[yurishimo]

It can be dangerous if used improperly and since it's related to your health I suppose that requires regulation.

My grandmother died from complications with her CPAP machine (long story and user error) so I don't know that making them available off the shelf is a great idea. At least behind a prescription, more care can be put into the testing of the devices rather than churning them out by the lowest bidder for pickup at your local Walmart.

I've tried to think of other devices/treatments that are available OTC and I'm coming up short. Drugs are heavily regulated and quality tested. I think the big factor is that using the device requires unconsciousness which ups the risk if something goes wrong.

All speculation on my part.