CPAP user (2 Viewers)

[DumfriesDik]

Does anyone else use a CPAP machine? How do you get on with it in the moho? Is it noisy, does it vibrate do you have enough power to last the night?

 

[rb62]

I have a ResMed S9 autoset that I use with their 12v converter,it uses less than 1 amp an hour. The power use increases significantly if you have to use a humidifier as heat is involved. It runs very quietly and I don't get any complaints from OH.

 

[scotzsue]

John uses CPAP, usually 2 leisure batteries and solar, and no problem powerwise, 12volt system less power hungry than using an inverter,our hospital supplied the best machine for 12v we had to supply the 12v lead though. Not sure how this new van will do not ha the chance to test it off grid as we bought just before lockdown.
I find his new machine less rhythmic and soothing than his last but am sure I will get used to it. He doesn't use a humidifier.

 

[DumfriesDik]

Thanks rb62 I also have the ResMed S9 autoset. I don't use a humidifier so it looks like I could be good to go. Glad to hear it is quite.

 

[DumfriesDik]

Thanks scotzsue that gives me a lot of confidence.

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[rb62]

Some useful info here

https://www.resmed.com/us/dam/documents/articles/198103_battery-guide_glo_eng.pdf

 

[DumfriesDik]

That is what I couldn't find rb62 and answers a lot of my questions. Many thanks all.

 

[Pausim]

I have used a CPAP machine for 20 years. I have a second machine (Resmed S9) with humidifier permanently set up in the motorhome. I use an inverter (pure sine wave) which is probably a little more power hungry than the 12V converter but I have other reasons for wanting to run an inverter. No more problem with noise and vibrations than at home.

A 100Ah LiFePO4 can keep me going for 2 days. I now back it up with an Efoy fuel cell but previously used solar which was ok in summer and is cheaper.

 

[DumfriesDik]

Just a quick update on how I am getting on.

We have done a few times now, two nights off grid with no problems. Even watched some (1.5hrs) telly one night! Many thanks for your help and advice.

Out of interest I have two 100amp batteries (not lithium) and solar. Also installed a shunt etc so I could see the state of charge.

 

[scotzsue]

we have had the opportunity to use van off grid, 1 battery think it is 100ah 160/180 solar. Lasted 5 days at Chester. Discovered too that the charger had been switched off by accident, for probably a year, so has not been getting charged apart from when on the move and via solar.

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[ThinkingAbout]

I’m awaiting my CPAP machine, does this mean we’ll always have to be on EHU?

 

[Pausim]

I’m awaiting my CPAP machine, does this mean we’ll always have to be on EHU?

No. I use an inverter but for most cpaps you can get a 12v power pack.

 

[rb62]

I’m awaiting my CPAP machine, does this mean we’ll always have to be on EHU?

Can I politely suggest you read this thread from the beginning,plenty of info there

 

[Puddleduck]

Martin has a CPAP and we have the 12v adapter. Even without a battery boost (solar or engine) we can last 3 nights on the primary 135 kwh leisure battery but we also have a second (100 kwh) battery which is reserved for emergency CPAP use.

It is quite important to use the adapter for the machine and (unless you are a long distance lorry driver who needs to sleep in the lorry for example) you will have to fund the adapter even if the machine is NHS funded ..... at least that is the case in Scotland, England / Wales and NI may have different rules.

 

[scotzsue]

Our NHS provided everything except the 12V lead the machine works on 12 volt so using an inverter to plugin mains which takes it back down to to 12V is a bit, to my mind, daft
it is a DEVilbiss sleep cube.

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[DumfriesDik]

There are a couple of options for you to breath off grid.

If you have leisure batteries, you can power via an inverter.

You could buy a portable electric generator and power it from that.

Or you could buy a dedicated battery for your CPAP. Assuming you can.

Of course consideration needs to be given on how to recharge the power source. Be it solar, hook up or vehicle alternator.

I hope that’s enough to be going on with. Google is your friend for specific products.

I hope it goes well with the CPAP for you.

 

[TheBig1]

Brenda has a resmed S9 and we run it using a 12v power supply I bought from amazon for about £10. Tried a universal laptop charger first, but the tip is different to the closest Laptop tip. We can do 10+ days off grid using it every night, plus tv etc

 

[nickw22000]

Does anyone else use a CPAP machine? How do you get on with it in the moho? Is it noisy, does it vibrate do you have enough power to last the night?

My CPAP is a Phillips DreamStation, which is a 12v device. The mains unit is a transformer to convert 240v AC to12v DC so I don’t use it in the van, simply plug into a 12v socket. It isn’t noisy with or without humidifier.

 

[Pausim]

My Resmed AirSense 10 needs a 24V DC supply so it needs either an inverter or an adapter. If you have a humidifier it gets it’s power from the CPAP but uses a bit more power.

 

[Puddleduck]

My Resmed AirSense 10 needs a 24V DC supply so it needs either an inverter or an adapter. If you have a humidifier it gets it’s power from the CPAP but uses a bit more power.

Martin's new machine is the same make and model.

This is the correct 12 v adapter for this machine:

ResMed DC/DC Converter for AirSense 10 | ResMed Official Shop UK

ResMed DC/DC konverter til AirSense 10 er designet til at tage med, når du har dit CPAP-apparat med på rejser. Et køretøj kan være en strømkilde.

shop.resmed.com

If you have certain medical conditions you won't be charged the VAT if you complete the declaration so make sure you can do that!

