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It's 3 a.m. Suddenly you wake up and realize that the power is off. Your CPAP isn't working! What do you do now? If you have a whole house backup generator, you can turn that on to restore your power. But most of us don't have that kind of setup. Is there anything else we can do?
This article is about utilizing a battery backup system with your CPAP. Please note the use of the term CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) for simplicity. These instructions would also apply to the use of a Bi-PAP or auto-titrating pressure device.
Before you attempt to set up a battery backup system, you first need to find out if your CPAP is equipped to use a 12-volt system. On the CPAP, there should be an inlet for a 12-volt adaptor. If you are unsure about your unit, check the owner's guide that came with your CPAP, call your homecare company, or call the manufacturer's customer support number and ask them.
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The DC inlet may be on the rear or on one side of the CPAP. (Click picture to view detail)
If your CPAP is able to run on 12-volt power, you will need to order the adapter for your specific CPAP from your DME (Durable Medical Equipment) company.
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CPAP adapter from manufacturer. Order directly from your DME company to get the proper one for your CPAP model. (Click picture to view detail)
To use this adapter in the house you will need three things:
A deep cycle battery. The cost will run from $50.00 to $425.00 retail, depending on the type and size you want. I recommend a deep cycle, sealed Group 27 Gel battery. See battery basics details below.
A battery clip adapter. The cost is around $5.00.
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One Battery clip adapter. The inline fuse is the small blue item you see on the red clip. (Click picture to view detail)
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Two and Six Amp Battery Charger. (Click picture to view detail)
A basic setup, with a deep cycle, sealed Group 27 battery, will run your CPAP for 3-4 days, (assuming 8 hours use each day), with a total cost around $175.00. Check with your health insurance provider, as they may buy the battery and the CPAP 12-volt adapter; mine did. Once you have everything, you can expect 5 to 7 years use from the battery, depending on how many hours the battery is used and how many complete discharges the battery has cycled through. The adapters and charger should last longer if properly cared for.
There are three basic types of batteries (Flooded, AGM and Gel), which come in various different sizes. (See Battery Basics for more information.) Size does matter when it comes to how long you want the battery to run your CPAP before needing to be charged.
I have a small gel battery that will run my unit for 8 to 10 hours (1 days use). It weighs about 25 lbs. and costs about $75.00 retail. It is called a Group U-1. I use this battery when travelling by car or plane, as a back up for unexpected power failures at my destination
I have another medium gel battery under my bed that will run my CPAP for about 32 hours, (4 days use). It weighs about 55 lbs. and costs $140.00 retail. It is called a Group 27. I use this battery for power outages at home.
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A basic setup for a CPAP running off 12-Volt Battery Power. Parts shown not connected. Note that the CPAP adapter would be inserted into the battery clip adapter, with the other end of the CPAP adapter inserted into the DC inlet of your CPAP machine. (Click picture to view detail)
There are other battery sizes available, but these I've listed above are the small, medium and largest.
The type I recommend is the Group 27, (the top right battery in the photo below.) No matter what type Group 27 deep cycle battery you choose, it will run most CPAPs for at least 3 days, based on 8 -10 hours usage per day. It is all most people need for the occasional power failure.
If a power failure lasts more then 3 days and you are unable to use your battery charger to recharge your battery, a Group 27 model is small enough to take to a gas station with backup power to recharge your battery. A Group 27 will also fit in most cars, so the car can be used to recharge the battery as a last resort.
This can be done using jumper cables hooked to your car battery and the CPAP battery. Then run your car for about 45 minuets. For a really fast charge, you can put the units battery in your car after it has charged for about 10 minutes, jump start the car from your car battery and drive for about 15 minutes to get it fully charged.
If the power goes out for 15 minutes or longer you do not need to do without your CPAP. If you keep everything under your bed, with a fully charged battery, it takes about 1 minute to plug the adapter into your unit. Then you can go right back to bed and enjoy a proper nights sleep.
It is more simple than it sounds. One adapter for your unit, one battery clip adapter, one sealed deep cycle battery and one battery charger to keep the battery ready to use. With just the 12-volt manufacturer's adapter you can go to sleep in the car using your CPAP if you need to. I had to use my car battery once while camping and the car still started the next morning. I refuse to sleep without my CPAP and so far I have not had to. Battery backup works!
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Gel batteries pictured. Flooded and AGM batteries come in similar sizes. (Click picture to view detail)
These are the types of battery generally used by DME companies. They are used for electric wheelchairs, back up power and other similar applications. This is the type of battery I recommend for several reasons. It is a deep cycle sealed battery, like the AGM battery. There is no maintenance, except external cleaning (a simple dusting). It has a very low self-discharge rate retaining 50% charge after 16 months of no use. The Gel is capable of over 500 full discharges. Best of all, your health insurance may pay for this type.
This type of battery can be purchased at Marine stores, Recreational Vehicle stores, DME companies and Battery distributors. One disadvantage of a Gel battery, unlike the AGM or Flooded batteries, is that the Gel battery does not tolerate a fast high amp recharge without some damage. So using your car to charge a Gel battery should be done only in an emergency situation.
AGM batteries were originally designed for military aircraft. This is a sealed deep cycle battery that will not release gases or spill acids if tipped over or moved. This is a good battery to use indoors. It has the same qualities as the Gel Battery described above, except that it will take a fast high amp charge with little or no damage to the plates. This type of battery can be purchased at Marine stores, Recreational Vehicle stores, Battery distributors and possibly at Airplane stores.
Flooded batteries are the type you use in your car, even the so-called maintenance-free ones. They come in two types, starting batteries and deep cycle batteries. The one in your car is a starting battery; a deep cycle battery is usually used in a Recreation Vehicle or Boat. You MUST have a deep cycle type as the primary back up for your CPAP.
Deep cycle means the battery can be totally discharged and then fully charged over and over again without damage to the battery plates. This type of deep cycle battery will run your unit, but is not recommended for use indoors except in an emergency. This type of battery can be purchased at auto parts stores, and major retailers like Wal-Mart and Sears who have automotive departments.
Any battery capable of running your CPAP contains a substantial amount of energy. You should exercise proper precautions in working with any battery. Shorting the positive and negative terminals of the battery will not only create a nice show of sparks, in some circumstances it can also cause the battery to explode.
You should also be careful not to reverse the positive and negative connections from the battery to the CPAP. It's possible that the incorrect current could damage the CPAP.
You CANNOT use a Flooded battery in the house unless it has good ventilation. Flooded batteries vent hydrogen gas into the atmosphere, and hydrogen accumulations greater then 4% are flammable. DO NOT recharge a flooded battery in the house, as an overcharged battery will "gas" or vent excess hydrogen and oxygen, which can be very flammable. Flooded batteries also contain corrosive battery acid that can be spilled and will ruin carpet or finishes on floors.
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