Using the CPAP when there's no electricity

I live in Florida and during hurricanes and even a thunderstorm we loose power. How do I use my CPAP machine? Is there a way that I can switch to batteries? Also when there is a thunderstorm while I'm sleeping, by using the machine is there a chance I will get struck by lightning?

Kleankathy wrote:I live in Florida and during hurricanes and even a thunderstorm we loose power. How do I use my CPAP machine? Is there a way that I can switch to batteries? Also when there is a thunderstorm while I'm sleeping, by using the machine is there a chance I will get struck by lightning?

There's a HUGE number of posts about CPAP and Battery Backup. You can search for them:

search.php?keywords=battery

If you want to setup a "set it and forget it" battery backup system, you might want to look the "Battery Backup Schematic" below the following page:

http://www.cpapman.com/supplies.htm#anchor170754

It will require some tinkering. You will need to find out the power requirements for your unit. (Check the web page from your equipment manufacturer). If you need, you can probably find a handyman to help you put together the parts to make it easier.

I've not heard any instances of anyone being hurt by lightning through their xPAP unit. I suppose it's possible if you were RIGHT next to the unit. But the same is true if you were right next to you phone or your lamp or you alarm clock or your radio or ...

In essence, the air tubing and the air in the tubing is a really lousy conductor of electricity. So, that's one probelm you don't need to worry about.

So, welcome. Join the forum. Stick around and learn ... as we also learn from your experiences.

it helps if your CPAP will also accept 12 volts DC, otherwise an expensive special transformer may be needed

Almost all CPAPs without an integrated heated humidifier will operate from a 12 volt battery -- you just need the proper cord.

If you power your CPAP from a battery, you can unplug your CPAP and battery charger and have no worries about lighting getting to your CPAP.

I have a portable lithium-ion CPAP battery and a large deep cell AGM battery (which is like a car battery, but the acid doesn't spill and it doesn't release gases); together they will power my CPAP for about a week. The lithium-ion CPAP battery came with a charger that looks like a laptop power supply and I use a 12 amp car battery charger for my deep cell battery (it has an AGM charging setting on it).