Camping battery?

[zrons]

We almost never camp where electricity is available. My options are the PR rechargeable battery or a 12v deep cycle battery. Am I correct in assuming that I will get longer run times with a 12v batt? I am aware that running my machine in pass over mode saves power. Thanks

[rested gal]

I don't know the answer to your question, but while you're waiting to hear from people who do... here's some reading material that might give you even more ideas:

LINKS to Battery operation, camping, power outage
viewtopic.php?t=9682

[nanwilson]

I use a 12 volt deep cycle marine battery and mod. sine wave inverter and get 3 or 4 nights out of a charge. I was using my F&P last summer with the humidifier in passover mode, I have since bought an M series auto without a humidifier as my spare machine, which is what I am going to use this summer.
Happy camping!
Nan

[tattooyu]

RestedGal to the rescue with a link as usual!

I've gotta read up on that. It's been FAR to long since I've been camping!

[Patrick A]

I have the Respironics Battery. I use it as a back up Only. In my RV I have a lot of Batteries and solar panels. I run my Bi-pap Machine on a 12vdc. plug, it would run for about 5 to 7 days before the batteries got low enough to have to be recharged. With my Solar system I have no problems at all.
When I first went on C-pap I only had the starter battery in my old RV I could go for 5 days with no problem I think with a good Deep Cycle battery you can go for up to 7 days before you need to recharge it. I don't know if you are tent camping or in a Camper or an RV. I hope this helps. Good Luck

[Linus]

Hi there. I posted here a while ago about the same thing. Here are a few tips. Forget the inverter. It will waste energy. I am assuming that your machine is 12 v (look at your power supply). If so you can connect to the battery with slips and a 12v car adapter. Make SURE that you get a high amperage adapter (radio shack has one) or your machine will not run because of the high start up current drain.

Obviously be careful with a lead acid battery. Spend a small amount an get a battery box. This will allow you to cover the battery and you will be better protected. Make sure your set up is fused and electrically sound. You want to avoid shorting electrical connections in the wild. Batteries give off hydrogen gass when charged and discharged at high rates. Fires can be really hard to put out. Also invest in some baking soda in case you have a spill. In case of a spill you would be hard pressed to find something neutralize the acid in nature. Baking soda also is a nice cleaner at the camp for the pots, brushing teeth, etc.

When you go to bed, you can fill your humidifier with warm water. Just be sure to run in passover mode. That will save a lot of energy. Also when done in the morning, unplug it all and store it away. When you get home keep the battery on a maintenance charger. You might need it again in a power outage. I did read here that someone stored the battery with the CPAP at the nightstand and continuously charged it (trickle charge) and ran the CPAP off the battery. It made a good power backup. Again keep in mind about safetly in whatever you do.