PURE SINE WAVE CONTERTER?

Oasisbob wrote:
Thanks to all. Looks like I now have some research to do. My friends Cpap does not to straight DC. Nice thought

Most modern CPAPs are either 12vdc or 24vdc and can plug directly into 12vdc with the correct adapter.

I have been running my Resmed S8 Elite CPAP with Humidaire 3i using an AIMS 600/300W Pure Sine Wave Inverter for over 7 years so far.

Oasisbob wrote:
Thanks to you folks I learned my friends Cpap machine will not run from my modified wave power conterter as it needs a pure sine wave converter. There are many to choose from. For the purpose of running a Cpap or maybe a box fan which unit would you reccomend and from who? Throw me a bone. Much apreciated

check out battery power solutions they focus on cpap solutions for non power line applications. they are located in portland, you can give them a call, very helpful. they don't sell direct but there stuff is available online at amazon and other places.

they make a multitude of power sources for cpap machines. One is a small PSW inverter, others are 12V and 24V sources for various machines along with battery packs.

Finally, are you sure the cpap needs 120V?? My current machine does NOT run off 120V AC!!! Yup, this is correct, it runs off 24V. Many others are similar the power supply is either 12V or 24V, they have a 120V "wall wart" external DC power supply, no 120V input at all. So it is often just a matter of getting the correct plug to run them off 12V. And for one brand, (mine) which uses 24VDC a small inexpensive 12V to 24V DC-DC converter is available.

And my previous machine had a 120V input as well as a 12VDC input, many many did. In fact there are very few that don't have a 12V or 24V DC input even if they have a 120VAC input.

One reason is that for those that a cpap is "life critical" you plug into 120VAC AND a 12VDC source. if the 120VAC power goes down, it immediately switches over and continues to run on the 12VDC source until 120VAC comes back.

Make sure you investigate the cpap completely before you buy into it only works on with a pure sign wave. I was told same for years until I dug a little deeper. Now with the two machines I have had I found that I could operate both of them on a modified sign wave, but on both had to turn the humidifier off. Had to call the company and find someone in the technical or repair side of the business. Tried it with out the first time about a year ago and it works fine. Just had to shut off or disconnect humidifier.

A make and model of your CPAP would be most useful.

westend wrote:
Gopower,Samlex, Xantrex to name a few. Price them as to your comfort level with online sellers. Bestconverter.com has been a seller of good reputation.

I fully support this and also would recommend those brands in the 300-400 watt range

Additional information:

Some models of CPAP can be operated directly off automotive type 12 volt systems, even come with a 12 volt accessory cord.

Second: Heaters take a LOT of power compared to the basic unheated unit.

Finally.. Mount the inverter in a compartment next to the one the batteries live in, Use heavy gauge wire (8 ga or bigger, in fact if the lugs will take it use standard starter cable.. Low cost compared to other cables. pre-assembled and you can get 'em at most any auto parts store) use a RED cable for the positive and black for the negative.

Then run either an extension cord or install Romex to the bedroom.

True story: My Cardiologist and GP both said "With your heart issues for sure you have COPD" I said NO I DO NOT, The pulmonologist, Said I( did not have it but the other doctors would insist on a sleep study.

Well.. I don't have it (I told them that) For one thing I sleep wrong for it to happen.

Thanks to all. Looks like I now have some research to do. My friends Cpap does not to straight DC. Nice thought

Hard to go wrong with a xantrex IMO.

I would recommend you look at a Morningstar SI-300-115V -UL Suresine-300 Watt. It's solid state (no fan) with low overhead. I am very pleased with ours.

Are you sure you need an inverter to run the CPAP?
Many CPAP's have a transformer in the electric line to the CPAP much like the puck on a laptop or a Television. If it has a puuck it most likely is a 12 volt transformer inline.