Two Effective Solutions of Cpap Power Supply for Camping
From picturesque views to fresh air, better-tasting food to improved mental health, unplugging to being closer to nature, nothing compares to camping in the great outdoors.
However, if you use a CPAP machine for your sleep apnea or other sleeping disorders, you may probably think that camping with CPAP is impossible. But the truth is, you can still enjoy the great outdoors even if you use a CPAP machine. How to run cpap while camping?You simply need to make arrangements for how you will power your CPAP while camping. Fortunately, there are several options to explore.
In this guide, we will walk you through various ways of powering your CPAP mask when you are camping in the great outdoors. We will also share some tips for camping with CPAP, to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. And with that said, let’s jump straight in.
CPAP Power Supply for Camping: Plug In
As mentioned above, you have several options to explore when it comes to powering your CPAP machine while camping. And one of the options is to book a campsite that’s connected to the grid. With a powered campsite, you will simply need to plug in your CPAP machine and you can continue with your sleep therapy.
There are powered campsites in almost every location or state. You simply need to do some research and identify a campsite that aligns best with your needs, budget and other camping arrangements.
The main benefit of booking a campsite with access to electricity is that you won’t have to bring along lots of supporting equipment or gear. Furthermore, powered campsites tend to be well-maintained and clean.
But like everything else, powered campsites also come with certain drawbacks. Probably the main drawback of powered campsites is that they tend to fill up quite fast. Also, they are quite popular, especially over the weekends and holidays. So, you will have to sacrifice solitude and quietness, if you opt for powered campsites.
CPAP Power Supply for Camping: Unplugged
As noted above, powered campsites will provide you with all the electricity you need to keep your CPAP machine running. However, they also come with the issue of noise nuisance.
So, if your idea of camping entails spending time alone in a quiet place, you will have to move further away from civilization. But, how will you power your CPAP equipment if you don’t have access to electricity? Well, you have two options to explore, which can help to solve this problem. First, you can use a deep cycle battery or use a CPAP battery pack. Let’s take a closer look at each of these options.
Using a Deep Cycle Battery
With a decent adapter, you can safely and comfortably power your CPAP using a conventional car battery for a couple of days. To use a deep cycle battery, you can either opt for a DC adapter cable or use an inverter.
Using a DC Adapter Cable
Most CPAP machines come with a DC input jack. So, if your machine happens to be one of such, you can connect it directly to a deep cycle battery using a DC adapter cable. This cable features two alligator clips, which you connect to the negative and positive terminals of the marine battery. The battery’s power will then be directed to a cigarette lighter plug, which you can then plug into your CPAP DC cable. And you will now have a reliable power supply means for your CPAP machine, which can keep it running for several days.
Using an Inverter
If your CPAP machine didn’t come with a DC input jack, you can still power it with your deep cycle battery. But to do so, you will need an inverter. An inverter is a device that converts direct power (DC) that your deep cycle battery will produce to alternating current (AC) which the CPAP machine is using.
Drawbacks of Deep-Cycle Batteries
Without a doubt, deep cycle batteries provide a reliable battery for CPAP camping. However, they also present some drawbacks. First, deep cycle batteries are quite heavy. Hauling one in a backpack, especially over long distances can prove to be a challenge. And if you’re not using a lithium ion battery, but a lead acid battery, then it’s heavier. So, if your camping trip entails moving from one camping spot to the next, then a deep cycle battery may not be the ideal powering solution for your CPAP machine.
Second, these batteries are not FAA-approved. Therefore, you won’t be allowed to bring one along, if you are traveling by air on your way to your camping destination. In such a case, you will have to make other travel arrangements or explore other means of powering your CPAP machine.
Using a CPAP Battery Pack
As mentioned above, deep-cycle batteries are not portable or travel-friendly. While they can be a great and highly dependable source of power for CPAP machines when outdoors, they pose travel limitations, due to their weight. And this is where CPAP battery packs come in.
comparing other cpap batteries for camping, CPAP battery packs are lighter, compared to deep-cycle or car batteries. Besides, they are smaller and more compact, making it easier to travel with them. Furthermore, some CPAP batteries are FAA-approved, meaning you can fly with them as you head to your camping destination.
Most CPAP batteries also come with USB ports. Hence, besides using it with your CPAP machine, you can also use the same battery to charge additional devices like a phone, power bank, laptop, audio system or torch.
Drawbacks of CPAP Batteries
Just like deep-cycle batteries, CPAP batteries also come with some drawbacks. Perhaps the main disadvantage of these batteries is their price. For instance, a CPAP battery that can hold enough power to run your CPAP machine for one night will cost around 300 to 400. And for almost the same price, you can get a portable power station, which can power your CPAP for two nights.
Also, CPAP batteries don’t usually come with solar panels, meaning you will have to purchase the solar panels separately. And finding a compatible solar panel for your CPAP battery can prove to be a challenge. Therefore, the number of days you can spend out there when will depend on your battery’s capacity.
Using a Portable Power Station
Another option for powering your CPAP while camping is to use a portable power source. Portable power sources usually feature around two to four electrical outlets. Hence, besides powering your CPAP machine, you can also use these stations to recharge the various electronics that you may have traveled with including a laptop, phone, or audio system.
