The ultimate guide for camping with a CPAP machine

Camping with CPAP | Intus Healthcare

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Last updated on March 7th, 2024 at 10:35 am

If you love the outdoors, camping with your CPAP device has never been easier.

Camping and CPAP therapy can work in unison with the correct preparation. Like any getaway, you need to plan in advance to ensure your trip is smooth sailing. Your therapy should be a priority wherever you go; after all, sleep plays a major part in how productive, alert and relaxed you are.

This article will guide you through camping with your therapy so you can relax. 

Ways to power your CPAP off-the-grid

Yes, you should continue using your CPAP machine wherever you travel. Pausing your therapy can increase the likelihood of your Sleep Apnoea symptoms creeping back, causing an uncomfortable and restless night of sleep. 

Sleep Apnoea treatment has evolved over the years, and you can take your device almost anywhere.

All Intus machines come with a carry case to make travelling easier.

Research where you are going

Depending on where you decide to go camping will determine if you need a travel adaptor and what type of battery you can take with you. Lithium batteries with over 100 watt-hours, such as the Atom Pro, cannot be taken on a plane; consider the Ion compact battery pack instead.

If you travel outside the UK, check the available power supply voltage level to ensure your device can be powered through it.

Related page: Tips for travelling with Sleep Apnoea

How to run a CPAP machine when camping

Stay at a campsite with a mains power outlet to make powering your machine simple. If there is no available outlet, you may need a battery pack.

Use a DC cable

To help power your device, you can use your car battery or another available source by connecting a DC power adapter cable.

These allow you to power your device off a cigarette lighter port in a boat, caravan, bike or car. 

Please note: 12V cables are only compatible with other 12V sources. 

Can you run a CPAP off a battery?

You can power your CPAP machine from a battery pack. A CPAP battery pack makes travelling with your device easy and can power your device for up to three days. 

What’s the best CPAP battery for camping?

Atom Pro Battery Pack | Intus Healthcare

A popular and reliable option is the PowaPacs 12V Atom Pro, which only takes around seven to eight hours to recharge. The portable battery pack is excellent for camping trips, paired with an optional 12V power cable adapter for optimised efficiency; alternatively, you can use the mains lead.

The Atom Pro can power the ResMed AirSense 10 machine for up to 28 hours; find your device’s estimated run time on the product page.

Medistrom Pilot-24 CPAP Battery Pack

Alternatively, you may want to try a Medistrom Pilot Lite CPAP battery pack; these batteries are much smaller than the Aom Pro and are specifically designed for CPAP machines. The Pilot can be paired with an optional 12V car charger (not included) too.

The lightweight Pilot batteries can charge your machine for 1-2 nights, have a quick re-charge time and can be used on a plane for therapy anywhere!

If you use a battery pack, ensure you regularly test it to keep it working when you don’t use it. Please be aware that using a humidifier and heated tube will drain your battery power significantly. 

What to pack when camping with CPAP?

Pack a disposable CPAP humidifier

When camping, you may find your humidifier drains your battery too quickly. An alternative to using your usual humidifier chamber is a waterless disposable humidifier. 

These do not use water and eliminate a dry mouth, throat and nose like your standard humidifier tub. 

Using disposable humidifiers also prevents you from needing to take distilled water on your travels.

Please note: Individual disposable humidifiers can only be used for up to 24 hours.

Consider solar charging panels

To add greater ease to your camping experience, you can opt to go solar. Lightweight solar panels make it easy to charge your CPAP equipment and can extend your time off-grid.

Pack CPAP wipes

Keeping your CPAP supplies clean is essential; it helps to remove bacteria and get the most from your equipment. 

It can be harder to clean your equipment when camping, so taking CPAP wipes is ideal. 

These small and affordable wipes are alcohol and latex-free. 

Related post: How to clean your CPAP equipment

Pack extra supplies

Taking extra supplies can ensure your therapy is not compromised. Consider packing: 

Consider a travel CPAP machine

If you frequently travel to campsites, consider investing in a travel CPAP machine

To avoid lugging your heavy device around, choose a portable machine. Many travel machines are as small as the palm of your hand, quiet and lightweight. 

Travel machine options:

ResMed AirMini 

This machine offers the quality technology of other ResMed devices but at a much smaller and more convenient size. When paired with HumidX waterless humidification, camping with CPAP therapy is simple. Any CPAP mask can be used with the AirMini through the use of the universal hose adapter. The AirMini is also compatible with the myAir Management App. 

BMC M1 Mini

The M1 Mini is a smart and compact travel machine that weighs in at only 400g, making it simple to take away with you. The lightweight device features quiet operation and unique pressure sensitivity. Plus, you can manage and track your therapy through the LightTrip app. If you require humidification with this machine, consider Universal Waterless Humidification.

Please be aware that the travel device you require may be out of stock due to the global shortage of CPAP machine chips. 

Use a CPAP alternative

Depending on the severity of your Sleep Apnoea, you could use a CPAP alternative

Those with milder forms of OSA can use an alternative treatment. It’s much easier to pack an oral appliance or positional therapy trainer when you travel. Temporary treatment options include:

  • Oral appliances – Also known as Mandibular Advancement Devices, are mouth guards or dental appliances clinically proven to treat milder forms of OSA. They gently pull the lower jaw and tongue forward to reduce breathing pauses (apnoeas) and snoring.
  • Positional therapy – Sleeping on your side can help prevent Sleep Apnoea events; the Somnibel positional sleep therapy trainer encourages the user to sleep on their side. The small forehead device lightly vibrates while sleeping on your back or stomach. Alternatively, you could try an anti-snoring belt; the device also produces small vibrations to help you sleep on your side.

Please note: It is encouraged to go back to using your CPAP machine if your doctor or sleep specialist advises. 

Summary & Takeaways

Treating your Sleep Apnoea while away from home is essential for your health. To power your machine while camping, choose between a campsite with electronic outlets or an off-grid experience with a battery pack or travel device. There are a variety of batteries and solar charging panels designed to suit longer off-grid experiences.

To have comfortable travels, always treat your OSA.

If you have any questions, contact us for expert advice.

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