Extended camping/backpacking trip with No electric outlet

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
socratez
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Joined: Mon Sep 15, 2014 3:14 pm

Extended camping/backpacking trip with No electric outlet

Post by socratez » Mon Sep 15, 2014 3:26 pm

I am planning to go on a 10 day backpacking trip and would love to know options that would work. In particular, what do folks think of/how have their experiences been with:
1. Provent, Theravent (and other "strips")
2. Dental devices (TAP, My TAP, Narval CC, etc)
3. portable, travel size CPAPs, battery pack (Transcend, HDM Z1),
4. Other types of solutions?

My issue with battery packs and dc adapters/converters is that I wont have access to electrical outlets for at least 9 days in a row.

I don't need a solution that will completely treat my acute Apnea but something that will reduce my AHI (by half) and lessen my snoring.

Note that some of the hike will be higher altitude as well.

Thanks in Advance!

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Wulfman...
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Re: Extended camping/backpacking trip with No electric outlet

Post by Wulfman... » Mon Sep 15, 2014 3:42 pm

It might help us to know what your current equipment is and your therapy pressure and other conditions are.
For example, if you're just using straight CPAP, have no history of Central Apneas or other complications......or, if you're on a high-pressure bi-level machine, with severe level of Obstructive Apneas, may depend on what our suggestions may be.


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archangle
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Re: Extended camping/backpacking trip with No electric outlet

Post by archangle » Mon Sep 15, 2014 4:09 pm

I'm skeptical you'll find a good solution, but let us know what you come up with.

Solar plus batteries might work, but only if you camp in one spot and can leave the solar panels set up during the day in a sunny spot, properly aligned to catch the most sun. You can't just stick a little solar cell on your backpack and get enough power to charge the battery and run the CPAP. Also, the size of solar panel you need will be pretty high to keep the battery charged.

Batteries are going to be too big to lug for that length of trip. Lithium ion batteries are much lighter, but very expensive. Be very careful about how long the battery will run the machine. Batteries also tend to not have a very good shelf life. If you buy one this year, it will probably be dead and can't hold a charge in few years. Then, if you try to take a trip, you may find it dies unexpectedly on you in the middle of the night. Lithium ion batteries are particularly bad for suddenly dieing on you without warning as they age, especially if you don't take care of them correctly.

In concept, some sort of micro-mini gasoline powered generator or fuel cell plus batteries could work, but they don't make them in practical sizes right now for that kind of trip.

As for "travel sized" CPAP machines, I wonder if they are more energy efficient or less? They seem to be oriented towards being easy to carry and running off of hotel power, rather than running a long time on battery power.

Stomach or side sleeping may help.

Don't forget that even if you manage to get some sleep yourself, your snoring may make you unpopular with other campers.

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lido14

Re: Extended camping/backpacking trip with No electric outlet

Post by lido14 » Mon Sep 15, 2014 4:59 pm

I've used my lithium ion battery (6lbsish) for 4-5 nights (9cm) and I've had it since 2009 and its still going strong.

I just bought a used aeromed Everest 2 with a battery that will give me 2 more days. Combined I hope I can get 7-9 nights.

I think 10 would require taking a second lithium ion battery unless solar is an option.

Some other people on this site indicated that they used a lighter lithium ion battery than I use that gave them as much time or more than mine so a couple of those might be an option as well.

Happy hiking and I'm interested in what you decide to use for your trip if you could post or message me.

Thanks.

lido14

Re: Extended camping/backpacking trip with No electric outlet

Post by lido14 » Mon Sep 15, 2014 5:15 pm

This is the string I was referring to with the battery that Adant33 seemed to find successful. Mine is a owl-266 by owell industries so you can compare.
Re: Battery power packs for camping
Postby adant33 on Sat May 24, 2014 4:34 pm
Good news! The PowerAdd 32000mAh battery appears to work. It stayed on for me 8 hours without a problem (it appears to not have any auto-shutoff circuitry, which normally would be a downfall, but as good thing for us!). It's $30 more than the introcircuit, but still much less than many other specialty CPAP batteries. It is under 2 lbs.
Approx. 8 hours of use drained a 5th of the battery with normal CPAP use (roughly 5 nights of use) however this is likely a bit optimistic. I'm going to continue testing this to get some more data - I think this one might do the trick just fine.

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Sir NoddinOff
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Re: Extended camping/backpacking trip with No electric outlet

Post by Sir NoddinOff » Mon Sep 15, 2014 7:09 pm

Regarding solar panels etc, my older son went up to Kings Canyon in the California Sierras for six nights this summer. Total sunny weather was predicted, however for last three of those nights it rained like crazy, culminating with their campsite being flooded out in the middle of the night with several tents lost. BTW, this was during August, which is supposed to be the best month in the Sierras! Oh well, if you somehow find the miracle power supply or alternative device that works, please let us know. I'm not a big fan of car camping but I've found it's the only thing that currently works for me and my power-hungry ASV machine.

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