Last Updated on July 5, 2022 by admin
Diagnosed with sleep apnea and you are worried about how you can take your CPAP therapy along when backpacking? You should not worry much about your condition since there is an option of choosing a battery-powered CPAP backpacking which can help make your trip enjoyable.
This guide reviews the best battery powered CPAP backpacking machines that you can consider for your outdoor adventures. The post also gives you tips to consider in order to get the best travel CPAP machine.
Table of Contents
Benefits of Battery-Powered CPAP
Many individuals in the US suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a sleep disorder that is characterized by a brief loss of breath during sleep. There is no cure for this condition but people with OSA can find relief from continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. A CPAP machine provides pressurized air at a certain prescribed rate throughout the night to give you peaceful sleep.
The good news is that apart from standard CPAP machines, there are also portable travel CPAP machines that can give you relief if you travel frequently. The main benefit of a travel CPAP machine is that it is battery powered and you can use it in the wilderness where there is no access to AC power.
Depending on the type of machine that you have, CPAP batteries are rechargeable which makes them perfect for extended periods in the jungle. You can either recharge the batteries using your car charger or solar system and the battery runtime is usually determined by the pressure settings of the machine.
Off-grid camping provides many opportunities and it is the best way to enjoy camping among different people. If you are on CPAP therapy, you can enjoy your camping experience if you have a battery-powered machine. You can use your machine anywhere and it is convenient. Some machines are FAA approved and they are ideal for in-flight use.
However, you must always be careful since other Lithium-ion batteries are not capable of handling too much heat. This can cause accidents since the chemicals inside might not sustain the extreme heat.
Things to Consider when Buying a Battery-Powered CPAP Backpacking
If you want to get the best battery powered CPAP backpacking machine, there are certain features that you should consider. All CPAP machines are designed to operate in the same way but their specifications may vary according to different brands and models. Travel CPAP machines are lighter and portable. You can take into account the following factors to get the right CPAP travel machine.
Cost of the CPAP Travel Machine
The first thing to consider is your budget for the travel CPAP machine. Most CPAP machines cost between $250 and $900 depending on factors like brand and quality. With this price range in mind, you can observe that buying a CPAP machine is quite a financial investment for many people.
You should consider the machine’s specs and capabilities before buying it. These factors should help you determine the worthiness of the machine. You can also try to get other customer reviews about a particular machine to get an insight about what other users say about the brand.
Does the CPAP Machine have a Warranty?
It is crucial to check if the travel CPAP machine comes with a warranty. A warranty is meant to protect the interests of the consumer in case the machine unexpectedly malfunctions within a specified period. Most machines come with a warranty that covers two to three years.
Other travel CPAP machines also come with a full trial period. You can return the machine for a full refund within a certain period of about 30 days in most cases if you are not satisfied with its performance.
Battery Type
Different CPAP machines have two main types of batteries namely Lithium-ion batteries and deep cycle batteries. Lithium-ion batteries are commonly used in most CPAP machines just like other types of electronics. These batteries are designed to give you decent runtime for the CPAP machine for a night or even more. Lithium-ion batteries charge quickly and they get full power in about four to six hours.
On the other hand, deep cycle batteries are usually found in boats and cars. You need an inverter as well as alligator clips to connect to deep cycle batteries. You can also use the cigarette lighter in your car to connect to the deep cycle batteries.
Size and Weight of the CPAP Machine
When backpacking, you should aim to minimize the amount of weight of your camping gear as much as possible. Therefore, it is imperative to consider the weight of the machine before you buy it. On top of that, you should also consider the size of the machine in terms of length, height, and width. Some models may not easily fit into your luggage so you must be careful when you choose your travel CPAP machine.
Noise Level of the Machine
The other important element to consider is the level of noise of the CPAP machine. The thumb rule is that the quieter the machine, the better it is for travel. Most travel CPAP machines have a noise level of between 25 and 30 dbA.
The other thing that you can consider is to check if the airflow pressure range is adjustable. This may be necessary if you are traveling since you can adjust the pressure to suit your needs. It is essential to consider the elevation of your destination since changes in altitude can affect the pressure.
This also goes along with the machines operating and storage temperature ranges to ensure that it offers you optimum performance in different conditions. Most CPAP machines are designed to operate within temperature ranges of 41 to 95°F (5 to 35°C). You must carefully read the user instructions provided by the manufacturer so that you get a machine that suits your needs.
Other Accessories
You must also check if the travel CPAP machine comes with other accessories like a travel case. Different carry cases are specially designed for easier storage of the machine. The other accessories that you can consider include sleep masks, earplugs, and headphones as well as travel pillows for additional comfort and support for people traveling.
Review of the Best Battery Powered CPAP For Backpacking
The following are some of the travel CPAP machines that you can consider to buy if you have a problem with sleep apnea.
ResMed AirMini Auto Travel CPAP Machine
ResMed AirMini is the world’s smallest CPAP machine and it offers the same therapy modes just like standard machines. Whether traveling for business or vacationing, this machine is the ideal companion that is portable and never disappoints.
Pros
- Portable
- Waterless humidifier
- Available in four different configurations and masks
- Two-year warranty
Cons
- The machine is expensive
Transcend 365 Auto miniCPAP Machine with Heated Humidifier
Transcend 365 mini CPAP is portable and it features a heated humidifier. It also comes with all the features and benefits of CPAP therapy that you can enjoy at home or when traveling. The machine is FAA approved.
Pros
- LCD color display
- Risk-free 30 nights with a full refund
- Comes with a variety of accessories
- Lightest integrated CPAP & heated humidifier in the world
- Easy to use functional features
- The Battery-powered CPAP runs all night
- It can use any CPAP mask or CPAP tub
Cons
- Transcend 365 CPAP machine is expensive
Philips Respironics DreamStation Go Auto Travel CPAP Machine
The DreamStation Go Auto CPAP machine is portable and it also offers superior performance. It also provides pressure adjustments as well as relief during exhalation. This comfort feature is designed to give you a normal breathing pattern.
Pros
- LED to show battery status
- Lightweight and portable
- Integrated rechargeable battery
- Heated humidifier
Cons
- CPAP machine is expensive
- Built-in power supply for fewer parts
- Limited free trial period
DeVilbiss Healthcare IntelliPAP Auto Adjust and Heated Humidification System
The DeVilbiss IntelliPAP Auto-Adjust CPAP consists of all the features of a standard CPAP machine. It also features auto-adjusting pressure which suits the required pressure. The machine also has an effective and efficient IntelliPAP humidification system. The machine is ideal for outdoor adventures and it gives you all night long comfortable sleep and it also has long battery runtime.
Pros
- Automatic pressure adjustment
- Automatic detection of the condition of the mask
- Portable
- Efficient
Cons
- The CPAP machine is heavy (6 pounds)
Conclusion
If you have a problem with sleep apnea and you are on CPAP therapy, you can still enjoy the full outdoor experience while making use of a battery-powered CPAP backpacking machine. There are many benefits of using a travel CPAP machine and you should also consider different factors to choose the best machine.
From the CPAP machines reviewed above, ResMed AirMini Auto Travel CPAP Machine is the best pick. It is the world’s smallest CPAP machine and it also boasts of advanced features. However, your final pick is a matter of personal choice depending on the different attributes of the machine that you choose.