To power your CPAP machine when camping, you will simply need to plug its power cord directly into the compatible electrical outlet of the power station. It can be an ideal battery for cpap machine while camping. Almost all the power stations that you will find on the market will feature several outlets, meaning they can fit almost any type of power cable that your CPAP machine may have.
Portable power stations are available in different sizes. Also, they have different power capacities. And as you may expect, the station’s power capacity will determine how long you can run your CPAP machine.
In general, a mid-tier, portable power source with a capacity of approximately 350 to 500 watts can power your CPAP machine for around one to two nights, even with the heated hose and humidifier turned on.
However, if you are planning to go for an extended camping trip, then you should invest in a larger station, which can hold around 1,000 to 2,000 watt hours. Such a station can power your CPAP machine for a week or even more as long you have reliable solar panels to keep it keep it running.
Portable power sources need recharging, once they have been drained. And, you can recharge it using various ways. One of the best ways of recharging a portable power source is using solar power. Almost all of these stations are sold together with solar panels. And, these solar panels can fully recharge the station within a few hours, as long as there’s adequate sunshine.
Apart from solar energy, you can also recharge your power source by plugging it into a vehicle’s cigarette lighter. All of them come with a 12V DC cord, which you can use to plug directly into a vehicle’s cigarette lighter. However, this recharging method is only applicable if your vehicle is within the vicinity of your camping site, you are a car camper or an RV camper.
Advantages of Using a Portable Power Station as CPAP Battery for Camping
Using a portable power station to power your CPAP while camping comes with several advantages.
Quiet Operation
One of the main benefits of using a portable power station is that it’s extremely quiet. As much as it will keep your CPAP machine running the whole night, it won’t disrupt your sleep in any way, since it doesn’t produce any noise.
Has an Integrated Power Socket
Portable power stations also come with an integrated power socket. Hence, you won’t need to bring along additional power accessories. You simply need to plug in your CPAP machine into the integrated power socket and you are good to go.
Lightweight and Portable
Also, a portable power station is highly portable. It’s lightweight and compact, making it the ideal power source for powering your CPAP and other devices while camping or traveling.
Rechargeable
Another benefit of a portable power station is that you can recharge it using solar panels. And this is what sets it apart from the other solutions. Compared to the other options of powering a CPAP while camping, a portable power station is the clear winner.
Growatt CPAP Battery for Camping
| Growatt Products | Capacity | Output | CPAP Wattage | Supported Working Hours |
| Growatt Portable Power Station VITA 550 | 538Wh | AC Output: 100V-120V, 60Hz, 600WMax. 660W (Surge 1200W) | 65W | 7 |
| Growatt Portable Power Station INFINITY 1500 | 1512Wh | AC Output: 120V~, 60Hz, 2000W Max (Surge 4000W) | 65W | 19.8 |
| Growatt Portable Power Station INFINITY 1300 | 1382Wh | AC Output: 4 x 120V~, 50/60Hz, Pure Sine Wave Max. 1800W, Surge Peak 3600W | 65W | 18 |
Tips for Camping with CPAP
Keep CPAP Clean and Dry
It’s important to keep your CPAP clean, even when you are out there camping in the wild. Keeping your CPAP clean will help to prevent the build-up of oil, dead skin cells and sweat.
Also, the moisture in the mask and the water in the machine as well as the hose, all provide breeding grounds for pathogens. By cleaning the CPAP machine at least once per day, you will help to prevent the growth of bacteria, germs and other contaminants, which can make you sick.
Furthermore, it would be advisable to pack extra tubes and filters. So, if any of them breaks, you will have a replacement, meaning you will not be forced to end your camping trip.
Keep Using CPAP, Don’t Stop Therapy
Camping with a CPAP machine may require you to make some adjustments than you are used to. And as a result, you may be tempted to stop your therapy during the entirety of your camping trip.
But, it’s highly advisable not to skip your therapy, even if you will only intend to discontinue it for a few nights. Stopping your therapy may affect your health negatively, in various ways.
First, you will find it extremely hard to get a quality night’s sleep. As a result, you will always wake up feeling exhausted, meaning you won’t enjoy your camping trip as much as you should.
Second, you may also have breathing difficulties, both during the night and day. Furthermore, you are also increasing your risk of a heart attack or stroke, if you discontinue your therapy.
Therefore, regardless of whether you will only be camping for a few days or several weeks, you should never stop using your CPAP machine. You only need to arrange how you are going to power your CPAP machine and you will be all set.
FAQs
How do you use a CPAP machine without electricity?
When it comes to using a CPAP machine without electricity, you have several possibilities to explore. First, you can use a deep-cycle power battery or a car battery, as they are popularly called. If your CPAP machine has a DC input port, then you can connect it directly to the deep-cycle battery via a DC adapter. In case your CPAP doesn’t have a DC input, you can still connect it to a deep-cycle battery via an inverter, which will convert the battery’s DC power to AC power that the machine can use.
Will a portable power station run a CPAP?
Yes, a portable power source can run a CPAP machine. As for the number of hours or days, it can power the CPAP, that will depend on your power station’s capacity. Also, you can check Tips of choosing a portable power station for your CPAP.
How long will a CPAP run on a battery backup?
On average, a fully charged CPAP battery can charge the machine for approximately 8 to 24 hours. The actual duration will depend on the battery’s capacity and your CPAP wattage. As you may expect, the greater the battery’s capacity, then the longer the duration that it will power the CPAP machine and vice versa.
