Battery Backup and Power Sources for ResMed CPAP Machines

ResMed offers a variety of CPAP machines for those who need reliable and consistent therapy while they drift off into dreamland. We understand—you need to ensure your therapy is always there when you need it. And that’s where different battery backup and power sources come in.

We’ve created a guide to help you understand the power options for your ResMed CPAP machine so you can choose the ResMed CPAP battery that offers you the greatest degree of versatility and flexibility to fit your lifestyle!

First, let’s take a look at some universal CPAP batteries that will work with any ResMed machine, then we’ll get into batteries specific to particular machines and round it all out by answering some frequently asked questions about CPAP batteries for ResMed machines.

Universal Battery Options for All ResMed Machines

Yes, you read that right!

Believe it or not, there are actually quite a few universal CPAP batteries designed to work with all machines regardless of voltage or amp requirements! Since these batteries feature either a dedicated AC or DC outlet, they can power most small appliances you can plug into them, and most feature a USB outlet for charging mobile devices.

Below you’ll find a comprehensive list of our universal CPAP batteries that will work with your ResMed machine whether it’s an AirSense 10, 11, AirMini, or even an older ResMed machine. Except for the Zopec Voyage, every battery on this list will function as a backup battery that can automatically take over when the power goes out. If you need a CPAP battery you can fly with, keep in mind that any battery over a capacity of 160Wh is not FAA or TSA-approved for air travel.

Please note that the EXP48 and EXP96 Pro Batteries do not feature AC outlets and will require a DC power adapter for your machine. Both act as backup batteries as well and are generally more efficient than the other batteries listed here because of their DC-only power outlets.

Battery Power Options for the AirStart 10, AirSense 10, and AirCurve 10 Machines

ResMed manufactures the AirMini, AirStart 10, AirSense 10, and the AirCurve 10 BiPAP. 

Battery Power Options for the AirSense 10

Let’s explore your ResMed Series 10 machine’s DC power and battery options.

Medistrom Pilot-24 Lite. The Medistrom Pilot-24 Lite can be used to power the AirMini, AirStart 10, AirSense 10, and AirCurve 10 BiPAP without needing an inverter or other equipment. The Medistrom uses the same power supply as your ResMed machine. For this reason, many people are picking up the Pilot-24 Lite, and we understand why!

Many ResMed machine users like the fact that the Pilot-24 Lite doesn’t require the use of an inverter or special power adapter to connect their chosen machine to the battery. This allows for longer runtimes, meaning you’ll get more power out of a single charge than you would if you needed to use an inverter. Inverters draw power from the battery in order to do the job, causing a faster drain on the battery since you’re powering two devices instead of one. Since the Pilot-24 Lite doesn’t need an inverter, we’ll classify it as an A+ choice and great for camping!

ResMed DC Converter: DC converters are ideal for those who are on-the-go. In the absence of AC power, the ResMed DC Converter delivers. The ResMed DC Converter is designed specifically for the AirStart 10, AirSense 10, and AirCurve 10 BiPAP. Keep in mind that using any other DC converters on your ResMed machine can damage your unit.

The ResMed DC converter plugs into the cigarette lighter socket on a car or boat and allows you to draw DC power from the car or boat battery effectively and without damaging your machine. For those who will be venturing on a long road trip or sailing long distances, this converter can be a lifesaver!

ResMed Power Station II Battery Kit: The ResMed Power Station II Battery Kit charges quickly! It charges up to 95 percent capacity in four hours or less and features a double battery option. To use the double battery option, you must purchase the Battery Coupler Kit. For the AirStart 10, AirSense 10, and AirCurve 10 BiPAP machines, the ResMed Power Station II is ResMed’s preferred way to power these devices while off-the-grid.

It’s important to know that if you use humidification while running these machines, it can mean lower runtimes as humidification draws a lot of power while connected to the battery. For this reason, it’s recommended to only use your machine itself while connected to the battery.

Universal Freedom V2 Travel Battery: The Freedom V2 Travel Battery Pack can act as a power source in its own right or as a failsafe or battery backup in case of a power outage. The Freedom Travel Battery allows for added convenience and peace of mind so you always have a backup on hand.

The digital display on the Freedom Travel Battery Pack gives you the added reassurance of the amount your battery is charged. While in the past you would’ve needed a power converter to use your AirStart, AirSense, or AirCurve 10 with the Freedom Travel Battery, it now includes a universal cable bundle with the right input for virtually every CPAP machine included with your purchase!

Battery Power Options for the AirSense 11

As the newest machine in ResMed’s assortment, power options for the AirSense 11 are a bit more limited, but rest assured that there are still plenty of options between the ones in this section and the universal batteries listed above.

Universal Freedom V2 Travel Battery: That’s right, the Freedom V2 Travel Battery can power not only the AirSense 10, but the AirSense 11 (AND the AirMini!) as well. This battery includes a pack of universal cables to ensure you can use it with just about any PAP device and uses a bright LCD to clearly display your remaining battery life. It doesn’t have the largest capacity around at only 95Wh but it is FAA and TSA-approved for air travel and can function as a backup battery during power outages.