This is the battery pack for it:

Power Station and Cable for AirSense 10 | ResMed Shop UK

Useful battery kit for your AirSense device which allows you to use your device wherever you go without access to a plug or power source.

shop.resmed.com

but in a motorhome with 12v (or 240v on EHU) there is no need to spend that sort of money.

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[WildBunch]

I have had a ResMed S9 for 7 years approx. I have successfully used it, both on our boat & now the MH. Unfortunately the ResMed gear runs at 30 +volts approx. The base unit was provided by the NHS but without a 12 volt converter unit which you have to purchase direct from ResMed. Initially I thought the £60 (approx) for the supply was a bit expensive. However it is a good bit of kit, it is powerful enough to run the base unit , humidifier & the heated air hose. I have not had any problems to date. I only use the humidifier when on hookup, due to high current draw. I have a 150 W solar into 2 X 90 AH lead acid batteries. This works fine, 4-5 days off grid no problem, longer in the summer.
Note if you run the Cpap unit at 230 v from an inverter you will be drawing more current from the habitation battery. Most inverters have a base current of 1 to 2 amps which you will have to add to the actual current drawn by the Cpap unit.
I have now been given a replacement Cpap AirSense 10, which needs a different 12 volt converter unit. Thus I still use the original ResMed S9 in the van & keep the new unit at home.

 

[scotzsue]

John’s last machine was a resumed, his new one seems to be much more efficient electric wise, but does not have the same rhythmic sound. i have got used to it and can sleep through it.

 

[autorouter]

This is the battery pack for it:

Power Station and Cable for AirSense 10 | ResMed Shop UK

Useful battery kit for your AirSense device which allows you to use your device wherever you go without access to a plug or power source.

shop.resmed.com

but in a motorhome with 12v (or 240v on EHU) there is no need to spend that sort of money.

Just to add some numbers to this, might make you more confident using the MH battery. The Resmed battery pack has a capacity of about 100Wh (watt-hours). Depending on whether you use the humidifier, it lasts for 14hr or just over 3 hours.

A typical MH leisure battery (100Ah) has a capacity of 1200Wh, of which about 50% is usable, so that's 600Wh. That's six times the capacity of a Resmed pack. Actually I think the Resmed pack is 97Wh, which is just below the 100Wh limit for batteries on aircraft.

 

[DumfriesDik]

My CPAP is a Phillips DreamStation, which is a 12v device. The mains unit is a transformer to convert 240v AC to12v DC so I don’t use it in the van, simply plug into a 12v socket. It isn’t noisy with or without humidifier.

Thanks for that and I am pleased to say that after a season with the van, no adverse problems what so ever. I am very happy, as are the campers around me!!

 

[Puddleduck]

I have had a ResMed S9 for 7 years approx. I have successfully used it, both on our boat & now the MH. Unfortunately the ResMed gear runs at 30 +volts approx. The base unit was provided by the NHS but without a 12 volt converter unit which you have to purchase direct from ResMed. Initially I thought the £60 (approx) for the supply was a bit expensive. However it is a good bit of kit, it is powerful enough to run the base unit , humidifier & the heated air hose. I have not had any problems to date. I only use the humidifier when on hookup, due to high current draw. I have a 150 W solar into 2 X 90 AH lead acid batteries. This works fine, 4-5 days off grid no problem, longer in the summer.
Note if you run the Cpap unit at 230 v from an inverter you will be drawing more current from the habitation battery. Most inverters have a base current of 1 to 2 amps which you will have to add to the actual current drawn by the Cpap unit.
I have now been given a replacement Cpap AirSense 10, which needs a different 12 volt converter unit. Thus I still use the original ResMed S9 in the van & keep the new unit at home.

When Martin's machine was changed he asked if he could keep the old and new one and offered to buy the old one but that was refused.

I understand as there would have to be service for two machines plus filters, masks etc - and they were not compatible.

It is worth asking though as the policy may vary from place to place.

John’s last machine was a resumed, his new one seems to be much more efficient electric wise, but does not have the same rhythmic sound. i have got used to it and can sleep through it.

I wake up when the machine goes off for more than a few minutes I am so used to the reassuring noise.

Better that the snoring and then lack of breathing and shuddering when he started to breath again ..... also he doesn't have as many bruises from my digs at him to make him turn over and stop snoring.

Tests showed he stopped breathing more than a hundred times during a typical night

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[Pausim]

I have bought an S9 for the motorhome, saves carting my NHS AirSense 10 backwards and forwards. They both have pressure relief when breathing out, which I find a lot more comfortable than my earlier machines that did not have the facility.

 

[Sandyt]

Resmed AirSense 10 Autoset at home, AirMini in the motorhome and when travelling. AirMini has a cartridge system for humidification, no water or heater, therefore can be used at any angle and minimal power requirements, so great to travel with. Change cartridge every 30 days. Very happy with the setup, so is my good lady!

 

[Marlin2022]

Hi, can anyone tell me what 12v adapter I need for a Philips dreamstation CPAP machine please. I am getting confused between a 'shielded' lead and a 12v power lead and also I cannot find out if I have a dreamstation 1 or 2 machine. I've attached photos ( hopefully)
Thanks. Linda

 

[bubble63]

Hi, can anyone tell me what 12v adapter I need for a Philips dreamstation CPAP machine please. I am getting confused between a 'shielded' lead and a 12v power lead and also I cannot find out if I have a dreamstation 1 or 2 machine. I've attached photos ( hopefully)
Thanks. Linda



View attachment 873460

View attachment 873461

Philips make a 12v lead for this machine , google is your friend

 

[Red Sonja]

I would think this would be fine. If in doubt check with the hospital. Dreamstation 1 has no humidifier. Dreamstation 2. Has.

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