How are those of us unfortunate enough to have been afflicted with this condition, probably thousands on a tight fixed income, supposed to be able to maintain a reasonable quality of health if we cannot obtain the proper equipment?? A respiratory ailment is a horrible condition regardless of what type it is. I think that the authorities should be forced to sleep for two nights with their noses and mouths taped shut and only a small hole in the tape to allow a drinking straw to be used for their air intake. Then we would see a little more investigating into our issues. Since we apnea sufferers only succumb to our condition once we fall asleep, then we have no real conscious awareness of what our condition entails. We only feel the effects of apnea once we have awakened in the morning to start our day. We are good to go for about 3 hours and then it's all we can do to stay awake. We lose energy very quickly and the rest of our day is pretty much a wash. I feel terrible for others stricken with a respiratory condition that hits them when they are awake. I can't imagine the feeling of suffocation when you are awake, have an attack and can't do anything about it.

Anyway,,back to the original topic of my update. I have had dozens of requests from fellow apnea sufferers inquiring as to where I get my "affordable" CPAP machines and supplies. I have been fortunate enough to have been able to purchase replacement parts and machines through Ebay. Here is what I feel is the best way to get it through this flawed system. SELLERS,,if you have any machines and related equipment for sale, put it on Ebay. Keep it there as long as you can before they shut down the auction. If you have to put it back up again, then that's what you have to do. Give the potential buyers enough information such as phone numbers, fax numbers,email address and such to get in touch with you even after Ebay closes your auction. BUYERS,, keep checking the auctions as much as you can. When you see something you need and it's part of the restricted category, write down the seller's ID and any and all information they make available. The Ebay Gods will be deleting that auction in a very short period of time so you have to work fast. They don't recommend buying anything from outside the normal Ebay process and even frown upon it, but what are we supposed to do?? Chances are good that you will be able to use the information you copied and get in touch with the seller. Once connected, then the transaction can be finalized without having to use the flawed Ebay system. Persistence pays off! I don't think anyone is going to get ripped off in an "off Ebay" transaction related to medical issues but nothing is 100%. But there is always some lowlife is going to try to take advantage of someone in need. This isn't the type of equipment that thieves and con artists are trying to flog on an unsuspectiong buyer, then bolt when they have the money without completeing their part of the transaction. Buyers and sellers both,,, Secure your transaction and protect yourself! I think that anyone related to the CPAP issue can understand the complications and would be willing to help out another person by either selling their equipment or buying equipment that others want to sell. No one here wants to rip anyone off. We're just here to help.

So as for me supplying the leads to equipment, I'm sorry but I haven't got any. I haven't a clue where to go online for reasoncable priced items. I have done searches for CPAP machines and accessories and found many sites that state "Best Prices on the Web". You view the sellers online store only to find that they still want way more money that most can afford. Look everywhere for your needs! Online classifieds like Craigslist would be a good one. Advertise your equipment for sale everywhere you can. The more buyers and sellers there are, then the more successful transactions  and better sleepers there will be.