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BuckFlicks
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11/22/2016 06:11PM   (Thread Older Than 3 Years)
I have Obstructive Sleep Apnea and use a CPAP.

Has anyone found a portable camping solution to this? I've used one of those contraptions that you put in your mouth to pull the jaw forward, but they don't work (well.) It mitigates the snoring a little bit, but I fear that now I've become dependent on my CPAP and attempting to sleep without it would result in very little sleep with even less quality sleep.
 
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old_salt
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11/22/2016 09:40PM  
Paging Wally 13 to the red courtesy phone...
 
Northwoodsman
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11/22/2016 10:01PM  
Others have had good success with running their machine on batteries. I think it depends on the machine that you have. I have a Resmed AirSense 10 that requires 24 volts.

Last year I purchased a couple of batteries, an adapter, and an inverter for my Resmed AirSense 10. I learned a lot from testing it at home. Put it in airplane mode to turn off the data sender. Don't use the ClimateAir hose because the unit senses it and turns things on that you have manually turned off. You can't use heat or the humidifier on a battery, it will drain the battery in a couple of hours. Set the pressure as low as you can but so it is still effective. Very few solar chargers will produce enough power to charge the batteries. The most that I could get was 2.5 nights out of 2 batteries connected in tandem. I concluded that with the clean cool crisp air, being dead tired from traveling all day, being relaxed (no technology to connect to the office), and taking Ambien (prescribed), that I was able leave my $700 battery set up at home. I have only had the CPAP machine for 2 years so I can still get by without it on occasion. I travel with it, but not willing to lug everything into the BWCA.

If it's not a life or death situation, I would try sleeping at home without it for a few nights.
 
11/22/2016 10:17PM  
I use an inverter and smaller 25 pound deep cycle battery for trips not requiring too long of a portage or car camping. I can get three or four nights out of the battery without using the humidifier option.

There was a thread on this site about a year ago covering some other lighter weight options.
 
Grandma L
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11/22/2016 11:16PM  
quote Zulu: "I use an inverter and smaller 25 pound deep cycle battery for trips not requiring too long of a portage or car camping. I can get three or four nights out of the battery without using the humidifier option.
There was a thread on this site about a year ago covering some other lighter weight options."

Yup, I did a search of the site and there are a couple of good threads with lots of information - check it out.
 
HowardSprague
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11/23/2016 12:46PM  
quote old_salt: "Paging Wally 13 to the red courtesy phone..."


Paging HP as well,...
 
BuckFlicks
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11/23/2016 12:55PM  
Thanks, everyone.

I'm patiently waiting for the Airing to hit the market. That'll be a game changer.

Airing -nightly disposable micro CPAP
 
Tman
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11/26/2016 09:27PM  
Do a search and you find several good threads. I've been using a CPAP and battery travelling including the BWCA, Appalachian Trail, Philmont, Isle Royale, etc., since 2008 and have it pretty well perfected. Planning on a two week backpacking trip in Glacier National Park next summer. Others have good experience/advice as well. Check the threads and then post questions here or message me/us.

Bottom line - don't let Apnea/CPAP hold you back from your dreams and adventures. It can be done!
 
11/26/2016 11:02PM  

In 2012 I bought a Lightweight Travel Lithium Battery Pack for my ResMed CPAP Machine from a website cpapXchange

CPAPXCHANGE Battery Pack

I am not sure if the battery technology has gotten better since I purchased this CPAP setup in 2012 but this Lithium Battery Pack has served me well. It is a bit on the expensive side $299 but it is the lightest system I could find. Right now on sale at cpapxchange for $297.99

The unit consists of a 12 volt converter that plugs into 12 rechargeable Lithium ion batteries tied in series and then plugs into my Resmed9 CPAP machine. I take off the humidifier when I go paddling since it uses more battery power. I can get 2 nights sleep per battery pack averaging 16 hours total per battery pack. I bring along 4 lithium battery packs with me and they weigh about 1.5 lbs. each. I do not recharge them on my trip.

I found this system to be lighter than most battery setups but I am still hoping that I can someday get the weight down even further. There is a new light weight travel CPAP machine called "Transcend" that is advertising on the radio that looks like a possibility but I have read some negative reviews.

3 years ago I was diagnosed with severe sleep apnea using a sleep test and my Resmed9 machine and my Resmed AirFit P10 mask has been a God send. I can't sleep without CPAP. I have tried oral devices etc. and these substitutes just don't measure up.

I have used this set up the last 5 trips to Quetico and it has worked well. CPAP users may want to give it a try.

