Outlets Off while Boonedocking

For RV use, a 12 volt CPAP is essential. Unfortunately many of the providers just don't seem to understand what that means. My wife and I both got new CPAPs and had to exchange them. The tech came to set them up but they where 120 volt machines. Most manufacturers make identical looking and performing models which use 12 volts instead of 120.

The standard 120 volt machines are power hogs. In addition to run one from a battery you need an inverter. Inverters waste a lot of power. The best are about 90 percent efficient but most are a lot worse. A standard 12 volt CPAP will pull about 3 amps or a bit more and uses about 30 amp hours per night which is the majority of the useable power from most RV batteries. The humidifier usage is additional and can be greater than what the CPAP itself uses. My wife sets her unit on a hot water bottle to avoid needing the humidifier.

Thanks! I need a new one anyway, I will have to look into that!

12v machine still needs 12v power and probably entail pulling wire through unknown areas. I recommend wiring in a small inverter and use the existing outlet next to the sleeping area. If you can wire it in near the main electric panel there would be no wire to pull. Just make connections.