Backup Power Supply
Backup Power Supply
From my last post it seems many of us "need" our CPAP. Some tolerate using the thing others see it as their "dream machine", however, one thing is becoming clear. Not all of us are prepared for power outages.
I notice in CPAP.COM there are proprietary battery packs and CPAP.COM also offers their own offering. Just wondering how many are prepared for short and long term power outages. Battery packs seem good for short term but what about longer...could we live without our CPAPs?!
Does anyone have one of these units ready charged and ready to go?
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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): cpap.com, CPAP, Power
I notice in CPAP.COM there are proprietary battery packs and CPAP.COM also offers their own offering. Just wondering how many are prepared for short and long term power outages. Battery packs seem good for short term but what about longer...could we live without our CPAPs?!
Does anyone have one of these units ready charged and ready to go?
_________________
CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): cpap.com, CPAP, Power
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Mask: Mirage™ SoftGel Nasal CPAP Mask with Headgear |
Humidifier: S9™ Series H5i™ Heated Humidifier with Climate Control |
Additional Comments: Pressures: 5-13 cm |
4 months after a 5 day outage, I am still unprepared for CPAP (food, water, blankets we have). I have plans but haven't gotten there. However my plan is to be able to deal with 2 or 3 nights outage not 5.
We were told to expect electricity to be out a week out and no roads in and out were passable even for a medical emergency that first 2 days.
However, what is equally important is next power outage I will be able to find HOT water to make tea (and wash my hands) even if I have to light the fire myself.
There are several threads about battery backups on the forum if you search for them. Many machines will run on 12 V.
We were told to expect electricity to be out a week out and no roads in and out were passable even for a medical emergency that first 2 days.
However, what is equally important is next power outage I will be able to find HOT water to make tea (and wash my hands) even if I have to light the fire myself.
There are several threads about battery backups on the forum if you search for them. Many machines will run on 12 V.
FDA provides the following advice for Power Outages and medical devices:
Power Outage
* Notify your electric company and fire department to let them know you have a medical device that needs power (e.g., ventilator, apnea monitor).
* Read your user instructions or call your distributor or device manufacturer to find out if your device can be used with batteries or a generator.
* Locate a generator if possible.
* Make sure you check for water before plugging in your device. Do not plug in a power cord if the cord or the device is wet.
* When the power is restored, check to make sure the settings on your medical device have not changed (often medical devices reset to a default mode when power is interrupted).
http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/emergency/hurricane.html#outage[quote][/quote]
Power Outage
* Notify your electric company and fire department to let them know you have a medical device that needs power (e.g., ventilator, apnea monitor).
* Read your user instructions or call your distributor or device manufacturer to find out if your device can be used with batteries or a generator.
* Locate a generator if possible.
* Make sure you check for water before plugging in your device. Do not plug in a power cord if the cord or the device is wet.
* When the power is restored, check to make sure the settings on your medical device have not changed (often medical devices reset to a default mode when power is interrupted).
http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/emergency/hurricane.html#outage[quote][/quote]
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Mask: Mirage™ SoftGel Nasal CPAP Mask with Headgear |
Humidifier: S9™ Series H5i™ Heated Humidifier with Climate Control |
Additional Comments: Pressures: 5-13 cm |
Fredman,
I'm not familar with the PowerPack600HD - have you got specs or a website?
Just looking at it, I find it an interesting possiblity.
When I first joined this forum, there was a discussion that someones DME told them not to use a UPS with thier CPAP. I asked my tech (who is also an Electrical Engineer) if he could think of any reason not to use an UPS with a CPAP, and after he finished looking at me as I he thought I had finally gone off the deep end, he stated "no one will die if you don't have a UPS on any off your machinery, but you wouldn't consider any of it without an UPS. Why would you consider not having an UPS that at least will allow you to realize there is a power outage (alarm) and allow you to shut it down properly."
