Okay, I know I'm not the only one out there that RV's without electrical hookups in the National Parks and elsewhere. I've been diagnosed with some sleep apnea issues and will most likely be fit with either a CPAP or BiPAP machine. What do boondocks and other RVer's do to get by this issue with as little of an inconvenience as possible. Will the 2 batteries in my RV power any units using the inverter or are there battery powered CPAP/BiPAP units available? If so, how much battery life do they suck up? Are solar panels a necessity for recharging any batteries? Thanks for any and all responses.

The CPAP draws little power off the battery(s). I installed an inexpensive inverter by the bed in our fiver while repairing some water damage, it works well. We did run into a problem once when the battery died, the charge circuit fuse in the truck was popped so ensure the battery is fully charged when setting up for the night.

That long thread has a lot of good info and some questionable opinions. My cardiologist many years ago had me go through a sleep study and they found serious sleep apnea where I stopped breathing for periods of time, many times per night. This condition can lead to heart disease or make heart disease worse.The brand and model of CPAP machine that I use, is designed to run directly off of a 12 volts DC as well as 120vac. The 12 volt cord plugs into a receptacle in the back of the unit. Many CPAP units will not run directly off of 12vdc battery and are designed to run off a special portable battery and 120vac inverter pack. Check carefully on 12 vdc (camping/emergency power) option, before buying a CPAP device. Removable heated humidifiers require 120vdc power and draw heavier current. I have never needed to use a humidifier.

X2 on what Bordercollie says, except that I camp in very dry country and often need the humidifier. I can run my 12V CPAP for 3 or 4 nights with humidifier. I conserve on other uses of power: minimize water pump use, have LED lights, etc. I carry a Duracell 600 Portable Power unit in case backup is needed. My RV has no generator, no solar.You will need to experiment to see how your setup and your camping style mesh with CPAP use. Ease into it.

My CPAP makes very little difference in my RV battery usage. I use the humidifier but not the heater, so no additional draw there.My prior CPAP was 12VDC so a direct plug in to 12V was easy. My new one is 24VDC, so until I buy the 12 to 24VDC adapter, I use a basic inverter (even tho the CPAP documentation says it may not run on a square wave inverter, it seems to be ok). Will probably order the manufacture's recommended 12-24VDC adapter and eliminate the extra DC to AC to DC dance.

Camping with CPAP | Good Sam Community

Bordercollie
Explorer
Nov 01, 2016
That long thread has a lot of good info and some questionable opinions. My cardiologist many years ago had me go through a sleep study and they found serious sleep apnea where I stopped breathing for periods of time, many times per night. This condition can lead to heart disease or make heart disease worse.
The brand and model of CPAP machine that I use, is designed to run directly off of a 12 volts DC as well as 120vac. The 12 volt cord plugs into a receptacle in the back of the unit. Many CPAP units will not run directly off of 12vdc battery and are designed to run off a special portable battery and 120vac inverter pack. Check carefully on 12 vdc (camping/emergency power) option, before buying a CPAP device. Removable heated humidifiers require 120vdc power and draw heavier current. I have never needed to use a humidifier.
romore
Explorer II
Nov 01, 2016
The CPAP draws little power off the battery(s). I installed an inexpensive inverter by the bed in our fiver while repairing some water damage, it works well. We did run into a problem once when the battery died, the charge circuit fuse in the truck was popped so ensure the battery is fully charged when setting up for the night.
2oldman
Explorer II
Nov 01, 2016
CPAP and batteries 2016

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