Also, if you are using a humidifier, then the duration will be reduced considerably. If you are planning to go on an extended camping trip, it will be highly advisable to carry several backup batteries. Alternatively, you can camp in a place where you can recharge your battery.
Wrapping It Up
As you can see, you don’t have to give up your upcoming camping trip just because you use a CPAP machine or discontinue your CPAP therapy just to go for a camping trip. You simply need to find a means of powering your CPAP machine when you are out there. And, you can use any of the options that we’ve recommended here. From there, you can bring your CPAP therapy with you, as you enjoy the great outdoors.
Disclaimer: ( This content is for informational purposes only. Nothing on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified physician and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it. )
What is a Solar Generator? When most people talk about solar generators, they’re often referring to a portable power station that is powered by sunlight. For context, you can think about a solar ge.
Be Prepared! Get Your Emergency Electricity Sources for the Next Outage You know the scene all too well — you’re sitting in your home, enjoying a movie night or trying to finish off some work when.
Cooking outdoors and enjoying freshly-made savory food alfresco with family and friends is just one of the best ways to spend quality time together. From grilling steaks and burgers to roasting mar.
How to Choose a CPAP Battery Backup for Camping Travel
For those with sleep apnea, camping trips can prove to be a challenge as not all campsites have electrical hookups. This draws many CPAP users away from the outdoor experience of camping and back home or into their apartment where they know that their machine has its power supply readily available.
But this doesn’t need to stop you!
With CPAP batteries for your CPAP machine, you’ll never have trouble getting a quality night’s sleep outside again! I’m going to walk through my top CPAP battery pack choices in order so that whoever reads this will find the perfect solution for next time’s trip into nature.
It’s also worth mentioning, that even at home you just never know when the power will go out – even if it’s for a few hours! So it doesn’t hurt to have a backup generator inside your apartment for potential emergencies.
Tips For Running a CPAP on a Battery
But first, there are two main tips to lower the power draw of your CPAP machine each night:
Remove any humidifier
If you can, remove or disable the humidifier part of your CPAP. This draws the most amount of power from your system so if possible avoid using one at all costs!
Use DC power
Find a DC adapter for your device that plugs into a cigarette 12v lighter port. Using the DC output on your battery generator will draw fewer watts vs the AC outlet and you’ll get more hours from your battery pack.
A CPAP like the Resmed10, with humidifier off and the climate-line hose to 74°F, and airplane mode on will draw around 8 watts from a portable CPAP battery. So on smaller CPAP batteries like the Jackery 160, you’d get a full night’s sleep but may need to charge during each day. Larger battery packs like the Jackery 300 or Anker Powerhouse II would give you 3-5 nights of sleep with your CPAP between charging.
CPAP Machines and Compatible Batteries
These portable batteries will work with popular CPAP devices like the ResMed AirSense 10 CPAP, Philips Respironics DreamStation Go, and the Z2 Auto Travel CPAP Machine but you will likely need a special power adapter to connect the CPAP to the 12v cigarette output on the battery pack. You can use the AC wall outlet on each portable battery, but running on 12V DC power will make your CPAP battery last longer.
In my testing with my ResMed, I saved about 5 Watts using DC power with an adapter vs AC power.
Best CPAP Battery: EcoFlow River 600
The killer feature of the Ecoflow River 600 for a CPAP battery is how quickly it recharges. You can re-charge the battery in just one hour. It’s crazy fast how quickly it can charge. It has enough capacity for 1-2 nights of CPAP usage, and it’s my go-to battery pack for anything under 500Wh.
See my video as I review all my best CPAP battery options:
Runner-up CPAP Battery Pick: Jackery Explorer 300
One of the newest Jackery models, the 300 is my favorite power station. I take it to coffee shops and keep it by my bed to charge my devices at night. It has a 12-hour auto-shutoff for power draws under 10W, so it’s perfect for a low-power CPAP. With 293 Wh of capacity, you should easily get overnight usage from your CPAP with the 300.
The Jackery 300 has a built-in 12V cigarette adapter port, so you won’t need the extra dongle adapter that you need on the 160. This CPAP battery also works great during a power outage to power mobile devices, as it comes with two USB ports, a 60W USB-C port, and two AC power outputs.
Another Premium Backup Battery: The Anker Powerhouse II
Another premium pick, with a built-in nightlight that I really like, is the Anker Powerhouse II. With even more capacity than the Jackery 300, you’ll never worry about your CPAP shutting off at night. It is a bit heavier but comes with 388 Wh of capacity. Both the Anker and Jackery 300 comes with a 60W out USB-C port, which is great if you have a small laptop or another USB-C device.
Best CPAP Battery Pack for Camping
If I was camping or backpacking and didn’t have to fly, I would grab the Renogy 12v Power Bank. It has a 12v outlet for a cigarette-style input that can power most CPAPs with an adapter. Not having to rely on an AC port allows a much more compact battery pack, and DC power will draw less Watts from your battery back, allowing you to power your CPAP device longer. This capacity should easily last an 8-hour night out in the woods and has a nice wireless charger on the top of the pack that I really like.
Low Power Nap Battery Pick: Jackery Explorer 160
Jackery is an industry leader when it comes to portable battery backup, and the Explorer 160 is a great CPAP backup battery that may not last a whole night but would get close. While the 160 is an older model than the 300 (my favorite Jackery model!) – its price point is half the more expensive 300 model. Both offer AC Power and DC power for your CPAP machine.
