giant storm in my area, power is probably going out

[anonfan1432]

Power has been flickering fopr awhile now, and will probably go out completely for the night.

What are some alternatives to CPAP for the night you guys use in these situations?

[Wulfman...]

Power has been flickering fopr awhile now, and will probably go out completely for the night.

What are some alternatives to CPAP for the night you guys use in these situations?

Sleeping in a recliner is probably the most common suggestion.

Of the few times I've experienced a power outage, I either already had my "compliance" of 4 hours in, or went back to bed when the power came back on and finished getting some sleep.


Den

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[kteague]

When I'm unable to use my machine I sleep sitting straight up in a chair with my feet elevated, and use a c-shaped pillow to keep my neck aligned and to prevent my head falling either forward or back. This may not help everyone, but it does help me. I think the longest I've had to do it was a few nights in a row nights. Was too glad to get back in my bed. It's a little late for this time around, but it's a good idea to know a few things about your sleep apnea. For the person whose events are mostly positional, avoiding back sleeping can reduce events. I read on here that stomach sleeping is the best. but I can't say I know that to be a fact. If I had to lay down without my machine, I'd try to stomach sleep. Hope you get lucky and don't lose power.

[Drowsy Dancer]

Too late for you to tonight, but I ended up buying a Paul C. Buff strobe battery that can run my CPAP (with passover humidification) for a full night.

[Sheriff Buford]

If a lighting storm is moving in, I unplug my machine (along with the flat screen in my mancave... er... gotta' save that!! ). I don't want a surge to fry my machine. I'll sleep without it until the storm passes, then I plug in the machine and mask up.

Sheriff

[KSMike]

Too late for tonight, but - rig up an adapter to a car battery (or buy one if your machine's manufacturer has one available); buy a purpose-built CPAP battery backup; or, buy a UPS. I have a UPS and have also used the car battery option; both work great, but you may have to run your humidifier in passover mode since anything with a heating element draws more current.

[Drowsy Dancer]

If a lighting storm is moving in, I unplug my machine (along with the flat screen in my mancave... er... gotta' save that!! ). I don't want a surge to fry my machine. I'll sleep without it until the storm passes, then I plug in the machine and mask up.

Seems like a surge protector might be a prudent purchase if you have regular lightning storms, for use with CPAP and TV both.

[palerider]

and, then, there's that other thread on the front page today about yet another thorough backup power supply for cpap.

[Wulfman...]

There are some relatively inexpensive combination surge protectors and UPS devices.
Do a google search on "surge protectors with UPS backup" and you'll find quite a few and probably in a store near you.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/34696256?wmls ... 52&veh=sem

Maybe not a lot of backup time, but should get a person through some power "blips" here and there.

I may look into one of those myself.


Den

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[archangle]

Sleeping on the stomach provides some help for some people.

[Muse-Inc]

Battery backup. I use a GoalZero battery, rechargeable with solar panels or plug into wall receptacle.

[westom]

There are some relatively inexpensive combination surge protectors and UPS devices.

Which exist when one ignores manufacturer spec numbers. How many joules does that UPS claim to absorb? Hundreds? Destructive surges are hundreds of thousands of joules. Protection promoted 'subjectively' hoping you ignore all numbers and therefore believe a lie.

Blackouts are a near zero voltage. UPS is only temporary and dirty power for a blackout.

Surge are maybe thousands of volts. UPS does nothing for surges that are destructive. Protection from these anomalies are routine. But must be located where wires enter the building with (this is most important) a low impedance (ie 'less than 3 meters) connection to earth.

Two completely different anomalies require two completely different solutions.

[palerider]

But must be located where wires enter the building with (this is most important) a low impedance (ie 'less than 3 meters) connection to earth..

oh, not more noise from you.

[Wulfman...]

There are some relatively inexpensive combination surge protectors and UPS devices.

Which exist when one ignores manufacturer spec numbers. How many joules does that UPS claim to absorb? Hundreds? Destructive surges are hundreds of thousands of joules. Protection promoted 'subjectively' hoping you ignore all numbers and therefore believe a lie.

Blackouts are a near zero voltage. UPS is only temporary and dirty power for a blackout.

Surge are maybe thousands of volts. UPS does nothing for surges that are destructive. Protection from these anomalies are routine. But must be located where wires enter the building with (this is most important) a low impedance (ie 'less than 3 meters) connection to earth.

Two completely different anomalies require two completely different solutions.

Who gives a crap when it keeps your XPAP machine running through the power drops for a few seconds to a few minutes?
We're not talking "lightning strikes" here.
Not everyone has THOUSANDS of dollars to sink into something that may never benefit them for a few seconds of power fluctuations.

Good grief!


Den

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[jencat824]

Alex,

We have a small generator that runs both CPAP machines, a few lights, fridge, freezer & my hubby's beloved TV. We also have a whole house surge protector and keep a good at-the-source surge protector on each CPAP & the TV's. The generator has to be started manually (its on wheels, it must sit outside garage when running), but all surge protectors stay in place.

We are saving up for a whole-house generator. Sounds like overkill, but in addition to the need for our CPAP's we are really fond of our creature comforts. Since we plan on getting a travel trailer when my hubby retires, I need to start thinking about a back up system for our CPAP's if a campground has a power outage. I've been watching the discussions here about these. We don't plan on 'real' camping, just the kind where you park & pay for electric, water, sewer & of course cable.

During our 8 day outage I rarely slept. Close to the end a family member found me a generator. That was before I found this forum & I did stay upright out of fear that I would fall asleep & not wake up. My apnea is severe, so I was pretty scared.

My advice for tonight's storm is to follow KTeague's basic outline & adjust her plan to fit your situation & needs. Good luck tonight.

Jen