For many sufferers, sleep apnoea means not being able to truly explore off-grid due to the requirement for constant and reliable power to use CPAP machines or other life-saving devices.
For the one in ten Australians suffering from sleep apnoea, getting away for a few nights can be a daunting activity, especially if you’re limited to locations that must have access to power to run a CPAP machine. With some people waking up more than 20 times per hour each night, sleep apnoea not only affects sleep quality, it can negatively impact many aspects of day-to-day life. Let’s take a look at the power requirements of a CPAP machine and how you can still get off-grid and go camping with the right equipment.
Overview
- How many watts do you need to run a CPAP machine?
- Portable power for a CPAP machine when camping
- Converting DC to AC inverter to run a CPAP machine
- Power performance of the GoBlock
- Keeping your GoBlock charged
- Reliable power for a CPAP machine
How many watts do you need to run a CPAP machine?
A CPAP machine uses on average 30-60W per hour, depending on the model and pattern of use. This is a general estimate, so we recommend monitoring the battery charge of the power system you use to take a CPAP machine camping. The good news is that with power usage this low, you can camp for several days without needing to drive or recharge a portable power source.
Portable power for a CPAP machine when camping
REDARC’s GoBlock, is a reliable portable power solution to keep your CPAP machine going while you’re camping as it is purpose-built to thrive in Australia's harshest conditions.
The GoBlock offers flexible charge options ranging from 7.5amp AC mains to pre-charge it before you leave the house, or a cigarette socket trickle charge by using the in-vehicle DC Accessory Socket charger while driving (an inevitable part of a long weekend a road trip). It will also accept up to 50A input from a power source that has an Anderson plug, including solar. Recharge is quick to make sure you’re never stuck with a bad night’s sleep at camp again.
Converting DC to AC
To run a CPAP machine from your GoBlock, you’ll need an inverter. As CPAP machines are generally plugged into your AC mains power, the GoBlock’s DC power will need to be converted to AC which is where the inverter comes in. While the GoBlock can support up to a 600W inverter, to run your CPAP, we recommend using our 350W pure sine wave inverter and inverter connection cable.
Power performance of the GoBlock
To see how the GoBlock performed with a CPAP machine, we put it to the test. Using a ResMed CPAP machine, 100Ah GoBlock and 350W inverter we settled in for a few nights to see how it went. To keep an eye on the GoBlock’s state of charge, we used the RedVision app.
On the first night, with a continuous power draw of 3.5 amps, the CPAP machine ran for six hours and drained 19% of the GoBlock’s power. This left the GoBlock with 81% of power remaining (see below left image).
On the second night, the CPAP machine ran for eight hours and drained 27% of power, leaving the GoBlock with 54% remaining (see below right image). Finally, on the third night, the CPAP machine was run for seven hours. This left 29% of power remaining in the GoBlock. This was without adding any extra charge during the day and solely rely on the GoBlock’s existing battery charge.
Keeping you GoBlock charged
If you’re wanting to go on a longer trip, there’s a simple way to put charge back into your GoBlock using solar. While the GoBlock can be charged by AC mains power and DC power from your vehicle, there is no need to drive around to charge your GoBlock. Instead, you can use Anderson inputs, and simply plug in your portable solar panel or blanket and let the sun keep your GoBlock powered.
For this test, we used a 200W solar panel and managed to charge the GoBlock back to 100% in one day of good sunlight after the three nights use. This means that charging via solar every second day would charge the GoBlock back to 100% while running your CPAP machine every night.
Reliable power for a CPAP machine
If you are wondering how to camp with a CPAP machine while off-grid, look no further than REDARC’s GoBlock portable dual battery system. Small enough to be packed into your car and moved around camp, it takes up no more space than a carton of beer in your vehicle or camping setup. On a single charge it has enough power to keep your CPAP machine running for three nights but with a bit of solar charging during the day, it can keep you sleeping well off-grid for much longer.
Learn more about how the GoBlock can power your weekend getaway.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a way to run a CPAP while camping?
Yes, the REDARC GoBlock offers a reliable solution about the size of a case of beer, offering portable power rechargeable by plugging it into your vehicle or charging via solar.
Does a CPAP machine use a lot of electricity?
No, a CPAP machine uses minimal power, as little as 30 to 60 watts, which is good news for people who want to venture out for off-grid camping.
How long will a REDARC GoBlock run a CPAP machine while camping?
Three nights comfortably with a precharged 100Ah GoBlock and 350W inverter running a ResMed CPAP machine with a continuous power draw of 3.5 amps. With a bit of solar charging during the day, it can keep you sleeping off-grid for much longer.
