Running CPAP Without Utilities
How do you operate your CPAP machine when not hooked up to power? Please be specific if you have found a way that works; particlarly when boondocking for several days Thanks.
Forum Discussion
- don't run the humidifier (or get a passover type) and don't use the heated hose and it will run a long time.
bumpy - Years ago I had a BiPAP that ran directly on 12 VDC. I guess that wasn’t complicated enough so the last couple of machines I’ve had require an expensive power converter so they can use 12 VDC input. I have solar on my fifth wheel to charge the Batteries every day so I can use my machine all night.
- As mentioned some CPAP machines are 12 volt and are much more efficient than those that require an inverter and 120 volts. There is also a big variation in power consumption for the humidifer module. Typically the humidifer will consume as much or more than the blower. Some CPAPs even come with heated tubing. I cannot imagine how much power that would take.
Getting accurate data on your specific unit can be difficult. Typically the Respironics manuals show maximum power needs. An efficient 12 v unit can use as little as 25 AH/night, maybe 50 with the humidify on a relatively low setting. Plan on draining a typical car sized battery to 50% or less every night or at most every 2 nights. - Many CPAP machines will run on 12V DC and use less power than 120V AC. If you must use 120V then you need an inverter which will convert your battery 12V to 120V.
Do a energy audit including CPAP to determine how long the batterys will last. Or with shore power turn it off and camp as you would normally until the batteries reach 50% discharge.