Battery Power Options for the AirMini

The AirMini has slightly different power requirements, so let’s review your options.

ResMed DC Converter for the AirMini: Similarly to the DC power cord we mentioned for the AirStart 10, AirSense 10, and AirCurve 10 BiPAP machines, the ResMed DC Converter for the AirMini is a 65 Watt DC cord that connects to the cigarette lighter socket on a car or boat and allows you to safely draw DC power from the boat or car’s battery. But don’t get confused, the DC power cord for the AirStart 10, AirSense 10, and AirCurve 10 BiPAP machines is not the same as this cord so be careful because the two aren’t interchangeable.

Medistrom Pilot-24 Lite: The Medistrom Pilot-24 Lite battery mentioned above has special attachments specifically for the AirMini and doesn’t require the use of an inverter. For this reason, the Pilot-24 Lite is quickly becoming a great way to power the AirMini while on-the-go.

Universal Freedom V2 Travel Battery: The Freedom V2 Universal Travel Battery Pack is a great battery option whether you own a full-sized ResMed machine or travel-sized AirMini thanks to its universal assortment of included cables. It can provide 1-3 nights of power for your AirMini and features a backlit LCD for keeping tabs on your remaining battery power.

Frequently Asked Questions About CPAP Batteries for ResMed Machines

How Long Will a CPAP Run on a Battery Backup?

There are many variables that determine how long your CPAP machine will run on a battery backup, including your pressure settings, the use of a humidifier or heated hose, and of course, the capacity of the battery you’re using. DC power solutions are more efficient than universal batteries with AC outlets, but batteries with AC outlets are more versatile.

To get the longest use time out of your backup battery, make sure your humidifier and heated tubing are turned off if you usually use them, as they have the most significant impact on battery run times. If you have a travel-sized CPAP machine, it will last much longer on a backup battery due to the reduced power draw.

For more tips on extending your battery life and battery runtime estimates, see our ultimate guide to CPAP batteries.

Is There a CPAP Machine That Runs on Batteries?

While every CPAP machine can run on an external battery with the right connection cables, there are no CPAP, APAP, or BiPAP machines on the market with internal batteries that can be recharged or replaced.

How Do I Run My CPAP Without Power?

CPAP backup batteries remain the best solution for powering a CPAP machine when the power goes out. If you have a DC converter for your device, you may also be able to power it off of a DC socket in your vehicle, though this can easily drain your vehicle’s battery if the engine isn’t running. Gas-powered generators may also be a solution when set up safely outside of the home, and a number of solar-capable electric generators exist as well that would be good options for more severe power outages.

How Long Will a 12V Battery Run a CPAP Machine?

Depending on the battery and your machine settings, you should be able to get a few nights of use out of a 12V battery. It’s important to note, however, that not all 12V batteries are created equally. A car battery is designed for a large discharge with immediate recharging with the vehicle’s alternator, but deep-cycle batteries are designed for long, continuous output. If you’re curious about running your CPAP off a 12V battery, make sure it’s a deep-cycle battery.

Can I Use CPAP Battery Power Packs To Charge Other Devices?

You can use most CPAP battery packs to charge mobile devices thanks to the USB outlets featured on most CPAP batteries. Some batteries may even utilize a second built-in AC outlet allowing you to power a small appliance as well.

Does Insurance Cover CPAP Batteries?

No, most insurance companies do not consider CPAP batteries to be medically necessary. CPAP machines include a power supply to connect your machine to wall power, so a CPAP battery is considered an optional accessory.

Are CPAP Batteries Compatible With All CPAP Machine Models?

No, not all CPAP batteries are compatible with all CPAP machine models. If, however, the battery has a dedicated AC or DC outlet, it can be used with any CPAP machine. Some batteries, like the Freedom V2, Medistrom Pilot-24, or Medistrom Pilot-12, will only work with certain machines and need special cables to connect, so make sure to double-check the battery’s compatibility list before purchasing.

Do I Need a Prescription To Buy a Portable CPAP Battery?

No, you do not need a prescription for CPAP batteries. While these products are marketed for medical home use for CPAP machines, most of them can be used for various power needs outside of therapy.

What’s the Average Lifespan of a CPAP Battery Pack?

The average lifespan of your CPAP battery depends on the type of battery you’re using. Most CPAP batteries use lithium-ion battery banks which can be recharged about 500 times before you’ll need to replace it. Lithium-iron-phosphate batteries like the EXP48 Pro and EXP96 Pro batteries have a much longer expected lifespan of about 5,000 recharge cycles due to their unique chemistry.

Final Thoughts

There are many great battery options available for whatever ResMed CPAP machine you have. Many are universally compatible, featuring a dedicated AC or DC outlet to power your machine with. While choosing a machine that connects to your machine with a special cable and DC power may be more efficient, these batteries typically have smaller capacities and may not be able to power anything other than your CPAP machine.

Having a backup battery on hand for your AirSense, AirStart, AirCurve, or AirMini machine is invaluable whether you’re traveling, camping, or expecting inclement weather and power outages, so be sure to pick up one of the excellent options mentioned above and remember:

When it comes to CPAP batteries, it’s better to have one and not need it rather than need one and not have one.