One person's Battery Backup CPAP

Question

Solution. I frequent a woodworking forum and one participant posted this:

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I had a power outage at my house that fortunately didn't last past midnight, but put a battery backup for my CPAP on the front burner.

If you ever checked, you will find that these systems are expensive. Resmed's battery pack for an Airsense 10 exceed $600 at retail. Over $700 when you include the required cabling.

3rd party solutions exceed $350.

So, I did this for under $180 and ended up with more functionality.

Here is the recipe...

I got the idea from a reviewer on Amazon on the 3rd party battery solutions.

Bottom line up front, with the humidifier and heated hose off, I can get two nights sleep on one charge based on my prescription. I tried a third night, but it only lasted another two hours. Of course, for longer situations, you have to charge to battery somehow, but for now, this is good enough for my needs. You can also gang batteries for more run time.

Also, now, if I choose, I can use the CPAP on an airplane. I probably won't as other folks would look at me funny.

I purchased Resmed's 12 volt adapter, which is intended to plug into a cigarette lighter. $81. The Airsense 10 uses 24 volts and this does the up convert and also has battery charge state protection so you don't kill your car battery. This alone is fine if you are willing to sleep in your car.

http://www.cpap-supply.com/SearchResults.asp?Search=37297&Submit=

CPAP supply - Resmed 12V adapter.

Now one needs a nice portable battery. I chose this 11000 milliamp battery that uses lithium cells.

amazon - TalentCell battery

Outputs 12 volts as well as 9 volt and USB 5 volt.

All well and good, but it has a 5.5mm x 2.1mm output and no way to connect it to the CPAP adapter.

So, I bought a pigtailed female cigarette lighter socket and a package of screw terminal 5.5mm x 2.1mm power plugs.

amazon - 5.5 plugs

amazon - lighter socket

5 minutes to make up a cable and verify I got the center pin as positive and we are good to go.
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Your mileage may vary but I thought I'd post his solution!

tiger4x4rv · Answer

Sounds like a reasonable setup. That lightweight lithium power source sounds great!

For those not wanting to DIY, you might consider something like a Duracell Powerpack 1300 or other type of portable power. Most that I researched have AGM batteries, are good for a night or two of CPAP. Around 25 pounds in a nice sturdy case. Has other features - light, AC and DC outlets, battery jump cables. Recharge from AC, DC, or solar panel.

flapper · Answer

I've considered a similar solution. But, be leery when going to high capacity Lithium. Look at the problems with burned up Hoverboards. And if used for flying, better check with the airline - many ban bigger lithiums due to the potential for fire.
They can be used safely, but you have to do the homework to verify it is a reputable manufacturer, that is adhering to high engineering standards. Many of the China versions are not even close in minimal safety considerations.
Small AGM power packs are a much, much safer solution....

goat_rancher · Answer

I have a Black and Decker power station. It will run the CPAP all night. It also has a air compressor which I have used on car tires, and jumper cables. They didn't work as well on my diesel truck though. It was about $100 from Walmart.

gonesouth · Answer

I just put in a 12v outlet near my side of the bed. Minor cost, my Bipap plugs directly to it. Works well unless you run your batteries down.

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One person's Battery Backup CPAP

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