I talked to a gal at CpapXchange and she told me that you would have to "special order" the lithium 12 AA battery pack with connector for $184 per pack ...ouch ... my extra sets of batteries were way cheaper back then and didn't have to be a "special order" ( may want to call Battery Geeks)

One battery pack comes with the $279 package with converter and bag etc. But since one battery pack will only do 2 nights on a Resmed 9 you will have to order extra battery packs for your overnight trips ... unless you can figure out a lightweight and reliable system to recharge them in the wilderness. Solar ?

CPAP users ... let me know if you find some better way to power up a CPAP machine for a 10 day trip? I am sure open to new technology but this setup I use has worked well for me the past 5 years.

 
Tman
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11/28/2016 08:46AM  
Search this site and you will find several setups that members are using successfully.

Short answer since I have pretty direct experience to yours. I switched from a Resmed to a Phillips Respironics a couple of years ago because the Phillips operates directly on 12v. Therefore, you do not need to use an inverter or transformer with a battery. Both are inefficient so you get better battery life. I went from getting 2 long or 3 short nights with my Resmed9 to 5 long or 6 short nights with my Respironics using a Battery Geeks 20,000mha battery. I own one battery and rent a second one from BG for longer trips.
 
BuckFlicks
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12/19/2016 06:02PM  
TMan - did you get any guff from your insurance provider about getting a new unit? I've had mine for 2 years, but I'm not sure what my time frame for replacing the CPAP unit is. Mine is a Resmed... and I'm not entirely happy with it. I have no complaints, but there are some things I'd prefer... smaller unit... easier electrical options - not just for camping but for general travel.

I'll check out that battery. If nothing else, I need a backup for when the power goes out at home.
 
12/19/2016 07:12PM  
Tman,

How heavy are the 20,000 mha batteries from Battery geeks taht you use with the Phillips Respironics. ?
 
Tman
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12/19/2016 07:59PM  
"TMan - did you get any guff from your insurance provider about getting a new unit? "

No, but my Resmed was 6 years old and had a wonky switch. Try looking for used units on CL, ebay, etc. Lots of them out there from people who didn't stick with the CPAP.
 
Tman
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12/19/2016 08:05PM  
quote Wally13: "Tman,


How heavy are the 20,000 mha batteries from Battery geeks taht you use with the Phillips Respironics. ?"


5 lbs
 
Northwoodsman
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12/19/2016 10:48PM  
Also check with your insurance provider whether you own your machine or if they are leasing it for you. I was shocked to find out when my employer changed insurance providers that my DME made me return my 1.5 year old machine because Aetna was leasing it. Evidently many people that are newly diagnosed with Sleep Apnea can't get used to a CPAP and quit using it. That's one of the reasons they have cell phone technology and can be controlled and monitored remotely. My doctor had to send in a usage report every 6 months to prove that I was using it. You may not want to sell your machine and get a new one until you check this out.
 
BuckFlicks
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12/21/2016 04:26PM  
I own mine. I only had to follow compliance for the first month, then they didn't check any more. Mine is old enough that it doesn't have cellular tech - I had to pull the SD card and mail it in for the compliance check.

My wife's is leased and she and never uses it (but she still complains about not sleeping well and always being tired. She also tends to reject anything that doesn't fit into her established routine without giving it a proper chance - so she'd rather complain about stuff than actually resolve the issue.) I'm sure they're probably going to take it away from her before too long. If they don't take it away from her and she decides she's not going to use it, it would be a better option for me for travelling, it's about half the size of mine and the humidifier is built in.
 
old_salt
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12/21/2016 04:43PM  
I'm buying a Transcend 2 unit with 3 batteries and a solar charger. Should have it next week.
 
Tman
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12/21/2016 10:16PM  
quote old_salt: "I'm buying a Transcend 2 unit with 3 batteries and a solar charger. Should have it next week."


Please report back after you have had a chance to use it. I looked at it when I got the Respironics but my DME did not recommend it for daily use and I didn't have the funds to buy a second unit out of pocket at the time.
 
old_salt
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12/29/2016 03:34PM  
quote Tman: "
quote old_salt: "I'm buying a Transcend 2 unit with 3 batteries and a solar charger. Should have it next week."



Please report back after you have had a chance to use it. I looked at it when I got the Respironics but my DME did not recommend it for daily use and I didn't have the funds to buy a second unit out of pocket at the time."


You probably need to think of a battery CPAP like you would any other piece of essential gear. You wouldn't skimp on your tent or sleeping bag or anything else important for enjoying your trip. Your CPAP will provide quality sleep and keep you alive. When I think of it that way, spending $1000 or so is great insurance.

