[Karunamon]

What are some of those ways that are not addressed by regular old (non-medical-specific) electronics/safety regulation?

Most of the ways I can think of a CPAP failing would be extremely obvious with equally obvious and relatively low-impact effects (I get a crappy night's sleep or wake up in the middle of the night).

[aenis]

Recent case involving very popular Philips Respironics machines: the foam used for internal insulation was degrading and getting into the stream of air, landing those particles in patients lungs. Huge recall, etc. The kind of problem that testing imposed by regulators can detect.

Incorrect use of CPAP can lead to development of central apnea. (Even APAP machines can be programmed to keep the pressure too high which is long term unhealthy).

With that, I am all for liberalization of the laws. My GP did not prescribe me a CPAP machine despite obvious signs of apnea. "Lose some weight instead" (that despite me having apnea even when I had a BMI of 21).

I never felt as much of a positive difference on my life as when I started using the machine and had my first good night of sleep in decades.

I wish my govt would let me buy an insulin measurement device, but nope, those too are regulated and not available for the general public.