CPAP and airstreaming

mn1986 · #1 02-03-2010, 11:06 PM

So, I use a CPAP every night at home and I wonder how I will run my CPAP in the airstream when I am not connected to "shorepower"? It has been suggested that I use an inverter, but I don't know how much it will draw and hence how long I can be "off the grid" before I need to find an electrical outlet to charge my battery. Suggestions? Experience with CPAPs and airstreaming.

SierraBreeze · #2 02-04-2010, 12:44 AM

One of our members used CPAP and I think still does. Our Unit boondocks 99% of the time. I don't know the details but they use their generator to run the unit. They've never had any problems doing that. They are very considerate and told us that they needed to use the generator all night. They make sure and park in such a way that any noise is minimal for the rest of us. If I find out any more details, I'll pass them along.

wkerfoot · #3 02-04-2010, 01:01 AM

Talk to the supplier of your CPAP and purchase a 12V power plug, you won't need to run a generator all night or be connected to shore power.

Bill

RickDavis · #4 02-04-2010, 07:43 AM

I have known people to run them all night on an inverter. I don't know the actual current and it probably varies with different units.
In a few weeks I will be visiting someone who has one and will try to measure the actual current draw at 12 volts when using an inverter.
If no one comes up with a number I will report back then.

In a rest area on I 75 heading for FL

RickDavis · #5 02-05-2010, 11:58 AM

Just recceived the following info from my friend who measured the power draw on a 120 volt circuit using a "kill a watt" meter

Starting load is 28 watts and run load is 13 watts on her machine

This would translate to about 1.25 amps for a running load, allowing a bit for the losses in the inverter. Roughly equivelant to running a 1141 bulb.

That is 10 amp hours per 8 hour period so you should easily be good for several days or more depending on the number of batteries and how much you use for other things.

boondocking in the osceola nat. forest near "Lake City, FL

mn1986 · #6 02-06-2010, 08:53 AM

What great responses! We only have one battery, so I am going to explore how to add an additional battery. I have watched some of the videos and it looks like the batteries should be in a vented container. I am anxious to get into our trailer (currently covered in snow in a stroage area).
Jim

Silvertwinkie · #7 02-06-2010, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mn1986

What great responses! We only have one battery, so I am going to explore how to add an additional battery. I have watched some of the videos and it looks like the batteries should be in a vented container. I am anxious to get into our trailer (currently covered in snow in a stroage area).
Jim

I have to agree, particularly with the thorough response by Rick. I also use those kill a watt meters and they are very useful to have.

r.millie9 · #8 02-08-2010, 03:44 PM

I also use a C-PAP at night. I've found that the 12 Volt adaptor available with the C-PAP will work well by setting a12 Volt Battery behind the trailer and running a cord thru the back locker door up to the bedside night stand to the machine. A Group 27 deep cycle battery should run the machine two nights without needing recharging, which can be done during the day with the generator. Buy using this extra battery the trailer batteries are available for other power uses.

mn1986 · #9 02-08-2010, 07:45 PM

Thanks, I assume you CPAP had some kind of 12v adapter. I may need to use an inverter my medical supplier did not think there was a 12v for this machine

wkerfoot · #10 02-08-2010, 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mn1986

Thanks, I assume you CPAP had some kind of 12v adapter. I may need to use an inverter my medical supplier did not think there was a 12v for this machine

Take a look at the manual for the CPAP, it may have information which your supplier is not aware of.

Bill