CPAP Power Solutions

As society becomes more mobile and travel becomes more frequent, taking your CPAP machine with you when you're on the go is becoming a necessity. That's why batteries and other power solutions are now so popular in the CPAP world today. The most important thing to take away from this introduction to CPAP batteries is this: not all batteries will work for all machines. The type of battery you need often is dictated by the type of machine you have. Start by browsing the different types of CPAP batteries we offer to find a CPAP power supply that suits your needs. 

A lithium-Ion battery is the newest type of rechargeable battery to come on the market in recent years and has the ability to provide a lot of power in a small and portable size. These days, you can find lithium-ion batteries almost anywhere: cell phones, drones, computers, and especially CPAP machines.

CPAP batteries vary widely in the amount of time they last on a single charge. Some batteries will only work with your machine by using an inverter. Inverters draw power from the battery pack as well as the machine, so run times will be significantly less when using an inverter as opposed to using the battery to only power the machine.

Battery run times will also be affected by the CPAP machine pressure settings. A higher pressure setting ultimately means reduced battery run times. Some batteries can last between one and two nights, or longer depending on a lot of factors including if you need a higher pressure, or if you use humidification. There is a third factor that can impact the run times of your portable CPAP battery: altitude. If you're traveling to a higher elevation, the air is thin and so to get the air to the required pressure, the machine needs to work harder. This can also be a drain on the battery. To ensure you have enough power, it may help to have a second battery.

Ultimately, how much wattage your CPAP device uses depends on the machine itself, though CPAP machines use between 40-80 watts on average. While a portable travel CPAP machine could run as low as 7-15W, a robust bedside unit with a heated humidifier could run upwards of 100W or more. Be sure to check with the manufacturer for the most up-to-date and machine-specific information.

Most Sleep Apnea Machines today are designed to operate on both AC and DC power. In the United States, the AC current from a wall outlet is 110 volts. Overseas, the AC current is usually 220 or 240 volt. Most batteries produce 12 volt DC current.

We include information about the power needs and capacities for each device on its respective product page. Please see the "POWER" tab on any machine product page for this information. You can also see a summary of the voltage range and whether it can be used on DC power on our Compare Charts.

If you're looking to find all compatible replacement parts for your machine, check out the following part finder pages:

• AirSense 11 Parts
• AirSense 10 Parts
• AirSense 9 Parts
• DreamStation Parts
• Luna 2 Parts
• Z2 Auto Parts
• AirMini Parts
• DreamStation Go Parts

Most CPAP machines don't have a built-in battery backup system that can power the machine when the power goes out, or when traveling or camping. Due to their size and cost, batteries are typically sold as accessories to CPAP machines, and not actually sold with the CPAP machine itself. If you want to be prepared in the event of a power outage, having a backup power supply can ensure you don’t miss a day of your CPAP therapy.

For longer battery use, we suggest using a deep-cycle marine battery to power your CPAP machine. A deep-cycle marine battery is heavier than an ordinary CPAP power supply, but it has many advantages. The battery is easily found at auto shops and it provides power to the machine for an extended period of time. For example, a CPAP machine set at 10 cm H20 and charged on a deep-cycle marine battery will usually last three nights before it needs to be recharged.

There are small, portable battery packs that will operate a CPAP set at 10cm for at least one night, or about eight hours, but may struggle to perform at higher settings and even be unable, in some cases, to operate alongside a humidifier. CPAP.com sells full Battery Kits that come with everything needed to run your machine off battery power including the correct cables needed for your machine. On each battery kit page, you can input your machine and pressure setting to see an estimated battery life for your machine.

Finally, it’s worth noting that some systems require a proprietary signal from the power cord, and using a non-branded power cord can even void your warranty in the event of an electrical short. It’s important to use only power accessories you know are compatible with your CPAP device.