Running CPAP on Batteries

[190489]

I know that there are several threads on this topic, but I wanted to share my experience.

In a couple of weeks I am going on a week long canoe trip in the boundry waters of Minnesota. Primative conditions with no electricity to speak of, which put me on a quest to figure out a way to power my Respironics M Series with carting around a hundred pound marine battery.

First off I had to figure out if I wanted to purchase the $50 DC power cords from Respironics. I decided to get a DC cigarette power cord from Radio Shack ($15) and a DC cigarette to battery clips from a local auto parts store for $5. No invertor necessary since my CPAP will run DC.

Next I had to figure out the best battery set up. Since size and weight was an important factor a big marine battery was out of the question. I also had to consider how many amp hours I would need to run my CPAP for 4 nights. I decided on two 12v 18ah deep cycle rechargable battery from Discount Solar. They are about the size of a large paperback book and weigh about 13 pounds each. They cost about $35 ea.

I was concerned that one battery would not run my CPAP for 2 nights, but I'm happy to say that I've tested the battery power the last 2 nights and have been able to get a total of 16 hours use on one battery and it still has power left. I'm not able to use the humidifier, but I'll tough it out. I know the family will definitly sleep better as will I.

Total investment of about $120 compared to $300-$400 from Respironics.

I still have to figure out some sort of waterproof case for the whole thing, but a trip the Bass Pro Shops and about $20 should take care of that.

[RipVW]

Hello & Welcome, 190489! Glad you found this forum--SO much useful info and SO many helpful people here!

When it comes to battery power, it sounds like you've got it all figured out! I just purchased the Battery Geek C-222 from CPAP.COM for $300, just to have backup in the event of a middle of the night power failure. You took care of this for a fraction of what I spent! Good for you!

"You are getting sleepy . . ."

[HP]

Very good!
That's where I was at 2 years ago.
Light and small are the solutions for the BWCA.
Two years ago, I bought a BreatheX and a spare battery pack. That was very expensive and it only gave me about 3 nights or so. I found that if I used it every other night, stayed away from alcohol, and side-slept, I was fine.
Today, I would do what you did.
Don't let those batteries get too low a charge. In a short time, that will kill'em.
It's a careful balancing act to choose amp-hrs vs. weight!
Have a great time and happy portaging!
HP

[vicky_sivler]

Please use Polarmate products ,It could make your CPAP run with battery at least 8 hours ,Please send email to Sales@Polarmate.com.cn

[sleepngo]

respironics, now has a 12 volt H/H, you can now run both unites at the same time. I purchased a 12 volt cord for 23 dollars and plug into the coach batteries in my motor home, works great.

Dan

[rested gal]

I know that there are several threads on this topic, but I wanted to share my experience.

"several" may be an understatement.

Thanks for sharing your experience. I've just now added this thread to the "several."

LINKS to Battery operation, camping, power outage
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