CPAP Advice

Topic: CPAP Advice (Read 1704 times) previous topic - next topic

CPAP Advice

January 15, 2019, 09:05:11 pm

Looks like I may need to begin using a CPAP for sleeping. Most threads look older so so thought I'd see current ideas about supplying power, machines that are space saving and any other general CPAP thoughts and suggestions. Not crazy about this!

Yes, we boondock as often as we can find the right spots.

Re: CPAP Advice

Reply #1 – January 15, 2019, 09:18:05 pm

Do you plan on boondocking?
How much power does the typical machine take?

Re: CPAP Advice

Reply #2 – January 15, 2019, 09:34:59 pm

I put a receptacle in the side of the bed and have it wired into the out put of the xfer relay. When not on shore power, it is powered from the inverter. I can run it all night with very little drain on house batteries. (drop in battery voltage is about 0.2 volts) You may have other loads on your inverter and total loading will affect how long you can stay off of shore power, or off of the generator. Sleeping with a CPAP machine is not so bad and you will get used to it. The hose does restrict movement some what. There are several ways to fit it to your nose, and I have found for me that the nose pillows work the best. Have a great day ---- Fritz

Re: CPAP Advice

Reply #3 – January 15, 2019, 10:56:20 pm

Just looked at my Resmed Airsense 10

120V 1 - 1.5amp input - likely actually uses less than that -

Hated the thought of a CPAP, (33 radiation treatments to throat caused significant scarring and sudden onset of sever sleep apnea (59 events per hour!!!)

Wow, what a difference in the amount of sleep and the quality of the sleep - took a bit of getting used to, but so much healthier short and especially long term

I insurance paying for the unit, you likely wont get much choice in the matter, the Resmed Airsense 10 is the unit the insurers like because they can remotely monitor compliance.

here is a link to the unit - options include heated tube - I also suggest you buy the SoClean machine as well. Makes life simple.

AirSense 10 CPAP | ResMed

CPAP Device, Mask Cleaning & Sanitizer Machine - SoClean CPAP Solutions

here is the phillips resperonics device that works the best for me (also need a chin strap to keep my mouth closed)

DreamWear Nasal sleep apnea mask - sleep the way you dream of | SleepApnea.com

Tim Fiedler

Sure Start Soft Start - home of SureStart soft starters TCER Direct - home of Generac Approved Aluminum and Copper TCER Composite cable generator-gas-prod - home of X-Riser Gas Risers for PE installation Call me at 630 240-9139
Gen-Pro

Re: CPAP Advice

Reply #4 – January 16, 2019, 12:14:52 am

We run loris Cpap machine with the air warmer and draw on batteries is minimal . Have the so-clean unit and run it when generator running. Every other day works great. Bedding down tonight in Desert hot springs tonight. Quartize tomorrow by 1PM if things go according to plan.

Re: CPAP Advice

Reply #5 – January 16, 2019, 07:31:13 am

When dry camping I turn the humidifier part of my CPAP off. It reduces battery draw through the night by not heating to produce the more moist air. At that point it's just a very small air pump.

Re: CPAP Advice

Reply #6 – January 16, 2019, 09:01:45 am

Randy, DW and I both use Cpap, I have found that what you start with ( Nose pillow-mask etc. ) you will probably stay with. Through the years have tried to change to newer type devices but I always go back to nose pillows --what I started with. Have talked to other people that started with something else and they have never changed
Agree with Tim, insurance companies like the remote monitoring on new machines. We have older units in MH and leave new one at home-- left on trip old machine no remote monitor Cpap company called me wanting to know why I wasn't using Cpap Had to explain situation they were not happy!
You will rest better once you get used to it and your significant other will appreciate no snoring
Chris

Re: CPAP Advice

Reply #7 – January 16, 2019, 10:34:03 am

Most CPAP's are actually 12v DC devices. The 110v brick converts to 12v DC. If this is true for yours, you can bypass the inverter and run it directly off of 12v if you get the correct power cord for your machine. I added a 12v accessory plug that taps directly into the 12v panel under the bed. If you're already running your inverter overnight for other purposes then this won't help much. If you're running it just for the CPAP it can save you quite a bit of battery power.

