Car Temp

[Resister]

Hi, all!

What's the max inside car temp a Cpap can withstand and not be damaged? We're staying the night in Phoenix, and tomorrow there is an event we're attending for about 4 hours and I don't know what to do with my machine. Generally the seating is not condusive to lugging a machine, but I also don't want it fried.

Any ideas what kind of temperature range is OK?

[Wulfman...]

From the user manual:

Environmental
Operating Temperature: 5° to 35° C (41° to 95° F)
Storage Temperature: -20° to 60° C (-4° F to 140° F)
Relative Humidity (operating & storage): 15 to 95% (non-condensing)
Atmospheric Pressure: 101 to 77 kPa (0 - 2286 m / 0 - 7500 ft)


Hope that helps

Den

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[Resister]

Thank you, thank you! Perfect!

[kaiasgram]

Interesting question.

I wonder about various conditions like whether the car is parked in sun or shade, whether it's overcast, whether the car window is cracked open... The forecast for Phoenix is 96 degrees with heavy thunderstorms.

[Wulfman...]

I would opt for putting it in the trunk of the vehicle if that's possible. Most of the carrying cases for the CPAP machines are of some type of foam construction which may keep some of the heat out.
There are also some types of soft-sided thermal "bags" (think fabric "cooler" with zippered top instead of Styrofoam). Like the Styrofoam type, they will keep the contents cool (with freezer bags or ice) or protect the contents from excessive heat.


Den

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[jacobsbd]

I lived in Phoenix for about 20 years. If the monsoon storms hit as predicted you might be OK if you keep it in the trunk. On a sunny hot day it could easily get into the 170+ range in the car. I have seen a cast iron pan sitting outside in the sun reach 140 degrees. I used to routinely melt candle wax in the car.

If possible, find a parking ramp to park in. window shades or a car cover are also a huge help

If you are going to the WNBA game, their are ramps you can park in. You might have to walk a few block if the one at the arena is full

[Guest]

We're staying the night in Phoenix, and tomorrow there is an event we're attending for about 4 hours and I don't know what to do with my machine.

I think in many states this time of year the machine plastic would be at risk of melting if left in a car parked in the sun.

[Resister]

Uh oh. I will try to head over early and get the shadiest spot.

[chunkyfrog]

In the same situation, I put mine in a soft side cooler, under a few blankets on the floor in the back seat.
If it were really hot, I would have considered putting a jug of ice water in too, wrapped in a folded towel.
(not one from the motel)

[BlackSpinner]

In the same situation, I put mine in a soft side cooler, under a few blankets on the floor in the back seat.
If it were really hot, I would have considered putting a jug of ice water in too, wrapped in a folded towel.
(not one from the motel)

Better to use gel ice packs in a plastic bag in a cooler. If it works for beer it will work for this.

[Uncle Flapp]

I live in Tucson. You should be fine as long as you do not leave the machine on the dash (avoid direct sunlight). It also helps to crack the windows a tiny bit and, as mentioned, a use windshield shade. Ice packs would be okay; however, this time of the year the dew point is very high so you may get a lot of condensation. If you decide to go that route wrap them in a thick towel.

[torontoCPAPguy]

First I would check the manual or spec sheet for the gear being carried. First and foremost.
Regardless, I would try and temper the environment my gear was being subjected to as there is much foam and soft rubber.
Lastly, I would absolutely use a thermal carrier like a good quality soft or hard COOLER to maintain temperature.

As a general rule, high temperatures are not friendly nor compatible with electronics nor mechanical devices. Avoid activating the equipment under such circumstances especially.

Asides from the casing, foam rubber, etc., the electronic components are also quite susceptible to high temperatures (as well as low temperatures) and values of the components can change significantly causing possible electronic or mechanical failures, sometimes catastrophic.

Check the owner's manual for temperature and other environmental specifications first... believe them secondly.

[Goofproof]

Just a thought, most of our cars are filled with hi-grade electronics, they are in the same environment all the time, why don't they fail... Jim

[Wulfman...]

Just a thought, most of our cars are filled with hi-grade electronics, they are in the same environment all the time, why don't they fail... Jim

But, Jim.......they DO!
I've put a small fortune in our car in the last year with fixing "Check Engine" lights and other things that failed.


Den

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[palerider]

First I would check the manual or spec sheet for the gear being carried. First and foremost.

um, you might notice that information has already been posted in the thread.