Different Power Inputs During Travel

[3bhlives]

Hi Everyone,

I'm planning on traveling to different continents in the next few years. I was wondering if anyone has experience with using different power inputs with a converter. The reason why I ask is I've read something a long time ago that said converting from 220V to 110V is not the issue; instead, it's the frequency (Hz) that can mess up different machines. My next trip will see 220V, no power for 3 days, and 110V that will be inverter power. My apnea is not serious, so I'm considering going without. The last thing I want to do is ruin my CPAP machine. The other issue is getting distilled water where I'm going.

Thoughts, suggestions, recommendations are all appreciated.

[ChicagoGranny]

I'm considering going without.

Try going without it at home for three days. You might change your mind. I like to be at peak energy when traveling.

instead, it's the frequency (Hz) that can mess up different machines.

Most CPAP machines are designed for international travel and automatically adapt to different power frequencies (50/60 Hz)) and voltages (100-240V), meaning there is usually no issue with power frequency differences when changing continents. You will typically only need a plug adapter for different outlet types.

Check your machine label. Verify your CPAP power brick lists "INPUT AC 100-240V, 50/60 Hz," which confirms it is safe to use anywhere. (Your ResMed AS11 is compatible.)

[Pugsy]

The other issue is getting distilled water where I'm going.

It won't hurt to use regular plain bottled water that you drink. Avoid carbonated or flavored water but in general any water you can drink can be used. It's not the end of the world if you can't get distilled to use.

[zonker]

The other issue is getting distilled water where I'm going.

It won't hurt to use regular plain bottled water that you drink. Avoid carbonated or flavored water but in general any water you can drink can be used. It's not the end of the world if you can't get distilled to use.

dovetailing with pugsy here; it certainly won't hurt. if it bothers you too much, wipe the tank clean every morning and refill with fresh. tedious, but doable.

[Sleepzilla]

The standard 65W power supply for the Air11 machines in your signature are rated for 100-240V 50-60Hz, which should cover most everywhere you're likely to go. You can either use the 120V 2-prong North American power cord that came with it, along with whatever plug adapters needed to connect in whatever country you're travelling to, or you can seek out and replace the AC power cord only (not the power supply itself) to match the outlets of whatever country you're in. (The former is easier, more flexible, and less expensive than the latter.)

Regarding humidification: The primary reason the default humidifier tanks say "distilled water only" on them is due to the inevitable eventual build-up of tap-water minerals resulting from evaporation over time, along with the need to hand-wash only that particular tank design.

Many people, like me, use tap water when travelling and encounter no significant build up that can't easily be handwashed away. If it makes you feel better, you can purchase an optional dishwasher-safe humidifier tub that doesn't say "distilled water only" on it.

It's also worth noting that the Air11 tanks are all interchangeable, relatively inexpensive, and easy to replace at any point if you don't like how they look inside.

[ChicagoGranny]

Speaking of travel plug adapters, I use a universal adapter similar to this - https://www.thecpapshop.com/universal-w ... 6EQAvD_BwE