Re: CPAP Advice

Reply #8 – January 16, 2019, 10:37:37 am

Agree with Dale, with one caveat:

Some 12 VDC devices require 12.0 VDC, others "tolerate" the much wider range of voltage one will experience in an RV. So, I would verify with the manufacturer that it is OK to run on voltage from 11.8-14.3 VDC. If so, you are good to go on straight "12 VDC".

Re: CPAP Advice

Reply #9 – January 16, 2019, 02:58:26 pm

When using an inverter for electronic devices, keep in mind that "some" can be damaged by modified sine wave inverters.

Re: CPAP Advice

Reply #10 – January 16, 2019, 04:13:01 pm

when I was using my cpap machine I used a mask called a wisp. it wasn't to bad on my head and covered my nose like an oxygen mask at a hospital would but only my nose not mouth. I lost weight last year and my snoring subsided a lot and now the DW doesn't require me to wear it. I wasn't stopping breathing much at night, so wearing it didn't make me feel any more rested in the morning... GLAD to not be wearing it any more.. good luck with yours

Re: CPAP Advice

Reply #11 – January 17, 2019, 03:18:37 pm

Quote from: wolfe10 – January 16, 2019, 10:37:37 am

Agree with Dale, with one caveat:

Some 12 VDC devices require 12.0 VDC, others "tolerate" the much wider range of voltage one will experience in an RV. So, I would verify with the manufacturer that it is OK to run on voltage from 11.8-14.3 VDC. If so, you are good to go on straight "12 VDC".

The ResMed CPAP power is:
Battery output voltage
(24V/26V) Â± 0.5V, 90W continuous
according to specs on a portable battery backup device for ResMed machines
https://www.resmed.com/us/dam/documents/products/accessory/power-station-ii/fact-sheet/1015123_rps-II_fact-sheet_amer_eng.pdf

I also have one of the CPAP devices. The powerpack brick for it does say 24v but you have to go to the battery spec sheet for the acceptable voltage range.

The spec sheet for the power pack says
Long-lasting power
â€¢   Provides up to 13 hours of run time
on a single charge
â€¢   An external long-life, lithium-ion battery
â€¢   Can be charged to greater than 95%
in less than four hours

I figure the CPAP consumption is somewhere-around 7.5 amps or 60 amp/hrs for an overnight.

It looks like the powerpack would cost north of $400.
I intend to look at 12-to-24v transformers.
A 3-4 hr daily generator run would get obnoxious.

Amazon has 12-24v 240 watt converter for $20
Amazon.com: DC 12v to 24v Step up Converter Regulator 10A 240W Power Supply...

hth

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Re: CPAP Advice

Reply #12 – January 17, 2019, 04:07:49 pm

Another option is a small, cheap inverter. I've run mine, also a Resmed, many times from a $20 HF inverter with no problems.

200 Watt Continuous/400 Watt Peak Modified Sine Wave Power Inverter

For newer models, Resmed says modifiied sine wave is fine.

Travelling with CPAP, APAP or bilevel sleep apnea machines. FAQs | ResMed

Q. I am going camping. What do I need to run my sleep apnea machine?

A. You will need a marine or deep cycle battery – rated 50 amp hours or higher, plus one of the following:

For AirSense 10, AirCurve 10, Lumis and S9 machines, a ResMed converter is available from your nearest ResMed Accredited Outlet.

Alternatively, you can use a modified sine wave inverter with a continuous power rating of 150w or higher for these devices. (not for use with older machines using H2i, H3i or H4i humidifiers). Enquire about purchasing an inverter at your local electronics store.
For older machines using H2i, H3i or H4i humidifiers, you'll need a pure sine wave inverter with a continuous power rating of 300w and a peak/surge rating of 500w.

Re: CPAP Advice

Reply #13 – January 17, 2019, 06:27:43 pm

Don't use a cpap the wife does,think if I was going to get one I would get the best model for my health and worry how good or bad
it would work in my motorhome later.