After considering my options, I decided to go with the Battery-geek. While pricey, It was the best fit for my needs.
Check out this thread:
viewtopic.php?t=28154&highlight=camping+battery+geek
I'm not familar with the PowerPack600HD - have you got specs or a website?
Just looking at it, I find it an interesting possiblity.
When I first joined this forum, there was a discussion that someones DME told them not to use a UPS with thier CPAP. I asked my tech (who is also an Electrical Engineer) if he could think of any reason not to use an UPS with a CPAP, and after he finished looking at me as I he thought I had finally gone off the deep end, he stated "no one will die if you don't have a UPS on any off your machinery, but you wouldn't consider any of it without an UPS. Why would you consider not having an UPS that at least will allow you to realize there is a power outage (alarm) and allow you to shut it down properly."
After considering my options, I decided to go with the Battery-geek. While pricey, It was the best fit for my needs.
Check out this thread:
viewtopic.php?t=28154&highlight=camping+battery+geek
Here is the manufacturers web page. They have a number of other models in differing watts and amperages etc.
http://www.xantrex.com/web/id/182/p/1/pt/29/product.asp
http://www.xantrex.com/web/id/182/p/1/pt/29/product.asp
_________________
Mask: Mirage™ SoftGel Nasal CPAP Mask with Headgear |
Humidifier: S9™ Series H5i™ Heated Humidifier with Climate Control |
Additional Comments: Pressures: 5-13 cm |
- rested gal
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ResMed S9 VPAP Auto (ASV)
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3M painters tape over mouth
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Humidifier: Integrated + Climate Control hose
Mask: Aeiomed Headrest (deconstructed, with homemade straps
3M painters tape over mouth
ALL LINKS by rested gal:
viewtopic.php?t=17435
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I have a small Korean gas stove that is perfect for power outages; it is packaged in a small suitcase and uses LP gas that comes in cans like large hairspray cans. The stove can be used indoors as long as you have some ventilation. I got the stove and gas at a local Asian supermarket. The stove was less than $20 and the cans of gas are about $3 for a package of four. It is the same portable stove that many caterers use.what is equally important is next power outage I will be able to find HOT water to make tea
The problem is I can't be around that stuff. There are small Coleman stoves that use small cans of Propane and I can't be around those either (we talked about doing that). I know my plan is probably going to be toxic too but at least it will not include any petrochemicals and added scents but it will involve outdoor burning of wood and coal.Bearded_One wrote:I have a small Korean gas stove that is perfect for power outages; it is packaged in a small suitcase and uses LP gas that comes in cans like large hairspray cans. The stove can be used indoors as long as you have some ventilation. I got the stove and gas at a local Asian supermarket. The stove was less than $20 and the cans of gas are about $3 for a package of four. It is the same portable stove that many caterers use.what is equally important is next power outage I will be able to find HOT water to make tea
Those are great for protection, but only for very brief times, the internal batteries are too small to last long. Jimsleepie wrote:i use a computer ups---for my backup supply
Use data to optimize your xPAP treatment!
"The art of medicine consists in amusing the patient while nature cures the disease." Voltaire
"The art of medicine consists in amusing the patient while nature cures the disease." Voltaire
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I would be interested in know how long that battery really last in comparison to how long it is supposed to last. When I started looking at solutions to a long power outage, I put my machine and pressure in the cpap.com site to get hours of usage, it was about twice of what i saw at the battery geeks page.Bearded_One wrote:I have a Battery Geeks lithium ion CPAP battery.
- dreamchick
- Posts: 39
- Joined: Wed Mar 19, 2008 9:45 am
- Location: Hillsborough NJ
I use a UPS
I also use a computer ups for my back up.
It should run my equipment for a 1- 2 hours (near as I can figure).
Not perfect but a start.
It should run my equipment for a 1- 2 hours (near as I can figure).
Not perfect but a start.
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dreamchick
Hillsborough, NJ
Hillsborough, NJ