Travel and power
Using a CPAP While Camping: Batteries, DC Power and Tips
To camp with a CPAP, use the manufacturer's DC power converter with a deep cycle battery or a CPAP battery, and turn the humidifier and heated tube off to make the battery last. ResMed strongly recommends DC to DC converters over DC to AC inverters and sizes batteries for 8 hours of use at your pressure.
DC converter or inverter
A DC to DC converter takes 12 or 24 volt battery power and feeds the machine directly. An inverter converts battery power to household AC, then the machine's power supply converts it back, wasting energy. ResMed's battery guide strongly recommends DC to DC converters.
If you must use an inverter with a supported device, ResMed recommends a pure sine wave inverter with a continuous rating of 300 W and a 500 W peak, certified by a recognized testing body such as UL in the US.
Choosing a battery
ResMed's battery guide is built around a deep cycle battery that powers the device for 8 hours and is recharged daily. Battery size needed depends on your machine, your pressure, and whether humidification is on.
ResMed recommends deep cycle batteries for its Air11 DC/DC converter because they are made for frequent heavy discharges. Car starting batteries are not designed for that, and running a car battery down can leave you unable to start the vehicle.
Make the battery last
Turn off the humidifier and heated tubing: heating water uses far more power than the blower. ResMed's guidance for its Air series is to turn humidification off when running from a battery.
A lower pressure uses less power, but never change your prescribed pressure to save battery. Use a waterless HME if your machine supports one for some moisture without the power cost.
Using the vehicle outlet
ResMed's Air11 DC/DC converter plugs into a 12 or 24 V vehicle auxiliary outlet. Its light turns amber when the battery is low and it shuts off if the battery is too low to run the device. Unplug it when not in use to avoid draining the battery.
Some vehicles only power the outlet with the key in accessory position. Test at home before your trip.
Camping practicalities
Keep the machine off the ground and away from dust and condensation. Dust clogs filters fast, so pack spare filters. Store the mask in a clean bag during the day.
Do a full night test at home on battery before you rely on it in the backcountry.
Supplies that can help
A battery pack that runs a CPAP machine without mains power, for camping, power outages or long flights.
A cord or converter that runs a CPAP from a 12 V or 24 V DC source, such as a car outlet, RV or deep cycle …
A heat and moisture exchanger (HME) that captures warmth and moisture from your breath and returns it on the next breath, used mostly with travel CPAPs …
The air inlet filter keeps dust and lint out of the machine and your airway; it is a cheap part that needs regular replacement.
A padded bag that protects the machine, mask, tubing and power supply in transit.
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Frequently asked questions
How long will a battery run my CPAP?
It depends on the battery capacity, your machine, your pressure and whether the humidifier is on. ResMed's battery guide gives tables by device and pressure for an 8 hour night.
Can I run a CPAP from my car battery?
You can with the right DC converter, but ResMed recommends a deep cycle battery and warns that a car battery in poor condition may not start the vehicle afterward.
Should I turn off my humidifier on battery?
Yes. ResMed recommends turning humidification off when using a battery because the humidifier consumes a great deal of power.
Can I use a portable power station?
Many people do. Check that it can supply your machine's DC or AC input with enough capacity for 8 hours, and prefer the manufacturer's DC cable where one exists.
Sources
Last reviewed October 11, 2026. How we research · Report an error