Re: CPAP Advice

Reply #14 – January 17, 2019, 08:36:09 pm

I might add to the thoughts that some states require usage data reports if you are using CPAP machines if you hold a commercial drivers license, are a pilot with a Class 1, 2, or 3 medical, are a fireman or policeman, etc. To avoid the reporting hassles, some of these persons purchase used equipment which keeps the shielded from having to report minimum hours of sleep. You can find good used equipment for sale saving substantial dollars; you will need to purchase your own preferred breathing mask (nasal pillows, full mask, or any number of options). The latest DreamMachine will work for you in your RV, it will work with supplied 120V that steps down to 12V; plus unit works with or without humidifier. I have two units, one in home and one in RV. Most units are now automatic thus they will work out of the box up to 20; if you need higher airflow you will need technicians to set same for you. I have 2 or 3 machines that I have as I progressed up to DreamMachine. Lastly, prices will vary greatly; do some shopping as you can purchase your own new machine, in most cases,cheaper than what your copay will be with an insurance provider. Hope this helps, let me know if you need more specifics.

Re: CPAP Advice

Reply #15 – January 20, 2019, 08:09:08 pm

They make small battery packs that u can use also, for dry camping. They should last for about 8 to 9 hours. Could be charged with a small solar panel or generator.

Re: CPAP Advice

Reply #16 – January 21, 2019, 08:57:22 am

We ran both our cpaps on the inverter and had no troubles. The solar on the roof helped with the battery drain when doing extended boondocking. Had about 90 incidences per hour before cpap and NEVER sleep without it. I sleep so much better.

Re: CPAP Advice

Reply #17 – January 25, 2019, 12:16:56 am

Another idea.

For boondocking I use a small Lithium 400 watt hour "Solar Generator" purchased off Amazon, I get about 3 days on CPAP and then I just charge up the battery pack in the Car/Solar/120V... I have a few choices. Mine is a Suaoki you can get a Goal Zero, but expect to pay a bit more.
Amazon.com : SUAOKI 400Wh/120, 000mAh Portable Generator Power Station Power...

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Re: CPAP Advice

Reply #18 – February 14, 2019, 09:03:23 pm

Before you spend a lot of time making a CPAP work in the coach make sure you can tolerant using a CPAP.

A lot of folks try but after a short time they quit using it.

My old REMstar has a 12v and 110v power cables. The down side to 12v is it will not run the heater.

Re: CPAP Advice

Reply #19 – February 14, 2019, 10:49:07 pm

Well, about 2 weeks into the CPAP at home. Getting better but so far still waking several times a night...sore neck from doing something during the night and a bit of a sore jaw. I'll make the 21 nites of at least 4 hours /nite to satisfy Medicare. Time will tell.

Installed a 12v cigarette lighter at the foot of the bed and the 12v cord for the Phillips Dreamstation is long enough to make it to the bedside table. Will try camping with it later this month for the first time.

Don't like the heat...so far only using humidifier without heated hose. Will try without either when we camp although of this trip we'll have 50 amp.

Re: CPAP Advice

Reply #20 – February 14, 2019, 11:47:26 pm

Don't be afraid to try different masks, and adjust size/fit. It can/will make a world of difference.

I use resperonics dream wear with a chin strap. Least offensive i have found

http://www.thecpapshop.com/respironics-dreamwear-nasal-cpap-mask-1?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Shopping%20-%20All%20Products&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI8rCZ1va84AIVSgOGCh2fegpOEAQYASABEgJ2uPD_BwE

Consequence (among many) of not using crap when indicated is congestive heart failure. Worth it for your longevity and quality of life to figure this out. Weight loss can also lessen the need for CPAP (along with lowering a bunch of health risks such as type 2 diabetes.

I got apnea after radiation treatments on my throat - even at 350 pounds I didn't have apnea, but at 220 after radiation treatment I developed severe apnea (59 events an hour...)

Hang in there, it is worth it....

Re: CPAP Advice

Reply #21 – February 15, 2019, 10:13:48 am

Steve, we DW and I both have been on c-pap for over 10 years, as Tim said once you get used to it the system is well worth the learning curve. When I went in for testing I had only been asleep for less than 1 hr and the tech came in and put a Cpap on me.
His comment was something to the effect of" I don't want you dying on my watch"
Also, you can use it dry but your nasal passages may dry out and cause a lot of irritation. I usually run water with low or no heat and that gives me enough moisture to avoid irritation.
good luck
Chris

Re: CPAP Advice

Reply #22 – February 15, 2019, 05:00:41 pm

When I was using a cpap machine I used a mask called a Wisp. Covered my nose like an oxygen mask at a hospital , only covered my nose not my mouth

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