trucker needs portable cpap

[Tatooed Lady]

I used my Respironics 560 with cig plug adapter with NO problem. I now use the s9 VPAP, again with an adapter cord, with NO issue. You could probably run one at night using a cig plug power inverter without trouble, in a pinch. Those are limited to 300 watts. The main issue I see is, does he have an APU or does the truck start to recharge batteries when they get low? Or does he idle all night? Any of the above will keep the machine running, no problem.

[ChicagoGranny]

I used my Respironics 560 with cig plug adapter with NO problem. I now use the s9 VPAP, again with an adapter cord, with NO issue.

Are you using the heated humidifiers?

[palerider]

I used my Respironics 560 with cig plug adapter with NO problem. I now use the s9 VPAP, again with an adapter cord, with NO issue.

Are you using the heated humidifiers?

since she's on the road, and I know the answer, I'll answer for her.

yes, she's used the heated humidifier, and heated hose on both machines. she's up in the frozen north, and while her sleeper does have it's own HVAC unit, she's said that there's quite the temperature differential in there at times.

'course, yesterday she was complaining that she was missing winter... can't even get started refueling and already starting to sweat.

[poppi2]

. . . 'course, yesterday she was complaining that she was missing winter... can't even get started refueling and already starting to sweat.

My momma told her six sons that "ladies don't sweat, they perspire".

[palerider]

. . . 'course, yesterday she was complaining that she was missing winter... can't even get started refueling and already starting to sweat.

My momma told her six sons that "ladies don't sweat, they perspire".

yeah, I thought about that, then I thought about TL... and figured she'd give me more shit if I tried saying that... *rofl*

mind you, she'll give me shit either way... just watch.

[Tatooed Lady]

I'm a lady. And I sweat. Man, I hate summer heat. And PR is right. I give him shit by the truckload. I also use what he said. Heated hose, humidifier...if it's an option, I want to try it. Winter temp/humidity gets pretty low, even in the sleeper. Like 50ish degrees, and maybe humidity in the teens. Depends how the climate system is working and how dry the weather is.
My company has had DMEs supply both Respironics AND ResMed for truck use. I'm also sure that there are other "non-portable" machine brands effectively used in trucks. They don't take much power or space. A plug in cooler probably requires similar. And I have one of those as well. (Gadget junkie)

[DxRxTx]

If your husband had a deluxe battery jumper, he might be able to use that to power his existing CPAP and humidifier. The humidifier is just needed to add moisture. He might be able to get enough moisture without turning on the heater, which takes power.

[shu246]

Any reason not to just get a static inverter? Takes the 12v DC from the truck, puts out 120v AC. Small units will plug into cigarette lighter; larger may need to be wired in. Check specifications carefully; CPAP should not draw much power, but electronic devices like a smooth sine wave AC not the square wave a cheap unfiltered rectifier would put out. Available at Walmart or most any truck stop.

- shu

[palerider]

Any reason not to just get a static inverter? Takes the 12v DC from the truck, puts out 120v AC. Small units will plug into cigarette lighter; larger may need to be wired in.

double conversion from dc to ac and back to dc is much less efficient, resulting in shorter runtime.

electronic devices like a smooth sine wave AC not the square wave a cheap unfiltered rectifier would put out.

this is incorrect. aside from the fact that rectifiers rectify ac into pulsed dc.

[NanaBrenda]

Thanks for all the help everyone. I appreciate everyone's suggestions.

He's currently using a ResMed Air10. He uses the heated humidifier, just at a much lower setting than I do. I know the CPAP helps his high blood pressure and reduces his headaches. But I've recently noticed that he's still snoring even when the mask is snug. Maybe his pressures need to be adjusted?

We're currently trying to pay down over $13,000 in medical bills. So I'm having difficulty getting him to spend any more on this condition. Keep trying to tell him if he's not healthy, he can't work.

[Julie]

I would try a higher low setting as that often helps when snoring remains an issue (as a symptom of apnea not adequately treated) and your guess about it is likely a good one. Try it at least for a few days (higher by a couple of cms) and see how it goes.

[postitnote]

. . . 'course, yesterday she was complaining that she was missing winter... can't even get started refueling and already starting to sweat.

My momma told her six sons that "ladies don't sweat, they perspire".

yeah, I thought about that, then I thought about TL... and figured she'd give me more shit if I tried saying that... *rofl*

mind you, she'll give me shit either way... just watch.

[ChicagoGranny]

I would try a higher low setting as that often helps when snoring remains an issue (as a symptom of apnea not adequately treated) and your guess about it is likely a good one. Try it at least for a few days (higher by a couple of cms) and see how it goes.

Willy-nilly dial-wingin' Julie.

[Guest]

I recommend getting a battery unit. They also have mobile charging packs they sell that can jump start cars, as well as power basic appliances for a time etc.

I work for Daimler Trucks North America in Portland, and I know we're starting to make trucks that come with CPAP machines as this is a very common and vital issue for truckers. But I realize that's not the solution your looking for at this time.