Is there anyway to recycle a used CPAP machine? That's what West Side reader Judy Martin wanted to know when she got in touch with us not long ago. 

We were surprised to learn the answer is yes. 

A CPAP, short for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, is a machine that forces air into the lungs of a person who has sleep apnea. The common disorder stops patients from breathing from anywhere to a few seconds to a few minutes, dozens of times a night. 

Using a CPAP while sleeping is the most common treatment. And the machines can be expensive. Prices vary greatly, but generally range from $1,500 to $3,000, says Mark Seager, a licensed respiratory therapist and one person we found who helps recycle the machines. 

Patients get rid of them for a number of reasons: They have bariatric surgery, for example, and their apnea disappears, or their health plan covers a replacement after a few years. 

Seager is owner of SecondWindCPAP in Tracy, Minn., which buys, tests, cleans and resells used machines. 

In addition, it provides free machines to those in need through a partnership with the American Sleep Apnea Association. The nonprofit association will send you a receipt for your tax-deductible contribution. It also collects cash donations to keep the program going. 

To donate, pack your machine into its travel bag or plenty of cushioning and send it to SecondWindCPAP, 163 3rd St., Tracy, MN, 56175. 

If your machine doesn't work properly or is more than 10 years old, don't send it. SecondWind has no way to make repairs, and it's difficult to reuse models that are more than a decade old, Seager says. 

If your machine has been used for 500 or fewer hours, is in excellent mechanical and cosmetic condition and has not been exposed to cigarette smoke, you can ask SecondWind if it is interested in purchasing it. The company's website has more details about the types of machines it will buy. 

If you want to write a check to help the program, send that to the American Sleep Apnea Association, 6856 Eastern Ave. NW, Suite 203, Washington, DC, 20012. Write CAP in the memo line, for CPAP Assistance Program. 

You also can donate your machine to MedWish International in Cleveland, which sends them, along with other medical supplies, to developing countries around the world. 

MedWish's offices are at 17325 Euclid Ave., in the Cleveland Clinic Parker Building (the old Parker Hannifin warehouse) on the east of the hospital's main campus. Drive to the back of the building and look for the MedWish sign. 

Someone is there to accept donations 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday. 

Again, the machine must be in working order. MedWish can't make repairs. 

And if you know of anyone else recycling CPAP machines, let us know at healthy@plaind.com or 216-999-4987.