The small size of the 160 shouldn’t fool you: this generator produces enough wattage to power your CPAP machine and other small appliances you may need while camping. Weighing in at only 3.84lbs, this unit includes a built-in handle that allows for easy carrying on any trip – whether indoors or outdoors!
If your CPAP draws on the lower end of wattage, say 15W per hour, you could still get a full nights sleep with the 160.
It is small enough to fit in most backpacks and offers three different charge methods – solar panel, household outlet, and cigarette lighter. If you suffer from sleep apnea, this very portable CPAP battery backup is a perfect option to power your CPAP machine anywhere in the world.
At 167Wh, it is over the 100Wh TSA approved limit for carry-on air travel lithium-ion batteries, but it is a good option if you are not flying with your CPAP device.
The Jackery Explorer 160 features:
- Cell type: Li-NMC
- Pack capacity: 167Wh
- LCD info screen
- Weight: 3.84 lbs
- Power pack dimensions – 7.4” x 4.5” x 6.7”
- Built-in LED flashlight
- 1 – USB-C port
- 2 – USB-A ports
- 1 – 12V DC output 6mm
- 1 – charging input 8mm
Jackery offers a 2-year warranty on all of its portable battery generators.
The Jackery Explorer 160 charge times:
The Jackery Explorer 160 can charge:
- Smartphones – 12 times
- Tablets – 5 times
- Cameras – 20 times
- Laptops – 2 times
- Mini Fridges – 3 hours
- Drones – 2 times
- USB small fan – 26 hours
Power Stations
Endless power safe and prepared for your emergency power demands
A portable Rockpals power station is a rechargeable battery-powered generator built-in AC/DC/USB, creates clean and quiet power to keep wide range of your equipments charged #opt indoor outdoor, from lights to laptops, fan, mini-fridge, etc. Rockpals portable generator can not only be recharged by wall outlet, 12V car charger and optional solar panel, but also acted as a solar generator to store the power from the sun, perfect for camping, hiking, fishing, home emergencies like power outages, and so on.
280WH/78000mAh Solar Generator with 110V Pure Sine Wave AC Outlet, USB-C PD Input/Output, QC 3.0, CPAP Backup Lithium Battery for Outdoor Camping Adventure Emergency.
Rockpals 505Wh/140400mAh Solar Generator with Regulated 12V DC Output, 2 × Pure Sine AC Outlet for CPAP, Camping Travel, Emergency, etc.
ROCKPALS Portable Power Station 1300W. 1254.4Wh Outdoor Battery Backup Power, Solar Generator with 3 AC Outlets Peak 2000W Powerful, Emergency Power Equipment for Camping, Home, RV/Van, Outages, C.
Rockpals Freeman 600W Power Station, 614.4Wh Solar Generator with 12V Regulated Power Supply, 110V/600W Pure Sine Wave 3 AC Outlets, Pass-Through Fast Charging 156W Input, LiFePo4 Battery Outdoor G.
ROCKPALS Portable Power Station 1300W ( suit for EU, not US )- 1254.4Wh Outdoor Battery Backup Power.
Power Supply Made for Off-Grid Life
The Rockpals series are rechargeable portable power supply with outlet, DC and USB ports. They are made for outdoor recreations, like backpacking, camping, and Van or RV living. No noise, no fume, you can keep charged and connected when you are having fun.
Power Mobile Office
Rockpals power station makes your business outdoors away from the wall outlet, charging up all your essential devices at emergency time.
Prepared for emergency
Store power before the hurricane season or power outages,keeping your devices like lights, mini-fan,laptop, smartphones,tablets,etc.connected and safe from the lightning storm.
Free energy from the sun
Harness the power of the sun and enjoy your outdoor adventures, never need to worry about your Rockpals power station runs out of juice when you are camping.
How Long Does Rockpals Charge My Device?
Q: What is a portable power station?
A: Portable power station is a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. Easily recharged by solar panel, AC outlet and car charging. Features AC/DC/USB charging ports, they can keep all your devices charged, from smartphones, tablets, laptops, to CPAP and small appliances, like fan, heater, electric blankets, etc.
Q: How does a portable power station work?
A: It boosts the DC voltage by the DC to AC inverter system. After fully charged by solar panel, car charger or AC outlet, you could connect it to your small and medium devices from AC/DC/USB, and it would change the power to alternating current before sending it out to power a device, like your laptop and TV.
Q: What are the benefits of a portable power station?
A: As a battery powered generator, it can not only work without noise, fume and pollution when compared with a gas powered generator, but also could be recharged by compatible solar panels, which could harness the renewable and economical sun anywhere you go.
StressLess Camping
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Jackery 1500 solar generator review
What is a solar generator and what can I do with it? I review the Jackery 1500 Solar Generator for the answers to this popular question.
Jackery 1500
Essentially the Jackery product is a large 1,534 watt-hour battery enclosed in Jackery’s case giving you access to use that power almost any way that makes sense.
On the front of that case are three 120 volt household power outlets, a single USB-C outlet, a traditional USB outlet capable of up to five volts or 2.4 amps, a USB outlet compatible with Qualcomm’s quick charge and a typical “cigarette lighter” adapter capable of delivering 10 amps of 12volt power.
