This CPAP camping guide was written for anyone who uses a CPAP machine yet is nervous about venturing into going outdoors on vacation with the device.
Your next camping vacation doesn’t have to be ruined because you’ve been told you can’t go camping because of your sleep apnea; in fact, we’ll teach you how to make the most of it! There are essentially two ways to go about preparing for a camping trip while using a cpap machine. The two options are:
- Do not set up camp anywhere else than near a power source.
- Using a CPAP Battery to receive the treatment
We will examine the pros and cons of both in further depth below. So, let’s begin!
Camp With Electricity
Visiting a campground with electricity allows you to use your therapeutic equipment with more ease. You may find campgrounds and state parks that have power at every site if you look around. Anyone who uses a CPAP machine will appreciate the convenience of being able to plug it in.
If you’re using a heated humidifier with a battery-powered CPAP machine, you’ll notice that the battery will deplete much more quickly than it would without the humidifier. This will significantly cut into your therapy runtime. You may prevent this problem and obtain the full therapeutic advantages by plugging in.
Benefits: Powered campsites are popular because they are generally neat and tidy. They often have luxuries like a restroom, a shower, and Internet access.
Cons: There are a few downsides to using a campground that has electricity. On busy weekends, you may need to make a last-minute adjustment to your itinerary. They also draw a large number of people, so you won’t feel completely removed from the bustle of civilization, and they may get rather loud at peak times. A campground with electricity might not be for you if the best part of camping is being in a remote location, away from other people, or sleeping amongst natural beauty. In that scenario, you should look at other CPAP power options.
Taking Your Treatment Off the Grid
CPAP battery packs extend your range, but they have a finite lifespan, so your time away from civilization is still restricted. The average CPAP battery pack can last for two nights before it has to be recharged. It’s a good idea to have extra batteries if you intend to hike or journey far into the woods or up a mountain. With two or three of them on hand, you can stay away from home for much longer.
It’s easy to think that skipping your treatment for a few nights so you can spend more time in nature would make your vacation more pleasurable, but know that bringing your therapy along will almost surely result in a more delightful trip. If you don’t bring your CPAP machine on your trip, you won’t get the restful sleep, heightened focus, boundless energy, and steady disposition that come with using it. Instead, you’ll increase your chances of developing hypertension, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, and lessen the pleasure you get out of your trip overall. Although disassembling and reassembling your computer may be an inconvenience, you will be pleased you did it when you see the results.
Advantages: Many campers consider being “off the grid” to be the pinnacle of the camping experience, and this is impossible without a battery. Batteries allow us to go to any destination. Most are also APAP and CPAP compatible and have received approval for usage in air travel.
Alternative Power Sources for CPAP Machines
When you’re outdoor without access to electricity, you have two options for powering your CPAP machine:
- A deep-cycle lead-acid battery can be used.
- Making use of a CPAP battery pack
A deep cycle battery
Aside from being offered as batteries in car parts stores, deep-cycle batteries may also be found at most places that sell mobility scooters. While a cranking or starting battery (like the kind used in most personal automobiles) is made to discharge a huge amount of energy quickly before being recharged by an alternator, a deep-cycle battery is meant to supply continuous power over a lengthy period of time.
You may accomplish this in one of two ways:
- Inverter Use
- Use the machine’s DC cable to connect to a DC adapter.
Below, we’ll go into further depth on these topics.
Through the use of a Direct Current (DC) Adapter Cable
DC adapter cables link the battery’s positive and negative terminals via alligator clips. The electricity is then sent to a standard an outlet. Connecting the DC cord from your machine to the socket will allow you to use your device off of electric grid power supply. Some deep-cycle batteries already include a port, so you may connect them directly to your vehicle’s lighter socket.
Inverter Technology
The inverter takes the direct current (DC) from the battery and transforms it into alternating current (AC) that your device can use. You run the danger of ruining down your equipment if you don’t use this inverter. Make sure the inverter includes alligator clips so you can connect it to the deep cycle battery in your automobile. Then, you can just plug it in like you would with standard household current once the device converts the DC power.
However, there are downsides to using a vehicle battery to power your CPAP machine:
Vehicle batteries may be somewhat cumbersome. Vehicle batteries may be rather hefty; anyone who has ever had to change one will attest to this. Toting one about in a backpack for extended periods of time might be tiring. When packing for a lengthy camping trip, lithium-ion batteries are a much better option due to their small size and low weight.
Deep cycle batteries are not FAA-approved. Due to the hazardous and potentially dangerous compounds contained within deep-cycle lead-acid batteries, they cannot be used on a flight or packed in checked luggage. As a result, you won’t be allowed to bring one on an airplane with you. It might be challenging to recharge them as well. If you’re able to work around these restrictions, a deep cycle battery will make a fantastic addition to your camping gear.
Relying on a CPAP Battery Supply
Lighter and more reasonably priced CPAP batteries are contributing to the device’s rising popularity. Something to keep in mind with batteries is that there is no such thing as a universal battery. Some batteries are designed to accept direct current (DC) from certain types of machinery, but in most cases, an inverter will be required.
Air Liquide Healthcare simplifies calculating the power requirements of your medical device. Our website have section where you may get this data. Instead of trying to make any old battery work in your machine, it’s far easier to just plug in one that was made for it.
More to read: Wake up to the risks of Sleep Apnea