Everyday life with CPAP
Camping With a CPAP: Power, Water and Setup Tips
You can bring CPAP camping. At sites with electricity you plug in as usual. Without power, a CPAP battery or a DC converter that runs from a vehicle battery can keep therapy going, often with the humidifier turned off to save power. ResMed advises against skipping therapy on trips.
Signs
- No outlet at the campsite
- Worried about battery run time
- Condensation in a cold tent
- Dirt and dust on equipment
Common causes
- No electricity
- ResMed says the main question when camping is whether you will have electricity. Many national and state park campsites offer it.
- Humidifier power draw
- Some battery setups do not support humidification, as the DreamStation 2 manual notes.
- Cold night air
- A cold tent can cause rainout in the tube.
Fixes to try, easiest first
Pick a campsite with power if you can
ResMed notes most national and state parks in the U.S. offer sites with electricity.
Bring a CPAP battery
ResMed suggests talking to your equipment provider about the battery that fits your machine. Its RPS II battery can run up to 13 hours. Charge it fully before you leave.
Use a DC converter
ResMed says some of its machines can run from a 12 V or 24 V DC source in a car or boat using the right converter. Check your machine's compatibility first.
Run without the humidifier on battery
If your battery does not support humidification, turn it off. A waterless heat and moisture exchanger may help with dryness if your mask supports one.
Protect against cold and dust
Keep the hose under your sleeping bag to reduce condensation, and pack your machine in a travel case.
Keep using it every night
ResMed warns that skipping therapy for a few nights is never a good idea.
Ask your doctor before a trip if you will sleep at high altitude or have heart or lung conditions. Talk to your provider about which battery or DC cord is safe for your machine.
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 padded bag that protects the machine, mask, tubing and power supply in transit.
Distilled water is what most CPAP humidifier chambers are meant to be filled with, because it leaves little or no mineral scale behind.
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 …
A fabric sleeve that slips over CPAP tubing to insulate it, reduce condensation and make the hose feel softer against your skin.
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Mask types this applies to
Frequently asked questions
Can I run my CPAP off my car battery?
ResMed says some machines can run from a 12 V battery using the right converter. Check your model's specifications and use the cord made for it.
Should I use the humidifier when camping on battery?
Turning off the humidifier saves power, and some batteries cannot support it. Check your manual.
Is it okay to skip CPAP for a weekend camping trip?
ResMed says simply skipping therapy for a few nights is never a good idea. Your apnea returns without CPAP.
Sources
Last reviewed October 11, 2026. How we research · Report an error