In addition there is a display that shows power input and output and how much power remains in the battery as well as a calculated guesstimate as to how long the power will last based on current usage figures.
Using this you could plug just about any 120 volt household appliance into it and operate that appliance. For example, I plugged in a coffee maker, a coffee grinder, a pressure cooker, an Instant Pot and a toaster. Not all at the same time, mind you, but individually. The unit handled each of those without issue.
At the same time I could plug the very notebook confuser in that I use to write these reviews via the USB C port and charge it.
There are also two ports at the upper left of the front of this to charge the internal battery. You could use the included wall charger to accomplish this or I used the four 100 watt SolarSaga solar panels that were sent as part of the package to do so.
Can I run a CPAP on a solar generator?
One of the most common questions I read on the various forums that I troll about RVs is if you can run a CPAP machine with a solar generator. There are also a lot more folks on the road with their various computers and other electronic whiz bangs and, of course, those need to be refueled as well.
Of course you could always get a traditional generator but they’re noisy, smelly and require maintenance. Furthermore few places allow you to run them at the time of night when you’d want to use a CPAP machine so that solution is a no go for many circumstances.
When Jackery offered to send me their latest and largest model, the Jackery 1500. I thought it would be a great opportunity to see if this could really do the job many want from it. specifically, the Jackery Solar Generator 1500 (Jackery 1500 4 x SolarSaga 100W) is specifically what I got.
Solar charging
My favorite way to replenish the power in this beast is to lay out the four Jackery SolarSaga 100 watt solar panels and let the sun provide my juice.
To accomplish this this there are two adapters that come with the device that let you plug in two of the solar panels to each adapter and then plug that adapter into the Jackery. In theory this provides up to 400 watts of solar input but I was able to get up to 380 watts at the most and around 200 watts in less than ideal conditions.
Each SolarSaga panel consists of two semi flexible solar panels in a flexible case. The case snaps together like a briefcase using magnets and there’s a nifty handle at the top. At the back of each of these assemblies is a which has the connector and wire to attach to the Jackery as well as a hub with USB C or USB ports, allowing you to use the panel to charge those devices.
The flexible case that is the back of the panel also has a flip-out leg or stand on each side so you can position the panel to optimize capturing the sun’s rays.
Charge times
Charging the unit from a low point to full took anywhere from 6-8 hours depending on the sun, the state of charge and whether there was anything drawing current from the unit as well.
There’s another thing I really liked about this unit, you could charge it at the same time as you were using the power thanks to an MPPT controller in the unit.
I actually plugged my travel trailer into the unit while the solar panels were doing their thing and ran the refrigerator in the trailer.
The Jackery reported that, after a day of doing this, the unit was down to 89 percent of capacity so, basically, not bad. Power draw varied from about 120 watts to 180 watts depending on where the refrigerator was in the operating cycle. Incoming power varied as well due to it being a cloudy day. It’s quite possible, depending on your draw, to use this package to operate many of the things in your RV completely off solar.
Would it be possible to operate the AC unit? Sort of. If you use a Soft Start RV and this high-capacity Jackery unit you could get about two hours’ run time from the AC but you really wouldn’t want to have any other electrical loads at the same time. This is similar to running your AC with a smaller generator.
Why Jackery
Jackery has made a name for itself as a company that provides an integrated solution. Everything they make is designed to work together to provide a solution for the customer. If you buy their main unit and their solar panel there is no question what’s going to happen. you plug the connector in and charge the unit. Simple.
Their plugs plug in only one way and everything just works. The unit and the solar panels are designed to work together and they do.
There are other brands of these solar generators that are more component based. Yes, you can use anybody’s solar panels. You can mix and match things. But how well they work together can depend very much on your understanding of the systems.
You could also build a device that performed the same function for much less than the 2,699 list price of this device. But then you should know what you’re doing as lithium batteries can get explody if not managed properly. Buying an off-the shelf unit means you don’t worry about this.
The downside
As many pluses as there were with this unit there were also some things that really had me scratching my head.
For example, the main unit wanted to be in a relatively temperature-moderate environment. In other words, electronics don’t like to be in freezing temperatures nor do they like to be extremely hot.
The first few days I had this the outside temps were close to 110°F so charging it was a bit of an issue as the cables provided with the solar panels aren’t very long. Thus the whole thing had to sit outside and the main unit worked to protect itself and part of that was limiting incoming charge power.
I would really like to see Jackery offer extension cables for this package so that I could keep the main unit inside and the solar panels outside the RV.
While I respect the fact all the Jackery bits work very well together, by the same token, it’s next to impossible to use solar panels that I already have.
But the biggest thing about this that troubled me was that the internal battery is only good for about 500 cycles. Some of the newer Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) have charge duty cycles of up to 5,000 cycles, some even more. Once you’ve gone through all the cycles on this device it’s just e-waste. I wish Jackery offered some sort of a replacement/trade in program for the batteries themselves.
We have been affiliated with Lion Energy for years now and they offer a similar device in the Lion Safari ME but the solar panels are additional, however we also have a discount code.
Boondocking with the Jackery
On this most recent two month trip the only device I brought for power was the Jackery and its four 100-watt Solar Saga panels. In summary, it was fantastic.
