Your Hurricane Preparedness Plan for CPAP Therapy: Tips & Checklist

If you live in an area that’s at risk for hurricanes, it's important to have a hurricane action plan in place every year. This is especially true if you are one of the 8 million people who depend on CPAP therapy for a good night’s sleep.

A power outage can pretty much guarantee a sleepless night or two, but if a hurricane brings the grid down for more than a couple of days, it can even put your health at risk.

So, to all you CPAP owners gearing up for hurricane season, consider this your ultimate guide to hurricane preparedness for CPAP users. Read on for storm supplies, tips, and action-plan checklists.

Power companies keep a “medical-needs” registry for customers who depend on life-support equipment. 

When you call to add your CPAP, you unlock early warnings for planned outages, priority restoration after storms, and—at some providers—special billing or backup-generator programs.

Hurricanes can contaminate the water supply, particularly if they bring flooding. They can also cause treatment plants to lose power, leaving residents without access to fresh, clean water for hours or even days.

Always pay close attention to any safety announcements about your local water supply, such as boil water notices from your local county officials. If your water is not cleared for drinking, it shouldn’t be used for CPAP or for cleaning.

You need to keep your CPAP equipment clean at all times, even when you’re hunkered down waiting out the storm. Bacteria can begin growing within hours, while mold can arise after just one day.

Mild soap and water are often enough for day-to-day maintenance, but if you don’t have access to water, you can get by with CPAP wipes, CPAP sanitizing spray, and distilled vinegar.

Remember, germs love warm, moist environments, so it's important to let your mask, hose, and water tank dry completely between sessions.

Hurricanes can shut down shipping routes for days and leave store shelves empty for weeks. If a storm hits when you’re due to swap out a mask cushion or filter, you could be stuck with worn-out gear that hurts your therapy scores.

Keep in mind that CPAP supplies have very different lifespans. Some filters last two weeks, others six months, so check your CPAP replacement schedule now and order any essentials before hurricane season peaks.

If hurricane power outages are a common occurrence where you live, there's a good chance you or someone you know has a generator. If so, it may be tempting to use it to power your CPAP machine. This is perfectly okay, but the key is to do it safely.

Fuel generators should be stored outside, even when in use. If you choose to run your CPAP machine using one of these generators, the trick is to run an extension cord from your CPAP machine, through a window, and out to the generator.

If you'd prefer to keep a power source indoors, solar-powered generators are also available. Something like the Solar Generator 2000 Plus might do the trick.

After a storm, cell towers may be up, but wall outlets often aren’t. Keeping a charged phone lets you contact loved ones, track weather updates, and coordinate medical help if you need it. 

A small solar panel, car adapter, or power bank can is perfect for keeping small devices charged. Some can even top off your CPAP battery between grid outages, giving you extra nights of therapy while crews restore power. 

Whether you’re sheltering in a bathroom at home or plugging in at a crowded shelter, an extension cord can become your CPAP lifeline. With the extra reach, you can find a safe spot to sleep and still power your machine from the nearest outlet.

A good backup battery will automatically take over when the power goes out, so your therapy is not interrupted.

We know this may not be an option for every budget, but CPAP batteries really do bring peace of mind. It's a whole lot easier to make decisions, like how to sleep, when to leave, and where to go, when you aren't forced to sleep beside an electrical outlet every night.

If you're interested in purchasing a battery, you'll want to consider how long you may be without power and whether you'll be able to recharge your battery.

Planning for a hurricane can be a bit overwhelming when you have the added stressor of needing respiratory support. So it’s best to come up with a step-by-step plan ahead of time.

Before the hurricane

• Refill prescriptions
• Ask your doctor for advice on using CPAP during a hurricane.
• Make a plan for medical emergencies.
• Schedule check-ins with loved ones.
• If you use oxygen, get extra tanks.

• Store 1–2 weeks of non-perishables.

• Stock bottled drinking water and distilled CPAP water
• Fill the tub with water for toilets and washing.
• Make an evacuation plan and map out routes.
• Pack a 5-day “go bag.”
• Choose a central, windowless room in your house to shelter in.
• Call your utility company to inform them that you have a CPAP machine.
• Set up your backup battery—plug it into the wall, plug your CPAP into the battery.
• Order spare mask and machine parts to avoid replacement delays.
• Gather CPAP cleaning supplies that do not require water.
• Check flashlights to make sure they work.
• Get a car charger or small rechargeable battery for smart devices.
• Check for a long extension cord that can reach safe areas in your home.
• If you are going to invest in a backup battery or generator, do it now.

During the hurricane

• Go to the area you will be sheltering in.
• Check-in with loved ones at scheduled times.
• Keep your CPAP in a go-bag when you aren't using it.
• If using a CPAP battery, turn off humidification.
• Listen to local radio or TV for emergency announcements.
• If running a generator, keep it outside your home.
• Clean your CPAP gear daily.
• Replace worn mask and machine parts on time.

After the hurricane

• Stay indoors until it’s safe to go outside.
• If you go outside, be careful and avoid downed power lines.
• Keep in mind you can still lose electricity.
• Stay up to date on power grid status updates. 
• Check for boil orders for the water supply.
• Try to avoid aggravating your airway during clean up.
• See a doctor if you develop a cough or trouble breathing.
• Restock hurricane supplies as soon as possible.
• Let your provider know if your CPAP machine was damaged.

Hurricane season can be especially worrisome if you rely on respiratory support to treat your sleep apnea. But ensuring hurricane preparedness for CPAP therapy doesn’t have to feel like a maze.

With the right tools and preparation, you can be ready for any storm. The key is to start planning now.

Prepare for being without electricity or clean water for at least a week. Gather necessary items, including backup power and cleaning supplies, to ensure you and your family are ready way before the storm even approaches.