A CPAP that will work on long haul flights...

Hi,

I have been using CPAP for about 15 years, but in January my partner and I will be flying to Australia on Cathay Pacific. They have outlets at their Business Class seats that give 115 volts but 400 Hz. I have no problem with the 115 volts, it is the 400 Hz that gives me pause. We each use a REMstar Plus M series which is for 100 – 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz. I am afraid the 400 Hz will fry the machines. The seats don't have a DC outlet - if they did we could just use our cigarette lighter attachements. I don't want to haul 2 big transformers around for 3.5 weeks just so we can use our CPAPs on the flights there and back. I have tried emailing the company to ask them if the machines would be ok - but have gotten no response - and I can't find a number for them on website (they do a good job of trying to force you into emailing them.) So I had 2 questions:
1. Does anyone know what using 115 VAC with 400 Hz would do to our machines (they say they are for 100-240 V 50 / 60 Hz.)
2. Does anyone know which machines would accept 400 Hz?

Many thanks for your help.

Davidwnc wrote:1. Does anyone know what using 115 VAC with 400 Hz would do to our machines (they say they are for 100-240 V 50 / 60 Hz.)

Why don't you ask Respironics, they are in the best position to give you a definitive asnwer?

In general, electronic equipment that uses switch mode power suppliers (such as pretty much all current xPAP flow generators) will work fine of 400Hz AC power, but equipment that use phase control mains power (such as many humidifiers) usually wont.

Also in general, the none of the at-seat AC power outlets in commercial aircraft have enough energy capacity to run a heated humidifer anyway, so you should not plan on using a humdifier in anything but passive passover mode while in flight.

Cheers,

Bill

billbolton wrote:Why don't you ask Respironics, they are in the best position to give you a definitive asnwer?

I did - I sent an email several days ago that they have not replied to.

How would I know if my machine uses a switch mode. It has one of those little power boxed between the plug and the machine - much like a laptop computer has...

contact cathay pacific as you will usually need their permission to use it and will need to supply full details of the CPAP to them
not all business class seats in some airlines have a powerpoint and an adapter plug is often needed
it seems 115 V AC is the standard power on planes and most modern CPAPs will accept and adjust to this power, ask if humidifier will overload their power point

Thanks for your help.
I've checked their website - all I need to do is inform then 48 hours ahead (which I did a few weeks ago...)
I've checked the config of the aircraft we'll be flying - they all have their upgraded Business Class seats all of which come with the AC outlets which both the American and European style plugs fit (I have both)
As for the 115 VAC, that's not the problem - our machines are fine from 100-240 VAC, it's the 400 Hz I worry about. The machines are rated 50 / 60 Hz. That's whats got me worried/perplexed.

If the power is a concern invest in a backup 12v & cable. Good for trips and power outages.

Davidwnc wrote:Hi,
1. Does anyone know what using 115 VAC with 400 Hz would do to our machines (they say they are for 100-240 V 50 / 60 Hz.)

Franxco
I fly EVA AIR from San Francisco to Saigon and back. I have no problems using my Respironics BiPAP Auto SV with the onboard AC outlet at my seat. I'm sure the APU (Auxiliary Power Unit) on my aircraft (Boeing 777-300) will not vary that much from the APU on a Boeing 747 or whatever aircraft you may fly. You maybe over thinking the issue. Plug-in and relax. They may tell you at the ticket counter to not use your CPAP on-board. Ignore that. Tell the passenger next to you that you have a toy that blows air in your face while you sleep and no-one will bother you.

Banned

Respironics M Series power bricks are switching power supplies.

On the few flights where I have used my CPAP, I have carried a Li-ion CPAP battery in my CPAP case; I know that it is going to work and I don't have to worry about which seat I am in. Does anybody know if there are any problems with dead power outlets on these seats?

bearded_two wrote: Does anybody know if there are any problems with dead power outlets on these seats?

I would not anticipate a problem with dead AC power outlets on the aircraft. The AC outlets are used so seldom and the AC outlets may also be configured in pairs to accommodate at least 2 seats. The issue is getting either a window seat or a center seat where nobody will crawl over you or have you stand-up so they can make a potty run while trampling over your wires and hose. It maybe easiest and least obtrusive to place the device on the floor by your feet or under the seat in front of you. The hose runs up to your mask, a blanket can be placed over the hose (or not), your preference. My only issue was turning on the machine before the captain had switched on the APU. Generally, the APU is switched on during climb-out or at altitude.

Banned

Bigburd2008 wrote:If the power is a concern invest in a backup 12v & cable. Good for trips and power outages.

Thanks - if you mean the cigarette lighter adapter, I have one of those - but unfortunately these seats don't have the cigarette lighters....just the A/C outlets.

Guest wrote:fly EVA AIR from San Francisco to Saigon and back. I have no problems using my Respironics BiPAP Auto SV with the onboard AC outlet at my seat. I'm sure the APU (Auxiliary Power Unit) on my aircraft (Boeing 777-300) will not vary that much from the APU on a Boeing 747 or whatever aircraft you may fly.

Thanks – I was hoping this would be the solution…but I just looked up the specs for EVA Air…They are 110 V 60 Hz.

bearded_two wrote:Respironics M Series power bricks are switching power supplies.

On the few flights where I have used my CPAP, I have carried a Li-ion CPAP battery in my CPAP case; I know that it is going to work and I don't have to worry about which seat I am in. Does anybody know if there are any problems with dead power outlets on these seats?