I was able to use this and plug our 30 amp trailer into the Jackery and keep the house batteries in the travel trailer charged. When the trailer was plugged into the Jackery 1500 it was as it if were plugged into a normal 120 volt household outlet so I could run things like the microwave.
I still used propane to run the refrigerator and the water heater just so I minimized the draw on the Jackery and used it for things that would only run on electricity. This also meant I could use the trailer’s household outlets to charge my laptops and cameras and such. It was delightfully convenient and worked very well.
This was enough for us to make it through the nine day Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta as well as a five day boondocking adventure in the mountains above Prescott, Arizona. Having the portable panels allowed me to aim them at the sun for optimal charging and the Jackery actually never got below about a 55% state of charge.
Now we did not use the air conditioner on this trip simply because we chose to camp in weather where we didn’t have to. I was completely thrilled with the performance of the Jackery and the Solar Saga panels during this two month road trip.
Now if my trailer had lithium batteries and an inverter and a large bank of solar panels on the roof I could have done the same thing, but at a far higher cost. The Jackery and it’s matched solar panels did the same thing simply, easily and at a far lower cost.
In summary
I can see this device serving a lot of different use case scenarios.
The most obvious one is the CPAP user who wants something silent that can handle 1-2 CPAP machines over night. Depending on your CPAP unit, this could be your solution. It’s quiet, easy to recharge and will run two CPAP machines for eight hours.
This could also be a great solution for those who like to boondock and want to run appliances like coffee makers or hair dryers. It will handle those kinds of things.
I could also see, with the group that I go camping with, this machine being pressed into use to run our Traeger barbecue. Plug the Traeger into the Jackery and throw the four solar panels out and you’ve got smoked venison by the end of the day. In fact, if my calculations are correct you can run the Traeger and then still have enough juice to power two CPAP machines overnight. This does have a lot of stored energy.
Furthermore I will keep this unit in the house here in Northern California. Our local power company keeps settling lawsuits for burning down communities and their solution is to simply shut off our power when things get scary for their shareholders. While I presently have been using a small generator to keep my refrigerator running, this unit will easily handle that task when this happens. Again.
The good thing is, since it’s a battery-powered unit it’s not announcing itself to the neighbors by rattling outside in the yard. I can keep the unit inside the house overnight which means my refrigerator will be running overnight too. Not only do the generators come out when the power goes off up here, so, too, do the people who like five-finger discounts on generators sitting outside at night.
Being dead silent also means you can run things in places where there are restrictions on the generator hours. Frankly, this unit inside the RV won’t make any noise and you can charge your computers, phones and all of that.
Jackery makes a number of different units that offer this functionality but with different capacities. The 1500 that I tested is truly the beast of the bunch and will power a lot of different things. While the entire package, at 2,699 on Jackery’s website, is certainly not inexpensive the simplicity of making the pieces work together along with the capacity of this device may make sense for some people.
Top 4 Solar Generators for CPAP Machines (500-1,300Wh)
Using a CPAP machine, solar energy stored in power stations or solar generators is an exceptionally reliable backup.
Whether you have occasional power outages or spend time on outdoor recreational activities like camping, the right solar generator can maintain your CPAP machine’s power requirements for days on end.
The following solar generators are excellent for use with CPAP machines.
ModelRockpals 500Jackery Explorer 500Goal Zero Yeti 500XEcoFlow Delta 1300Image
With CPAP machines, people with sleep apnea can sleep comfortably
A good solar generator for a CPAP machine should generally have three key features. Once these features are present then they should serve your machine well and should pass for great functionality.
Pure Sine Wave Technology
CPAP machines are sensitive medical devices and using them with an inverter that produces modified sine waves is not advisable. Given that CPAP machines are also used for medical emergencies, pure sine waves are much preferable.
Battery Management System (BMS)
Due to numerous factors that are clearly beyond our control, we can neither guarantee stable current, voltage nor temperature. It is then quintessential to use a solar generator that has a BMS that offers short circuit protection, voltage control, temperature regulation, and current control.
Display and Battery Capacity
Solar generators must offer the capacity that they claim. This is important to help you truly enjoy its functionality.
An LCD display would also prevent you from running out of battery at a crucial time, as you are prepared ahead for the next recharge, This is very important on a camping trip, for a recreational vehicle, or another outdoor usage.
Other Features
These features are fairly forgivable, and slight variations just below these standards should still pass for a good solar generator.
One of such is that a good solar generator for a CPAP device should operate at an optimal temperature range of 40 F to 104 F (0 C – 40 C), you do not want your solar generator overheating while your CPAP device is in use.
Also, a good solar generator for CPAP use should have a good battery cycle. If you use a CPAP device regularly, it is highly unlikely that you would not recharge once or twice every week.
If the solar generator has a battery with a lifecycle of fewer than 500 charges, then it is not a good buy. Preferably, 1000 charges and above is a good one.
Note that solar generators vary from product to product and all solar generators DO NOT have the same features, but we have not compromised on the standard for the three key features a good solar generator for a CPAP device must-have.
The other two features are quite forgivable. All five solar generators on this list have the three key features needed for using a CPAP machine, and one or two other features have been forgiven. It is also important to note that this article is tailored to CPAP machines and a solar generator.
It doesn’t make this list appropriate and inclusive for other purposes. So, here are the top four solar generators for use with CPAP machines.
