Help. Please?

Francesca Knowles wrote:
Question for Cpap experts:

I think some cpaps are actually 12volt already- they run off 120v by means of the "adapter" that plugs into the wall. Can such a machine just be run directly off a 12v power supply via a machine-to-battery connection?

Yes, I run my CPAP directly from the machine to a dedicated 12 volt deep cycle battery.

No inverter.

usaf wife wrote:
We need to get an adaptor so the CPAP can run off the 12-volt. We wanted to buy one that ran on a battery but we were told we'd have to bring the machine in after three months so they could verify it was being used. (Medicare requirement) We will be in Washington by then. We had to get a regular CPAP where we could just mail the chip in.

Let us know the make & model you have. Something doesn't sound right.

Question for Cpap experts:

I think some cpaps are actually 12volt already- they run off 120v by means of the "adapter" that plugs into the wall. Can such a machine just be run directly off a 12v power supply via a machine-to-battery connection?

I use a cpap. Take a look at the manfacturer's tag to see the power draw (watts). Mine said 400w so I bought a 600watt "true sine wave" inverter. It worked great. Some CPAP have a temperature setting on the humidity level. Reducing this setting reduces the demand on the battery(s). I found I can go 2-3 days without using the humidifier, it helps extend the time before you "have to plug in" some where.
Hope this helps.

We need to get an adaptor so the CPAP can run off the 12-volt. We wanted to buy one that ran on a battery but we were told we'd have to bring the machine in after three months so they could verify it was being used. (Medicare requirement) We will be in Washington by then. We had to get a regular CPAP where we could just mail the chip in.

There are many places to stay free, but they do not have any electrical power. You could try a few website - these are sites I have found from reading forums, or other campers talked about. Some of these do have power. Allstays.com, free campgrounds.com , freecampsites.net, USCAmpgrounds.info. Also, there are many Corp of Engineer and US forestry parks that have electricity and lower rates. You can even get a senior discount if you are 60 or over by purchasing a card for a 1 time $10 fee. Another option would be to join Passport America. Cost is $44 annually, but you receive 50% off at campgrounds. They have an online directory and webpage. You could check what campgrounds would be where you are going to travel to see if it would be worth joining for you. We use it alot.

Lotta CPAP posts in health issues forum. Sooo many people on here use one.

First question,

Does the CPAP operate on 12 volt also ? Most newer models do.