Thanks – I thought about doing this – but I am not really keen on hauling the battery all over Australia and New Zeeland for 3 weeks – especially since the flight from Aus to NZ the baggage weight allowances are stringent. If possible, I’d prefer not to have any extra weight.

Guest wrote: I would not anticipate a problem with dead AC power outlets on the aircraft. The AC outlets are used so seldom and the AC outlets may also be configured in pairs to accommodate at least 2 seats. The issue is getting either a window seat or a center seat where nobody will crawl over you or have you stand-up so they can make a potty run while trampling over your wires and hose. It maybe easiest and least obtrusive to place the device on the floor by your feet or under the seat in front of you. The hose runs up to your mask, a blanket can be placed over the hose (or not), your preference. My only issue was turning on the machine before the captain had switched on the APU. Generally, the APU is switched on during climb-out or at altitude.

Banned

Luckily enough the window/aisle thing is not problem, as the Cathay Pacific long haul fleet has all been converted to the New Generation Business Class Seats – where each unit is its own little private cubicle, and they are placed in a herringbone configuration – so the seats have a window and a direct opening to the aisle as well….so no sharing of an outlet, and because it’s fairly private hiding the tubing is not going to be an issue…

Davidwnc wrote: I just looked up the specs for EVA Air…They are 110 V 60 Hz.

Trust your power brick. I'm sure it will handle whatever electrical environment you can throw at it.

It's nice to know that EVA (while being one of the least expensive carriers to SE Asia, China Airlines perhaps the cheapest) has their AC configured to US standards. I believe Vietnam AC operates at 220-240 input volts and God-Only-Knows how many Hz. I used the BiPAP Auto SV in several cities in Vietnam without a problem.

The new generation Business Class on Cathay Pacific sounds really deluxe. Let us know how it goes!

Banned

PS: Hiding the hose is probably a moot point when sporting a Quattro on the aircraft.

I just saw the power specs for an S8 that somebody posted on a different CPAP forum, it specified that it will also work from 110 V 400 Hz, which is standard airliner AC power.

As long as it is reasonably reliable and there aren't a lot of voltage spikes, you don't really have to worry about operating a CPAP from any commercial AC power supply. The newer CPAP are spec'ed to work on anything from 100 to 240 volts, 50 to 60 Hz. In some areas, the AC power can be "dirty" and have numerous high voltage spikes or be lightning prone; in those cases it would be a very good idea to use high quality surge suppressor. In most cases, in areas where household voltage is 110.120 volts, the frequency is 60 Hz and in areas that have 220/240 V household voltage, the frequency is 50 Hz. There are exceptions, see list below.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mains_electricity
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mains_powe ... _the_world
http://www.ita.doc.gov/media/Publicatio ... 2FINAL.pdf

Some exceptions from
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mains_powe ... _the_world

Aruba 127 V 60 Hz
Bahamas 120 V 60 Hz along with 50 Hz in some outlying areas
Barbados 115 V 50 Hz
Belize 110 V and 220 V 60 Hz
Bolivia 220 V 50 Hz La Paz & Viacha 115 V [probably 50 Hz]
Bonaire 127 V 50 Hz
Brazil 127 V and 220 V 60 Hz
Indonesia 127 V and 230 V 50 Hz
Jamaica 110 V and 220V 50 Hz
Japan 100 V 50 Hz and 60 Hz [very odd]
Liberia 120 V and 240 V 50 Hz, previously 60 Hz [see article]
Libya 127 V 50 Hz
Mexico 127 V 60 Hz [114 to 140 volts]
Monaco 127 V and 220 V 50 Hz
Morocco 127 V and 220 V 50 Hz
Netherlands Antilles 127 V and 220 V 50 Hz
Okinawa 100 V 60 Hz Military facilities 120 V
Peru 220 V 60 Hz Talara 110/220 V; Arequipa 50 Hz
Philippines 220 V 60 Hz
St. Kitts and Nevis 110 V and 230 V 60 Hz
Saudi Arabia 127 V and 220 V 60 Hz [from personal experience, there are exceptions, many towns have local power generation]
South Korea 220 V 60 Hz [from personal experience, there are several exceptions]
Suriname 127 V 60 Hz
Tahiti 110 V and 220 V 60 Hz/50 Hz Marquesas Islands 50 Hz

Thanks. I am not at all worried about voltage - my machine goes back and forth between the US and Europe all the time.
It is the Hertz that gives me pause - I've never used the machine outside of a 50 / 60 Hz enviorment (and all the examples you give above are either 50 or 60 HZ)...and I know that screwing with the Hz can cause motors a lot of havic...that's what I want to know about.

Davidwnc wrote: It is the Hertz that gives me pause - I've never used the machine outside of a 50 / 60 Hz enviorment (and all the examples you give above are either 50 or 60 HZ)...and I know that screwing with the Hz can cause motors a lot of havic.

Cathay Pacific has been around awhile. It may not survive if passengers are constantly plugging their laptops into the CP's AC and blowing their computers. Then again, you are lucky enough to be using the cheapest CPAP in the known world. Purchase a second unit and ship it to your destination. Worst case, if CP doesn't destroy your CPAP you have a back-up unit,

Banned

I think all power is usually from generators run from the engines, while the engines are running, the APU provides power with the engines stopped

a power outlet for a laptop may not be able to run a CPAP