New UK member

Hi all, just thought Id say hello as a new member.

Here in the UK CPAP is provided foc by the state health service, so we have an OK product with good back up but no choice at all in which machine we get - we get whatever is the cheapest for them to buy.

I picked up my Baybeliss today to replace my old Sunrise Horizon, and I was told in advance that as well as mains power it can also run off batteries. This would be great as I can then take my kids camping etc.

However upon collection I see that it has no actual battery power, just a car lighter plug on the end of the alternative lead. The device is there for the many lorry drivers who have this condition and who can safely kip down in their cab bunks.

So that leaves me in a tent with a 12v plug and a 240 v plug and nowhere to stick em!!

Anyone got any ideas? Buying a whole new CPAP just for the holidays is out of the quesiton - battery supported CPAP machines here cost £750 ( ca $1,000) and there is no way I pay that sort of cash out just for the small matter of keeping breathing.........!

Kind regards,

Geoff

Hi Geoff

Have you talked to your provider about the situation? Some of them can be very obliging if you ask! Up here in Leeds they use Resmed machines, and I managed to get the newest type available because I needed an auto machine and couldn't live with a straight CPAP.

The only solution I can think of is to use an inverter with some car batteries, but that's hardly practical.

As for machines, it depends on if you want a CPAP or an APAP, but the PB 420 series is available directly from tyco healthcare (I could give you the contact number and person to talk to if you need it). I can't remember the actual price but I think the 420 CPAP is something like £250 without a humidifier. I think (once again not 100% sure) that the 420's do run from straight DC without the need for an inverter.

PM me if you need to number. Also, I think the machine I use the Resmed S8 also runs off DC if you have the correct lead to go with it. Like the 420, the S8 is a very small machine and you can buy one directly although quite a lot more than the 420 and yet not near the £750 price you talk about.

sir_cumference

Thanks for that sir-c, the £750 was what I was quoted by the Local NHS sleep clinic - sourced from Tyco actually. I will review this with them to see.

I did speak to Sunrise, who were very helpful actually. There is an invertor already inside the CPCAP, so their solution was to use a car battery with some crocodile clips. The invertor uses some power of course, but I would certainly get a long weekend off a 110Ah leisure battery (deep cycle) based on my current pressure setting (quite low at the mo).

The deep cycle battery would cost me £80 and be bloody heavy (petrol consupmption), so £250 would be much more affordable, and only used now and again so it should last a wee while!

Ill see if I can find the Tyco link, and check out the sleep lab again to confirm their details. Tyco do come to the AGM of the local sleep apnoea association, so Im sure I could have a look at the kit there.

Many thanks for the tip off.

Dozy

Welcome aboard.

That model name is new to me - is it a DeVilbiss brand ?

What part of UK are you in ?

Glad you found out about the battery. I was going to post link to photos showing a Resmed S8 running from a car cigarette lighter accessory socket.

There has been a lot of confusion about running off 12vdc with many folk thinking they *have* to buy an inverter or a converter.

The external inverter is only need if a h/h at 240vac needs to be run. The xPAP can be run off either the inverter or 12 battery.

A converter is used to drop from 24 to 12 vdc. They aren't needed if the supply is 12 vdc.

The only thing people need to be certain of when running off a 12 volt supply, is that the wires get connected the right way round. The Resmed machines have a negative center pin in the 12v plug whereas most other brands have positive on the center pin.

Cheers DSM
(Once lived in several places between Southampton, Hastings & Walton-on-Thames)

To talk to tyco direct about the 420 call Sam on 01329 224445 or Sarah on 01329 224335 or the switchboard on 01329 224114. I've bought a mask direct from them before and they were very helpful. You will need a script for the 420 though - but that shouldn't be much of a problem.
sir_cumference

NB UK numbers only!!!