ROCKPALS 500
Rockpals 500 (540Wh version)
The Rockpals comes with two variants. Both variants will be reviewed side by side. These power stations use an in-built 540Wh and 520Wh lithium batteries.
Far better than conventional batteries, both Rockpals use a lithium battery. You do not need to worry about self-discharge; they have little or no self-discharge as compared to other battery types.
CPAP USAGE
Sleeping well in a camping activity is just as important as the camping itself.
Both power stations are capable of emergency sources of power for your CPAP machine while you enjoy your sleep (the 540Wh generator works just well if your CPAP machine is less than 100W while the 520Wh can work with CPAP machines of up to 120W).
Using any variant of the Rockpals 500 is safe as they only produce pure sine waves which is important for the safety of your CPAP machine. Also, an in-built BMS ensures circuit protection. You should be sure of a temperature range below 65°C and 40°C. for the 540W and 520W variants, respectively.
Display and Accessibility
The battery life status display also ensures for better maintenance. Both solar generators also give you an alarm beep when your battery status runs at 10% and below prepares you for the worst. A backup should be a backup, and at that, it could prove frustrating to ‘suddenly’ experience the backing out of your backup, sometimes a gentle reminder will do.
Multi-Purpose Power Station
Apart from working with your CPAP, they can charge your multiple devices such as phones up to 40 times. They can also power a mini cooler or a mini-fridge to keep your food and drinks cool.
Super Bright LED Flashlight
If you love to sleep with the lights on, the LED flashlight uses a meager 1W to 4W meaning it can last for up to 100 hours, that is, 4 days of uninterrupted lighting when fully charged. You can also reduce or increase the brightness and intensity of the LED flashlight on both generators. The flashlight makes it a good option for outdoor users
Durability
The in-built batteries are rechargeable, the 540Wh variant has a rechargeable life cycle of up of 500 times, which the 520Wh variant has a life cycle of up to 1000 times. Both power stations are very efficient.
Proper use should ensure 3 to 5 years of optimum use at the least beyond the 2-year warranty. Like any other gadget or device, routine maintenance is necessary, and you should ensure that you regularly clean the power station(s) to avoid dust, and immediately clean up in the case of a water spills.
Quick and Flexible Charging
A 100W Rockpals Solar Panel can be used to charge both solar generators, you may even charge in your car with a 12V car charger or with a simple wall socket of 110V, 90W AC Adapter.
With the 540Wh variant, any means of charging usually takes around 6 to 7 hours.
The 520Wh variant takes an hour longer or two to completely recharge, using a 12V car charge or a 110V wall outlet takes around 7 to 8 hours, while a solar panel (6A max) should fully charge this variant in 8 to 9 hours.
For better efficiency, do not use your power station to power or charge any device while you are also charging it, it is best to perform only one of these at a time. Do not charge any of the power stations with your car, when not in use.
Charging the power station with your car cigarette lighter is only appropriate when your car engine is started and in use, to avoid power loss of your car battery.
You can review the 540Wh and 520Wh versions of the Rockpals 500 in my article here: Rockpals 500 Review (In-Depth) – Features, Specs, and This goes over the similarities and differences of the first two generations of the Rockpals 500, but there is a newer model that I’ve reviewed myself below.
Check out the newest (3rd generation) version of the Rockpals 500, called the Rockpower 500, here: Rockpals Rockpower 500 Review (Testing, Pricing, and ).
JACKERY EXPLORER 500
CPAP USAGE
The Jackery Explorer 500 is a great option for CPAP, especially for outdoor use, as they are very portable. At 13.2 lbs., you can carry them almost effortlessly and at a dimension of 13.11in. by 9.17in. by 11.14in., you can even put them in your camping bag.
A very grippy handle is present on the top of the power station for easy carriage. Considering the fact that the Jackery Explorer 500 holds a 518Wh battery and 500W inverter, its total weight of under 14 lbs. is simply meager.
It is compatible with 12V-30V CPAP machines and can power your CPAP machine for a 32-hour period (if that’s all you use it for), if you sleep around 4 hours daily, it should serve you for a few days without a recharge. The Jackery 500 can power up to 3 CPAP simultaneously (for shorter durations) as it has 3 separate DC output ports.
There is an LCD display screen on the power back that allows you to monitor the charge and discharge rates, it also displays the battery status; this is important used outdoors to help you monitor your battery and when you need to charge, which can be very essential during camping trips.
Battery Capacity and Charging
The Explorer uses a lithium (Li-ion) battery with a 1000W power for continuous use and a 1000W peak surge, 518Wh (21.6V, 46.4Ah). The cycle of this battery is 500 cycles before reducing to 80% efficiency.
It also comes with an in-built MPPT charge controller for faster and efficient solar charging. The battery management system provides short circuit protection and voltage regulation control.
Full charge time using two SolarSaga 100W panels takes around 8 hrs, and the adapter cable to be used has already been included in the pack, and with a single 100W, it recharges fully in 17 hours. An AC car charger of 12V can also be used to charge the Explorer in 14 hrs. Using an AC wall outlet takes around 7 hrs.
Utility and Display
The Explorer is packed with a powerful in-built LED flashlight (which has a normal mode and SOS modes). Its 3 AC outlets use pure sine waves which are safer and protects your sensitive device(s) from damage or current fluctuations.
With no fumes, discharge, or emissions, the power station is outdoor-friendly. It also has a very welcoming display that shows you all the battery information you need.
