Running CPAP Without Utilities

[Geobiker]

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.

[ktmrfs]

Bumpyroad wrote:
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

x2. and virtually all CPAP/BiPAP machines sold in the U.S. today run on either 12V or 24V ALL the time. the wall cord either has a converter built in, or there is a internal 120VAC to DC converter. So..... there is in virtually all cases an DC input as well. Most will run directly on 12V, many resmed units run on 24VDC. In either case the mfg or aftermarket sell adapters for 12V to run the unit. Resmed adapters are a 12v-24V converter.

so..... if you have a 12V cig lighter port in the trailer your set.

Also there are lithium battery packs for CPAP units that will run most units for 2 nights as long as the humidifier and tube heater are off. One night otherwise.

[Bobbo]

I bought my manufacturer's 12v power cord and ran the 12v outlet to my bedside that Airstream couldn't be bothered to run.

[Oasisbob]

One of my fishin buddies uses a CPAP. I tried using one group 27 battery and ran the CPAP through a power inverter. It ran 5 hours until the low voltage alarm sounded. Next trip I bought a DC adaptor which plugged right into his CPAP. This ran through the night. Third trip out we plugged the CPAP directly into a D.C. outlet of my camper which uses twin group 27 deep cycle batteries and ran for two nights along with TV, furnace and lights. If you want details send me a PM. happy to help

[chiefneon]

Howdy!

I wired a inverter in the bedroom directly to my batteries in our 5er.

“Happy Trails”
Chiefneon

[Sjm9911]

What they said. Battery on dc, solar to recharge. No humidifier. Some also take the portable pack like the jackery as a back up. I dont have a cpap. But what they said will work. A guy on another fourm is testing the jackery now with solar to see how long they can go with just a panel and that. If i remember ill post the results.

[Durb]

My son uses a Jackery 1000 for his Dream Machine. It uses 6% of a full charge for one night. He also has the optional portable solar panel to charge it. He has a cigarette lighter type power cord that plugs right into the 12V Jackery port.

[Bumpyroad]

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

[C_Schomer]

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.

[2oldman]

Similar post

[JimK-NY]

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.

[CA_Traveler]

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.