How to Choose Portable Power Station for a CPAP Machine?
Table of Contents
Top Rated Portable Power Station for a CPAP Machine
How much power does a CPAP machine need?
The increasing number of sleep apnea and similar sleeping disorders have also caused the number of CPAP machines to rise. Although using CPAP machines are standard in households, it has started to gain acceptance to travel in RV or camp outdoors without compromising using a CPAP machine.
Generally, CPAP machines require up to 60 Watts to function per hour if there is no heated humidifier. The power requirement will rise to 100 Watts if a heated humidifier is present. The pressure settings of the machine also influence power consumption. If set in average pressure up to 12 cm H2O, the power consumption would be between 30 Watts and 60 Watts, and any pressure higher than 12 cm would cause the power requirement to rise above 100 Watts.
A version of CPAP machines called portable or travel CPAP machines are built to work more efficiently, which requires only between 5 Watts to 20 Watts to operate per hour. This lower power consumption is due to the absence of water humidification from the systems.
Bi-Level PAP machines draw around 60 Watts to 150 Watts of power, whereas ASV machines, a powerful variant of CPAP machines, need around 950 Watts maximum to function for an hour.
The age of the CPAP machine could also influence the power requirement of the machine. It is observed that while the latest model CPAP machines work with 60-65 Watts, a year older CPAP machines require at least 90 Watts to function.
Why do you need a portable power station for a CPAP machine?
Ensures safe travel and camping
Unlike in the past decades, CPAP machines are made in portable and compact sizes and designs. Such smaller CPAP machines can be operated 24×7 with an appropriate portable power station capable of providing enough power. This allows patients with sleep disorders to not miss out on any fun from camping or traveling without compromising safety, as portable power stations power the CPAP machines whenever necessary.
Safety during emergency power outages
Emergency or surprise power outages are often a nightmare for people with sleep disorders as it hinders the operation of CPAP machines. A portable power station for a CPAP machine in the household could help sort this problem out.
Ideal for patients in off-grid areas
People who are staying off the electricity grid often find it difficult to power essential medical devices like CPAP machines, and keeping a portable power station present for such emergencies would help prevent it from worsening. For off-grid areas, solar-compatible portable power stations will be much more helpful.
Noiseless operation
CPAP machines are mainly used at night and are expected to provide a peaceful sleep to the user. Thus, it is not acceptable for the power source to cause any noise while operating the machine. Unlike fuel-powered generators, portable power stations do not cause any noise during their operation and, thus, let the patient use the CPAP machine calmly at night or during sleeping.
It does not produce any toxic gas
As a CPAP machine is all about clearing breathing problems during sleep, it is essential for its power source not to produce any toxic fumes or gases. A fuel generator would cause the expelling of harmful gases, whereas portable power stations ensure that no poisonous gases are produced. Portable power stations are the ideal solution to maintain healthy sleep without toxic fumes.
How to choose a portable power station for a CPAP machine?
Capacity and output wattage
The amount of wattage required for a CPAP machine varies according to the model, year of manufacture, pressure settings, etc., and a portable power station for a CPAP machine should thus be bought only after considering these essential features of the concerned CPAP machine.
A household CPAP machine would require 30 Watts to 100 Watts depending on the presence of a humidifier in the system. Thus, the portable power station for household CPAP machines should be able to provide at least 100 Watts, considering the possibility of surge wattage. Also, the portable power station for a household CPAP machine should be already connected to the household circuit so that as soon as the power goes off, the CPAP machine can switch to the portable power station to avoid any break in functioning.
Regarding portable CPAP machines that only require less than 20 Watts, portable power stations that range from around 50 Watts to 100 Watts would be more than enough. But the output wattage of the portable power station should be calculated accordingly based on the other possible devices that need to be connected. Also, the power station should retain the battery capacity for up to eight continuous hours, as it would be fatal if it fails to power the machine during the user’s sleep.
Output port
A standard CPAP machine uses AC to operate the system, and thus, it would be ideal to have the portable power station have at least one dedicated AC output port to connect the CPAP machine. But even if the portable power station does not have an AC outlet but only a DC outlet, the CPPA machine will work fine with an appropriate DC adapter. Also, if the user chooses to pick a DC output-only power station, it would be better to have a built-in inverter so that the AC appliances like CPAP machines can be adequately powered.
It is also advisable to dedicate a specific outlet for the CPPA machine as they are sensitive devices that require a steady flow of energy without any surge. Several CPPA machines have been introduced into the market, which feature compatibility with USB charging. Thus, if the user is still unsure about which CPAP machine to buy and use, it is ideal to buy a portable power station with USB output ports and AC and DC outlets.
Recharge Time
A portable power station for a CPAP machine can be highly flexible regarding recharge time. It is because of the flexible time and duration in which the CPAP machines are used. They are not used throughout the day, demanding a constant supply of power 24×7. They are only required when the user needs some sleep. So, the maximum usage of the machine would be between four to eight hours a day. So, the portable power station for a CPAP machine is expected to operate up to 8 hours a day and can be put in to recharge the system during the rest of the day.
So, when purchasing a portable power station for a CPAP machine, recharge time is not much of a concern as long as it provides up to eight hours of continuous power. Also, it need not support pass-through charging as the power station would have enough time to charge the system completely.
Power Source
Regarding power sources, battery-powered portable power stations are one of the best options for a CPAP machine. A standard 100 W battery pack would provide at least four to six hours of continuous service for the CPAP machine, making it ideal to use at night. These portable power stations can be recharged later in the day while not in use. Another advantage of using electricity or battery as the power source is that the noise and fumes would be kept to a minimum and causes little to no interference to the user during sleep.
Solar-powered portable power stations are another excellent power source for CPAP machines. Solar-powered power stations’ clean and safe energy is highly suitable for operating sensitive CPAP machines. One of the downfalls of solar-powered power stations is the longer hours taken for them to recharge completely. But this downfall is a boon when it comes to operating CPAP machines as they are only expected to be operated for a short while at night, and thus, the power stations can be put to recharge even an entire day before being used at night.
Dimensions and Net Weight
CPAP machines are lightweight, compact, and ideal for long hours of travel. They are even allowed to be taken along on flights. So, when buying a portable power station for a CPAP machine, the possibility of traveling with it should also be considered. As a CPAP machine could be on a flight, the portable power station should also be lightweight enough to be carried on flights and mobile enough to be handled even by a single individual during long travels or flights.
So, it is ideal for keeping the net weight of the portable power station for CPAP machines to less than 10 pounds, especially if you are always on the go and need a reliable power source for your CPAP machine.
Conclusion
CPAP machines are considered lifesavers by many across the world, and the changing times are demanding such emergency equipment to be taken along with the users wherever they go. During emergency power outages, outdoor camping, longer hours of travel, etc., powering a CPAP machine could cause great concern to the user, and portable power stations for CPAP machines are the best solution to break free of such problems.
A reliable portable power station for a CPAP machine would let the user sleep peacefully at night without worrying about surprise power outages halting the CPAP machine. The portable power station options are immense because the CPAP machine only requires less than 100 Watts of power per hour. Purchasing a solar-compatible battery-powered mobile power station with AC, DC, and USB output ports and standard recharging time would be all a CPAP machine needs to function relentlessly for whatever time the user expects from it.
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