Power Solutions for CPAP Machines

Sleep therapy should be a breeze, regardless of where life takes you. A power outage, sleeping in a tent, or a trip shouldn’t stop you from getting a good night’s sleep. There are several power solutions that you can choose from.

Power Source

There are two ways to keep your machine powered:

1. Wall Outlet

A wall outlet delivers alternating current (AC) to the device. In the United States it is a 110 volt current; other countries use a 220 or 240 volt current. All machines sold by CPAP.com can be used with either voltage.

The wall socket design and the shape of the plug may vary if you are traveling to a different country. Take an assortment pack of World Traveler Power Adapter Plugs with you to avoid any surprises.

Under this scenario, the machine uses an AC power cord to connect to a wall outlet as demonstrated in Figure A. In some cases, a power supply is also part of the mix.

2. Portable Battery

The beauty of a portable battery is that it can keep your machine powered anytime, anywhere. Think of it this way: you can use it whenever electricity isn’t available from a wall outlet. This means that you’re free to go on an adventure or be prepared for a power blackout at home.

The machine uses a DC power cord to connect to a battery as shown in Figure B. A battery supplies a 12 volt direct current (DC) to the machine. If your machine does not have a DC outlet or it needs a 24 volt current, additional components may be required.

Types of Batteries

Lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries are the two most commonly used to power CPAP machines. Lithium-ion batteries tend to have more life cycles, weigh less, are smaller, and charge in a shorter time period. Lead-acid batteries usually have a longer usage time, are bigger, and take longer to be fully charged. CPAP.com carries a variety of portable batteries to suit your needs:

Ana Salandra