Yes another camping CPAP thread!

[USMCVet]

I've searched here and online and I'm sure it's somewhere but I couldn't find it....
I enjoy camping. I tent camp, hammock camp, get to camping by car, boat, or hiking.
I'm not worried about batteries at this point but was wondering if it's worth getting a smaller unit for this type of stuff. If it is then what would be the best option?
Thanks

[CapnLoki]

I've searched here and online and I'm sure it's somewhere but I couldn't find it....
I enjoy camping. I tent camp, hammock camp, get to camping by car, boat, or hiking.
I'm not worried about batteries at this point but was wondering if it's worth getting a smaller unit for this type of stuff. If it is then what would be the best option?
Thanks

Define "worth."

Currently, AGM batteries are relatively cheap and can be had in any size you want. 35 AH is only $65 and a luggable 24 pounds. This would easily cover 4 to 5 days for most situations. You can get smaller AGMs at almost throwaway prices, or larger ones that will last a week or more. But they all have lead as the primary ingredient, so none of them could be called light weight.

In lithium batteries, the traditional limit was 100 Watt-hours (about 8 Amp-hours at 12 volts) imposed by the airlines, so there are many examples out there, but they are only good for one or two nights. The new development is larger lithium packs 300 to 500 Watt-hours, which is, at 12 volts,, equal to 24 to 40 amp-hours, which are clearly targeting campers, etc. since there aren't legal to take on a plane. They are much lighter than AGM, but very pricey - $300 to $600 and up.

Lithium packs are almost all made of the same type cells - "18650" as used in the Tesla Models S and X. (The new Model 3 uses a bigger cell.) Panasonic and Samsung seem to be the primary quality vendors. They require considerable electronics to keep the cells healthy and safe, so its worth looking at the specs - don't just buy the cheapest unless you plan to throw it away soon. The other issue is that they primarily target cell phone and computer charging, with driving cpaps a marketing afterthought. Make sure it has a good way to connect - a 12 volt "cigarette lighter" socket is best, as that will power a wide variety of devices. And if you plan to power with a direct DC plug into the pump, make sure its the right electrical connection, not just the right mechanical size. Do not count on the built-in inverter some units have, they will be horribly inefficient - use a 12 volt adaptor.

Of course this doesn't answer your question - is it worth it? Only you can decide that. Lots more info (primarily about lead batteries) in the thread linked in my signature.

[USMCVet]

Thanks for all the great battery info, definitely would not go with the overpriced CPAP specific options because they are way to expensive for what you get.

I currently have a go box power source with 40 AH lifepo4 battery that has power pole connectors, pure sine wave inverter and 12 car receptacle. It is pretty heavy though. I think I can get the 7ah SLA batteries too for about $6 a piece.

Have you or anyone tried the airmini or z71 or transcend units? Should I get a dedicated unit to go with batteries or just use Dreamstation without heated hose or humidifier?

[klv329]

I've searched here and online and I'm sure it's somewhere but I couldn't find it....
I enjoy camping. I tent camp, hammock camp, get to camping by car, boat, or hiking.
I'm not worried about batteries at this point but was wondering if it's worth getting a smaller unit for this type of stuff. If it is then what would be the best option?
Thanks

Maybe a cheap used system one 560 auto and use it without the humidifier, assuming that you use a respironics auto.

[CapnLoki]

Thanks for all the great battery info, definitely would not go with the overpriced CPAP specific options because they are way to expensive for what you get.

I currently have a go box power source with 40 AH lifepo4 battery that has power pole connectors, pure sine wave inverter and 12 car receptacle. It is pretty heavy though. I think I can get the 7ah SLA batteries too for about $6 a piece.

I like the LiFePO4 batteries - if they were cheaper for a built up pack with BMS (battery maintenance system) electronics I'd be buying and recommending them. The small AGMs look interesting for a one night event. I like overkill so I'd probably go up a size, but each situation is different.

Have you or anyone tried the airmini or z71 or transcend units? Should I get a dedicated unit to go with batteries or just use Dreamstation without heated hose or humidifier?

There are mixed reviews for the small travel cpaps. My current solution is a match pair of Respironics 560's. One is getting noisy so I might replace it with a dreamstation, but I have to wait 6 months to get a Medicare replacement.

The weight difference is only a pound or two between the small travel units and the basic pump from a dreamstation or 560 or ResMed version, so it really depends on whether you're car camping (or living on a boat like me) or hiking in 20 miles.

[USMCVet]

If I'm hiking in type camping then I would be sleeping in a hammock. It's one of the Hennessy hammocks with bottom entry so machine and battery and everything would have to fit inside.