There are a few different characteristics that define durable medical equipment. The first and most obvious characteristic is that the equipment has to have a primary medical use. It cannot be a piece of industrial or any other type of equipment that can also double as medical equipment. A medical purpose has to be its primary function. The second defining characteristic is that it is for everyday use. This is not something that is used once or twice for a couple of medical procedures. It isn't something that only needs to be brought out every year or so. And it certainly can't be single use. Lastly, the piece of equipment has to be reliable. Typically, one can think of the word reliable as meaning that it can last and accomplish its primary purpose safely for a minimum of three years.