Intro: The Best Portable Power Station For CPAP Machines
If you rely on a CPAP machine, losing power is more than just an inconvenience. It can be a serious health risk.
I tested a few of the top portable power stations to find out which ones can run a ResMed AirSense or Philips DreamStation for over 2 nights.
Tip for a longer battery life: Turn off your CPAP’s Heated Humidifier and Heated Tube to extend battery life by almost double.
Also by using a 12 V DC converter cable instead of the 3 pin wall plug you will get 30% more runtime.
Using the 3 pin wall plug (AC): The battery has to convert DC to AC, and the CPAP brick converts it back to DC. You lose 30% of your power to heat.
By using the 12V converter cable (DC): It is a direct feed. You get 30% more runtime instantly just by swapping the cable.
Here’s what top CPAPs draw when running direct DC (no humidifier/tube)
| Machine Model | Avg Power Draw (DC direct, no humidifier) | 8-Hour Night Consumption |
|---|---|---|
| ResMed AirSense 10 | 12–18 W | 96–144 Wh |
| ResMed AirSense 11 | 9–15 W | 72–120 Wh |
| Philips DreamStation | 12 W | 96 Wh |
| ResMed AirMini (Travel) | 5–10 W | 40–80 Wh |
Note: These figures assume a pressure setting of roughly 10 cmH20. Higher pressures will increase wattage slightly.
You can figure out your battery’s run time using this simple formula:
Battery Capacity in Wh x 0.85 ÷ CPAP Wattage = Hours of Sleep
(Multiply by 0.85 to factor in the power stations battery efficiency.)
For example:
The Jackery Explorer 500 (518 Wh) and the CPAP requires an average of 18 W.
First, multiply the battery’s capacity by 0.85:
518 x 0.85 = 440.3 Wh.
Next, divide 440.3 by your device’s power use:
440.3 ÷ 18 = 24 hours of runtime.
Here’s what it looks like in practice:
| Item: Jackery Explorer 500 | Value |
|---|---|
| Power station capacity | 518 Wh |
| Efficiency factor | 0.85 |
| Effective usable energy | 518 × 0.85 = 440.3 Wh |
| CPAP average power draw | 18 W |
| Runtime formula | 440.3 Wh ÷ 18 W |
| Estimated runtime | ≈ 24 hours of sleep |
Option A:
Jackery Explorer 500 (£242.25)
Who is this for? It’s ideal for campers who need a few nights of off-grid sleep, plus some additional capacity to charge phones, etc.
Why does it stand out? This model is the industry standard because it weighs just 6 Kg, making it easy to carry to the campsite, yet it still features a powerful 518 Wh battery.
With the humidifier off and using a 12 V DC charger, you’ll get up to 3 nights of use.
Pros
- It offers reliable and rugged build quality.
- You can safely use sensitive medical equipment with its pure sine wave inverter.
- The carry handle is comfortable and easy to use.
Cons:
- Charging from a wall outlet is slow, taking about 7 hours.
Jackery Explorer 500
Best For Portability
518 Wh Capacity
Budget Friendly
| Item: EcoFlow DELTA 2 | Value |
|---|---|
| Power station capacity | 1024 Wh |
| Efficiency factor | 0.85 |
| Effective usable energy | 1024 × 0.85 = 870.4 Wh |
| CPAP average power draw | 18 W |
| Runtime formula | 870.4 Wh ÷ 18 W |
| Estimated runtime | ≈ 48 hours of sleep |
Option B:
EcoFlow Delta 2 (£549)
Ideal for homeowners who worry about losing power during storms.
What makes it stand out:
The Delta 2 charges from empty to 80% in only 50 minutes. If you lose power, you can quickly recharge it before another storm arrives. Its LiFePO4 battery means you can use it daily for up to 10 years.
With the humidifier off and using a 12 V DC charger, you’ll get up to 6 nights use before needing a recharge.
The battery lasts a long time, with over 3,000 charge cycles, approximately 10 years of daily use.
Cons:
It is heavier than the Jackery model.
The cooling fan can be noisy, which might bother light sleepers.
EcoFlow Delta 2
Best Backup for Blackouts
1024 Wh
10 Years Daily Use
Must-Have Cables
The AC cord that comes with your CPAP is only for wall outlets, not for battery use. Instead, get a 12V DC adapter that fits your machine. The Amazon UK options listed here are reliable choices.
For ResMed AirSense 10 / AirCurve Users
You don’t need to buy the official ResMed cable. The KFD 24V adapter works just as well and costs less. It converts 12V power to the 24V your ResMed machine requires.
Works with: AirSense 10, AirStart 10, AirCurve 10
KFD ResMed Adapter
For ResMed Users (AirSense 10 / AirCurve) 12V-24V adapter
£30.99
For Philips DreamStation Users
Philips CPAP machines work well with 12V DC power. The KFD 12V car adapter provides safe and reliable use, and its shielded cable makes it easy to connect directly to your power station.
This adapter is compatible with DreamStation 2, DreamStation Go, and System One models.
KFD DreamStation Adapter Cable
Compatible with: DreamStation 1 & 2, DreamStation Go, and System One.
£19.99
FAQ
Q:Can I bring these power stations on a plane?
No, you cannot. Most airlines and the FAA only allow batteries with a capacity of up to 160 Wh. The Ecoflow DELTA 2 and the Jackery 500 are too big. For flights, use a travel CPAP battery.
Q:Does using a heated hose really matter?
Yes, it does. Heating water and air uses a lot of energy. When camping, set the humidity to 0 or Off to save power overnight.
If you have any questions about your setup, please contact us.