Safety
This solar generator is just as safe as it can be. Pure sine waves are used rather than modified sine waves for the overall safety of electrical appliances.
With 2 BMSs, more and more safety is guaranteed, over temperature, voltage, and current fluctuations as well as circuit protection. When the solar generator is not in use for about 12 hours, it automatically shuts down, it does the same thing is the power draw is below the 10W mark for the same amount of time.
GOAL ZERO YETI 500X
CPAP USAGE
The Yeti 500X is a good option for many reasons. CPAP machine usage requires a level of safety assurances which is what solar generators like Yeti 500X that operate on pure sine waves have to offer.
It powers heavy-duty CPAP machines for around 10 hours. At under 13 lbs, it is very easy to carry. It also has respectively faster charging times in comparison to other products in this category, average charging time using any of the three available charging methods take about 6 hours.
Battery Capacity and Fast Charging Output
Its lithium battery capacity is 505Wh (10.8V, 46.8Ah) which can power a range of devices such as cameras, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. It is equipped with fast charging features that ensure a high-speed charge via a USB-C power delivery port.
It also features an MPPT charge controller, which is very important for outdoor use and to get the best charging efficiency rate from solar energy. The battery life cycle is at 500 charges and it has a shelf life of 3 months, meaning you have to recharge it every 3 months to prevent the battery from damage.
It has a custom 60-W USB-C power delivery port that turns on in the click of a button; this is very effective for power-hungry devices. The Yeti 500X also has an 18-W USB-C port that enhances faster charging for lesser power-hungry devices. Its battery can power a portable fridge with the USB-C PD.
Charging
The Yeti 500X, much like most Yeti series, have fairly efficient charging rates. It can be charged via 3 means: a solar panel, an AC wall adapter, and a car charger.
Using a Boulder 100 solar panel fully charges the solar generators in about 8 hours, using a Boulder 200 can be much faster to recharge, at just under 4 hours. Charging via an AC wall charger will recharge the system in 8 hours and a car charger recharges it fully in 5 hours.
Portability
At 12.9 lbs, it is one of the lightest solar generators in this power category, if not the lightest. With a dimension of 7.5 in by 11.25 in by 5.8 in, it is very handy and easy to carry. It is designed such that the handle is easy to hold.
Output
It comes with numerous ports available to power devices.
A regulated 5V USB port (12W max), a regulated USB-C port (18W max), a regulated 5-20V USB-C Power Delivery port (60W max), a 12V 6mm port (120W max), a 12V car port (120W max), and a 120V AC inverter (300W and a peak surge of 1200W). All outputs give pure sine waves.
These ports can work simultaneously, in a single purpose use, it can charge a camera 70 times, a smartphone up to 40 times, a tablet 10 times, and pellet grill for up to 9 hours. If you intend to use it indoors, it could power your TV for up to 3 hours.
CPAP USAGE
The EcoFlow Delta 1300 is a good solar generator for CPAP machines. The last one on this list and the best in some respects, it powers a CPAP for about 20 hours.
It features a 1800W AC outlet with 3300W peak power. In addition, these outlets use pure sine waves to keep your devices safe.
The Delta 1300 can power up 13 devices simultaneously, while it is highly unlikely that you would need to power 12 other devices while using a CPAP, it can be useful for three to four other devices, such as a bed-side fan or lighting.
Battery Capacity
A lithium battery capacity of 1260Wh hours is designed with a 1800W inverter that has a peak surge of 3300W. The Delta 1300 can be charged and discharged (used) at the same time.
This lithium battery can power a large freezer for up to 15 hours, a coffeemaker to make 50 cups, a toaster or grill for about 2 hours and a hairdryer for about 3 hours.
Charging
The DELTA 1300 charges at a ridiculous rate. The three conventional means of recharging solar generators are available, and, in just an hour, the Delta 1300 goes for 0% to 80%, just one hour from an AC wall outlet, in another hour, the solar generator is fully charged, that’s 2 hours via an AC wall outlet.
This is about 7-10 times the rate of any other solar generator in this category. This ‘X-Stream’ superfast technology has been patented by EcoFlow.
The Delta 1300 fully recharges in 10 hours using a 12V or a 24V car charger port. Using two or more EcoFlow 110W solar panels can recharge the device in about 4-12 hours, depending on the number of panels used, the fastest rate is gotten using 4 of 110W solar panels, which recharges the Delta 1300 in 4 hours.
Durability
With an already amazing charging, you would have thought you would not need a lengthy warranty, well the Delta 1300 has a 48-month warranty, that is, EcoFlow has got you covered for 2 years. Considering the super-fast charging feature, its whopping ability to simultaneously power 13 devices, the warranty is by no means small.
Utility
The DELTA has 6X 1800W outlets (3300W max), with pure sine waves, for heavy-duty or power-hungry devices, and for sensitive devices as well, such as a coffee machine, Do It Yourself (DIY) tools, saws, projectors, fridge, and a microwave oven. In fact, the Delta 1300 can effectively power 13 devices simultaneously, whether in use or for a charge.
Summary
Every product has its pros and cons, the solar generators you choose simply depends on what suits you need best.
With solar generators becoming far more reliable than gas generators, safer than fossil fuel systems combined, and more durable than many energy alternatives, you can go ahead and trust them with your health as well.
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