About 8 million Americans use CPAP machines every night for sleep apnea. Dealing with the electronics, plastic tubing, and silicone masks from these devices has created a major waste problem. In most places, CPAP machines are considered electronic waste, so throwing them in the trash is usually illegal. The compressor inside has circuit boards with lead, mercury, and cadmium, which can pollute soil and water if not handled properly.
Sometimes I'm rather impressed by the ingenuity of those in the business of making scammy gadgets. Over the years, I've examined a wide range of products, from scam devices that claim to save you money on your power bill to a high-power USB charger filled with an unusual goo-like substance. Also: Want to cut your electric bill? Skip these scam 'power-saving' devices - and buy this instead