I haven't bought the unit yet, but likely will soon. What I learned is that my insurance won't cover this or any battery powered unit, because they lack the compliance chip and camping is not considered a medical necessity. That means we pay for it.
Cpap.com and cpapxchange.com are probably the best-priced sites. I let insurance pay for a new Resmed 10 home unit and this one will be dedicated to camping & travel.
When I purchase it, I will not get the humidifier, just the basic unit + 3 batteries + solar charger. Each battery weighs about 1lb. Each battery will provide 2 nights, and with the solar charger, should be able to get enough nights for a 10 day trip. I will use saline nasal spray to replace humidifier. I will report back after I get unit and use it a few nights.
 
Tman
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12/30/2016 04:31PM  
quote old_salt: "
quote Tman: "
quote old_salt: "I'm buying a Transcend 2 unit with 3 batteries and a solar charger. Should have it next week."




Please report back after you have had a chance to use it. I looked at it when I got the Respironics but my DME did not recommend it for daily use and I didn't have the funds to buy a second unit out of pocket at the time."


You probably need to think of a battery CPAP like you would any other piece of essential gear. You wouldn't skimp on your tent or sleeping bag or anything else important for enjoying your trip. Your CPAP will provide quality sleep and keep you alive. When I think of it that way, spending $1000 or so is great insurance.


I haven't bought the unit yet, but likely will soon. What I learned is that my insurance won't cover this or any battery powered unit, because they lack the compliance chip and camping is not considered a medical necessity. That means we pay for it.
Cpap.com and cpapxchange.com are probably the best-priced sites. I let insurance pay for a new Resmed 10 home unit and this one will be dedicated to camping & travel.
When I purchase it, I will not get the humidifier, just the basic unit + 3 batteries + solar charger. Each battery weighs about 1lb. Each battery will provide 2 nights, and with the solar charger, should be able to get enough nights for a 10 day trip. I will use saline nasal spray to replace humidifier. I will report back after I get unit and use it a few nights."


Trust me, I do think of my CPAP as a medical necessity. My sleep doc says I am the most compliant patient she has. I haven't slept a night without CPAP since 2008, and that includes somewhere around 200 nights camping. The good news is that I am able to use my Respironics and battery very well when camping so I haven't felt the need to spend more to purchase the Transcend unit. Having said that, my 51 year old knees are telling me to find ways to reduce pack weight so I'm interested in your experience. Will be backpacking for 10 nights in Glacier National Park this July with 4 teenagers and will need every advantage I can get to keep up with them!
 
old_salt
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12/31/2016 10:13AM  
Don't take my last response personally, it was meant for anyone reading who suffers from sleep apnea.
 
Tman
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12/31/2016 11:18AM  
quote old_salt: "Don't take my last response personally, it was meant for anyone reading who suffers from sleep apnea."

No problem! I guess I did respond a little defensively.

Totally agree with you that CPAP should be considered essential gear. Without it I would feel miserable and, more importantly, probably not be in a condition to make good decisions.

The good news is that there are options for just about any type of camper. A buddy of mine has rigged up a sealed deep cell battery on a cart for car and canoe camping. It will run his CPAP for well over a week for less than $100. Not what I would want to haul in a backpack but it works for his types of camping.

With insurance buying my respironics unit I've got about $550 invested and have never let CPAP hold me back from any adventure.
 
01/03/2017 10:46PM  
New to CPAP, worried about camping but figured I could get away without it for short bursts of time if I had to. Thanks for all the ideas, I sure do have more energy since starting it in November.
 
old_salt
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01/10/2017 08:20AM  
quote Tman: "
quote old_salt: "I'm buying a Transcend 2 unit with 3 batteries and a solar charger. Should have it next week."



Please report back after you have had a chance to use it. I looked at it when I got the Respironics but my DME did not recommend it for daily use and I didn't have the funds to buy a second unit out of pocket at the time."


Got my new Transcend mini and have used it. I have a Red Med 10 unit that is my primary home unit. I got the Transcend for travel only and to serve as backup in a power outage.

I did not choose humidifier because I won't use it when I travel. That said, I like it for the reasons I got it. The noise level is about the same as my old Red Med 8, so it doesn't bother me. It is more than most folks will tolerate. I would bring ear plugs, not for myself, but for others when camping. As for the lack of humidification, I used saline nasal spray before and after use. Just carry Kleenex. Bottom line, it's a keeper. It will go on canoe trips in Quetico, to the wilds of Alaska, and anywhere else I may go. If you have questions, please post them.

Sorry for sideways picture. Transcend is in foreground with Res Med behind for size comparison. It really is about the size of a soda can and very lightweight, less than 1 lb.
 
01/15/2017 08:20AM  
On my old man trip my partner had sleep apnea. Brought 2 batteries which lasted him 4 nights and 3 naps. It worked great for him and on my behalf it was noiseless. He actually works for a company that rents them out so if you want information on them I could get you in contact with him.
 
