CPAP 12vdc

There are several online retailers that sell dozens of brands and models. Many of them offer either a self contained battery or dual voltage capabilities. Google search CPAP machines and youll be surprised at the variety.

When I was diagnosed with severe sleep apnea 15 months ago, I told my HMO that I had to have a machine which could run on 12V DC. They provided one. I bought the matching DC cord from CPAP.com. This setup works fine in the camper. Just be sure that you get a cord which matches the make and model of your machine.

Before the cord arrived, I ran my CPAP setup with a small inverter. That also worked well. I have a Duracell Pocket Inverter, 100W size; other manufacturers probably make something similar. This inverter plugs into a 12V socket.

I nearly always dry camp, without generator or solar, so I monitor the condition of the battery bank. It recharges quickly when I drive the truck. If I plan to stay somewhere for a few days, I turn the heated humidifier part of the CPAP off or down to conserve power. If I will move camp soon, I run the whole thing. No problems so far.

If you also have a heated hose, watch the power consumption for that.

Hodag1 wrote:
I have a 120vac CPAP machine which is 15 years old. It draws 2A for the blower and 2A for the water heater.

I do not have an inverter in my new Lance 1040.

What make and model of CPAP machine operating on 12vdc with a standard plug have you used successfully? I know I will probably have to forgo the water heater.

I would look here.

I have been using a Repironics Bi-Pap Machine for as long as I have been on Cpap Therapy. Over 10yrs. now.
The company in that link sells everything you will ever need.

I'm using an older RemStar M series. It connects directly to any 12Vdc
female receptacle, no need for an inverter at all.

Depending on your circumstances & if your insurance is buying you a new one, if not, I purchased a low hour used one on Craig's List & reset the pressure myself. It is dedicated for TT use, as I have another one in the S&B. It's my understanding that most Respironics units will function this way with the right adapter cord.

I also use a dedicated 35amp AGM battery for mine. Very small & compact.I don't use the humidifier & mine will last for 3-4 nights before recharging the battery. I would assume with a humidifier, maybe 2 nights.

Here is a pic of my adapter cord. It plugs directly into the CPAP

When I have used mine with DC the humidifier does not work. I have a Respironics. There is a little condensation on the hose, but I have never missed the humidifier. There is a portable that fits in your hand and can run on it's own battery for 2 nights.

HI,

I have had a CPAP for about a year, and at first (for about 3 days) I used the humidifier, but have not since that time. I do not miss the humidifier, as it provided to much moisture.

I would suggest a #10 wire from your battery to where the CPAP will plug in. A friend had one and we installed 4 batteries in his large fifth wheel, along with 400 watts of solar panels to allow him to dry camp. He found that he still needed to run a generator every once in a while, because of other energy needs (running a laptop, or watching TV and lots of lights, ect).

A generator or a couple of solar panels will really help your battery power. Just a basic load on a RV is 35 AH daily to run the CO meter, propane detector and refrigerator, about what one of my 120 watt panels can put out on a sunny day.

SunElec.com is a good place to look for solar panels. I would suggest them in the 100 - 150 watt size, anything larger will be to large to fit on the roof.

I have a pair of 120 watt, and pair of 45 watt, and a 75 watt panel. They are arranged around the various vents, and avoid the area near the TV antenna, it will shade the panels.

Good luck!

Fred.

I've got a ResMed S9 CPAP with the humidifier and it works fine in my Northstar 850SC when plugged into the 12V plug. I have one 80W solar panel on top and it seems to recharge the batteries by mid-morning if the sun is out.

This will be my second season of owning a camper, it has been so nice to be able to sleep well at night.

I second the reference to cpap.com, you will be able to find all the accessories you need there.

Good luck,
Mike

I use a ResMed S9 in my Outfitter camper, using the optional and not insurance covered 12 VDC #36970 power convertor. I had problems with it cutting out at night (due to low voltage) and thus have learned it is more reliable (especially in very cold weather) to not use the humidifier. (In these cases it was so cold in the camper I had ice/frost in the breathing tube, I also did not use the heated tube option) (Aside: I don't like to sleep with the heater "on" but the lowest the Outfitter thermostat can go is only 55 degrees so I usually shut the furnace completely "off" at night.) I never had problems using it in warmer weather.

I'd like to purchase a second machine (non-insurance, my insurance will only pay for the first one) dedicated to travel use and looking at Transcend or an HDMUSA Z1, neither of which I know very little about.

Not to hijack your thread but want to tell others I am physically fit, not overweight, and have never felt tired or sleepy during the day. Yet for many years I probably should've been on a CPAP machine. It was only because of an alert physician who during a routine visit, based upon heredity information and simply looking into my throat figured out I was a candidate for this therapy. An actual "sleep test" verified this. If you or your spouse snores at night please, please consider this.

My personal physician recommended I explore playing the Didgeridoo or bass trombone, (I used to play both, long ago), she (the physician) thinks it is good for strengthening throat muscles, to the benefit of fighting Sleep Apnea. I am game, but honestly both instruments aren't exactly what you'd call solo instruments (for practicing) and without a band to play with I don't know if I can commit to it. But another option I am willing to explore....

As I recall the ResMed required a DC-DC converter while the Respironics simply needed a DC cord. Every invertor and converter used lessens efficiency and causes unneeded battery drain. I use the Respironics System One without the humidifier. The manual cautions the device should not be used when the vehicle supplying DC is running to avoid damage. Since the electronics of the device are always on, I put a switch on the DC outlet I installed. I confess I sometimes fail to turn off the switch prior to travel, but have experienced no damage.

Congratulations on your new 1040.