Medical Equipment

[dreadcptflint]

Has anyone done an electrical setup for a CPAP machine? Any tips would be helpful since getting my machine a couple of months ago.

Did you keep it DC or did you go with AC?
Did you use several batteries or did you do a solar option?
How did you maintain the machine at a lower level than you?
Did you put in a surge protector?

When my family goes out it can be as long as ten days in one location or as short as a couple of hours. Running out of juice for the machine really sucks as it has happened a couple of trips now and I would like to fix that in near the future with my build. Any pictures would be helpful.

(A CPAP machine is used in treating my sleep apnoea. If I don't have it then simply put I choke in my sleep about every 45 seconds.)

[Phil & Ningning]

I spent all last week in my teardrop with my cpap. The machine operates on 12 volts so using the AC converter for it would simply be a waste through inverter losses. I was a bit worried about losing power for it so I just hitched up the tear and towed it into town a couple of times during the week to charge the battery from my truck. I don't know how long the battery will last running the machine without charging. The AC power supply for it is rated for a 12 volt output at over 4 amps, but I don't think it draws that much current.

Three nights straight was no problem. my battery is 115 ah.

[flygal6]

I used my Resmed Vantage a couple of weekends ago. I usually camp where I always have shore power available for various electrical needs, esp now with CPAP. My CPAP sits normally on the shelf at the head of my bed, slightly elevated above and have never had any problems with the elevation. In the teardrop it sat in the cubby where a TV could sit (see album, probably about 18" above the matress) Only problem with that set up is I really need a 9' vs 6' hose for enough leeway to turn with it. I also like to suspend the hose over my head for turning, so I don't have to fight with the hose all night. At home I use a hose hanging device I built out of PVC pipe, which fits under the matress (PM me if you are interested in pics of that) So for the trailer I put a hair scrunchy on the hose and loop it through the rotating round handle on the fantastic fan roof vent, which keeps it suspended during sleep, out of the way. Am also currently looking at purchasing more of a travel unit. My reseach into the final choice will include one that converts simply to 12volt with an adapter. This would be a nice alternative in case the power goes out. I have seen some out there. Hope this helps some.
Carol

[billnut]

CPAP??

[sdtripper2]

:o CPAP??

CPAP stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure and these
machines blow a fixed amount of air pressure, specifically set for each
patient, constantly throughout the night or sleep cycle.

[dreadcptflint]

Thanks for the tips. unfortunately, I have to deal with the elevation as I have not been able to match up the different humidity changes. (Last night I was gurgling a bit). I don't like the idea of striking camp too much so I will probly have to use at least two batteries or do a solar charger.

[Nobody]

My hunting partner uses a 12v CPAP. We've hunted together for more years than I care to count & his CPAP accompanies us on every trip. He uses a Group 27 Deep Cycle battery & last year on a weeklong hunt waaay out on the Montana prairie we used my Honda Eu2000i for only two 3hr charges @ I believe 8amps. Worked great. My grandaughter's husband uses an 115vAC CPAP with an inverter when shore power is not available. With the inverter he has to do a full charge his Gp27 battery at least every 2nd day??

[dreadcptflint]

My grandaughter's husband uses an 115vAC CPAP with an inverter when shore power is not available. With the inverter he has to do a full charge his Gp27 battery at least every 2nd day??

That sounds a lot like my current situation. My back up battery only holds about an 18 hour charge so after the second night I have to charge it or suffer through the nights.

[Phil & Ningning]

A 12 volt cpap is a must. I believe most newer units are of this design.

[flygal6]

If you go to cpaptalk.com which is a sleep apnea forum, go into the yellow lightbulb and look under travel I believe there is a link to a list showing all sorts of topics and peoples ideas and suggestions for battery packs, solar power etc. This might be the most useful. Esp if you look under camping while on the site. That site is a wealth of info!
Carol

[sdtripper2]

If you go to cpaptalk.com which is a sleep apnea forum, go into the yellow lightbulb and look under travel I believe there is a link to a list showing all sorts of topics and peoples ideas and suggestions for battery packs, solar power etc. This might be the most useful. Esp if you look under camping while on the site. That site is a wealth of info!
Carol

Thank you Carol:

Battery, camping and other power options for CPAP Clicky

[flygal6]

Thanks Steve.....you are the walking dictionary and my "Linky Master"

[dreadcptflint]

If you go to cpaptalk.com which is a sleep apnea forum, go into the yellow lightbulb and look under travel I believe there is a link to a list showing all sorts of topics and peoples ideas and suggestions for battery packs, solar power etc. This might be the most useful. Esp if you look under camping while on the site. That site is a wealth of info!
Carol

Thank you for pointing out cpaptalk.com. It looks like they have a ton of info.

[sunny16]

I've just suffered for a night or two and not taken the "machine" with me camping yet. It has been difficult to sleep on those trips but since I have never known exactly what is needed for the machine, i just left it home. Maybe I should use it at home one weekend to see how long the battery will last. It's great to see there are more "hoseheads" that use teardrops. I hope I didn't offend anyone with the "hosehead" term. CPAP has been a good thing for me. Been on a machine for over two and a half years now.

[dreadcptflint]

hope I didn't offend anyone with the "hosehead" term.

Nope I couldn't be offended by that. My term is my Blue Velvet time.