RTurner
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08/18/2018 12:18PM  
Old Salt...now that you've had the transcend for a while, what do you think of it?
I recently purchased one, and it worked great when I charged the battery at home, but I just had it down to my family's beach house last week, and I could not get the battery to recharge. I got two nights (about 14 hours) out of the battery and about 3 hours the third night before it died. During the day though, I had it plugged into the solar charger all day long. The second day was very sunny, and I even had the solar panel on an angle and rotated it and adjusted the angle every hour so it was pointed directly at the sun, and I don't think the battery charged at all. I even left it plugged into the mobile charger in my car and let my car run overnight, all to no avail.
I had the DME overnight me a new battery and had the exact same problem. Very frustrating.
thanks, Roger
 
old_salt
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08/18/2018 12:51PM  
Roger,

I had a similar experience on my canoe trip this year. The solar charger did not work. I haven’t tried a car charger (don’t have one). It charges fine with the AC plug. I may get more batteries. I got about 1 1/2 nights per charge as I suspect my demand is greater. My prescription is for variable pressure.

I agree that aspect is disappointing.
 
MagicPaddler
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08/20/2018 04:34AM  
What solar chargers did you guys use?
More info at
https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/showthread.php/136168-My-backpacking-camping-CPAP-battery-solution?highlight=cpap
 
old_salt
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08/20/2018 06:50AM  
Transcend.
 
RTurner
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08/20/2018 08:42PM  
old_salt: "Roger,


I had a similar experience on my canoe trip this year. The solar charger did not work. I haven’t tried a car charger (don’t have one). It charges fine with the AC plug. I may get more batteries. I got about 1 1/2 nights per charge as I suspect my demand is greater. My prescription is for variable pressure.


I agree that aspect is disappointing."


Hi Salt,
After about 3-4 calls with the DME, they admitted that they have had trouble with the solar chargers. I'm not sure why they thought it might have been a battery problem at first, although, I did have trouble with the mobile charger too. In any case, I got them to send me a complete new order...CPAP, battery and chargers. I've had the battery charging on the solar charger for 3 days, but it still does not seem to be fully charged. Going to try it tonight and I'll see what happens. I only expect to get a few hours out of it. At this point, I think my best option is just to buy a couple more batteries and charge all 3 of them at home before I go on a trip. That should get me 6 nights. Not really wild about the idea of spending close to $800.00 on batteries after spending so much on the CPAP, but I'm not sure what my other options are. Without a CPAP, I don't breathe, and no one within 1/4 mile of me will get any sleep.
 
old_salt
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08/20/2018 08:59PM  
What is DME?
 
RTurner
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08/21/2018 10:14AM  
Sorry DME = Durable Medical Equipment provider. CPAPdirect.com in this case

I ran my machine on the battery and it ran all night... kind of surprised since I only charged with the solar charger. I'll keep running it until the battery dies, then try to charge from solar panel again and see what happens.

In my head, I'm kicking around the idea of a transcend battery loaner pool or library. Instead of everyone buying enough batteries to get through a trip, (I think I would need 3-4 to get through the trip I have planned, or my typical vacation at the family beach house), we could get a group together, each person with a battery, and when someone is going on a trip that would require more than one battery, they borrow from the group. The user pays for shipping the battery both from and back to the original owner. I haven't fully thought it out yet, but I hate the idea of having to buy almost 1000$ worth of batteries that are going to sit unused most of the year. I only do a trip or two per year. Maybe I'll float the idea on some CPA forums and see what people think. This would all be so much easier if they could just make a good solar charger
 
BuckFlicks
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08/21/2018 12:40PM  
Recently, I purchased the ResMed Air Mini travel CPAP. It's been great. It's a tad more noisy than my ResMed S9, but that's due to the hose connection at the mask being smaller. It doesn't have a humidifier, but the Resmed N20 nasal mask (and the equivalent nasal pillows mask) can use a humidfier disc that absorbs the moisture from the air that you exhale, in turn humidifying the air that comes in to the mask. It's not as good as a humidifier chamber, but it serves its purpose well enough. I use some saline nasal spray before I go to sleep and a couple times after I wake up, and it's all good.

The power supply is completely self-contained, so it's just the unit, the power cord (no brick) and the mask. About 1/3 the size of my old CPAP travel case, and maybe 1/4 the weight. Makes packing for weekend or long weekend trips 100% easier.

I have yet to find a battery for it, but I haven't really searched thoroughly. I've used it for 2 trips visiting friends so far and I have to give it 2 thumbs up. The batteries for my S9 won't work for it, I don't think.
 
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