Sleep apnea and camping: Our solutions
June 7, 2024
Dreaming of adventure away from the city and your daily routine? Thanks to a range of battery options for your CPAP machine, you can sleep under the stars and still enjoy a restful night. Before you set out, here are some handy tips to help you prepare, so that you can sleep soundly and be a happy camper!
Planning and preparation
Smart campers know that proper preparation is essential for a good night’s sleep. The key to a successful camping getaway is to first make a list of basic equipment not to forget, such as a tent, sleeping bags, pillows, and of course your CPAP machine plus accessories.
To choose the ideal device for your situation, ask yourself the right questions:
- Should I travel light, in terms of quantity and weight?
- How many nights of autonomy do I need?
- Do I have a power source nearby to recharge the battery?
- Is the power source compatible with my CPAP machine and cables?
- Do I need any additional adapters or accessories, such as a solar panel, clamps, converter, charging cable for the car, etc.?
To maximize the autonomy of your CPAP machine, turn off the heated humidity options, including the plate that heats the humidity chamber and the heated tubing. Make sure the chamber is fully dry when transporting it.
Autonomous power for your CPAP device
No power? No problem! If you are camping in a place without electricity, several portable options are available, depending on your needs and the length of your adventure:
Lithium battery: Small (1 to 3 lbs), recharges quickly by plugging it in (2 to 3 hours) and/or by solar panel (6 hours), providing one to three nights of autonomy, depending on the model. This product is compatible with Resmed and Philips Respironics, as well as with a 12/24V converter cable for a cigarette lighter and clamps. If the power goes out, you can use it as an emergency source. Several models are available at a range of price points.
Deep-cycle battery: Medium-sized, rather heavy (40 to 70 lbs) and recharges using a charger; offers up to three nights of autonomy, depending on the model. This product is compatible with Resmed, Philips Respironics, Fisher & Paykel as well as with bidirectional positive pressure spontaneous ventilation models (BiPaP). It requires a 12/24V converter cable, clamps and an inverter for Fisher & Paykel and DreamStation GO devices. This type of battery is relatively affordable, and a group 24-type model is recommended for CPAP devices.
Power pack: Medium-sized battery (approx. 25 lbs) that can be recharged by plugging it in, with autonomy of up to three nights, depending on the model, and with a fast-charge option (1 to 2 hours). This product is compatible with Resmed, Philips Respironics and Fisher & Paykel, and requires no cable, converter or inverter. This type of battery is relatively affordable and a wide variety of models are available.
To make an informed choice, talk to a professional who can guide you and answer your questions.
If your recreational vehicle (RV) is connected to a power source, you can plug your CPAP device into an outlet onboard. Make sure you have enough autonomy for other electric devices and avoid draining the RV’s battery.
Since battery consumption varies among patients, depending on the pressure of your treatment, we highly recommend testing all your equipment at home for a few nights before you leave. This will help ensure that the equipment is compatible, the battery works properly, and everything meets your expectations before you set off into the great outdoors!
Your choice of campsite is crucial to a good night’s sleep. Pitch your tent on flat, clear ground, sheltered from wind and away from sources of noise. Investing in a good camping mattress, such as inflatable or high-quality foam, will keep you as comfortable as possible. Need more advice? The Camping Québec website is an excellent source of tips and tricks for a successful adventure.
Now you are well prepared to fully enjoy your camping experience, while making sure you get quality sleep with your CPAP device. Adventure awaits!