How to Power Your CPAP During Outages, Camping and Travel
Quick answer: You can run most CPAP machines away from wall power using a DC converter plugged into a vehicle or deep-cycle battery, a dedicated CPAP battery, or a portable power station. To make any battery last much longer, turn off the humidifier and heated tube. They use far more power than the machine’s air pump. If you fly, spare lithium batteries must go in your carry-on: up to 100 Wh is allowed, 101–160 Wh needs airline approval (maximum two spares), and over 160 Wh is forbidden.
Your three main power options
| Option | How it works | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| DC converter + vehicle or deep-cycle battery | Plugs the CPAP into a 12V/24V DC source | Car camping, RVs, boats, long outages | Must match your exact machine model |
| Dedicated CPAP battery | A battery pack built for specific CPAP models | Flights, tents, short trips | Check compatibility and Wh rating |
| Portable power station | A large rechargeable battery with AC outlets and often DC ports | Outages, RVs, multi-night camping | Heavy; use the DC output where possible |
Option 1: DC converter with a vehicle or deep-cycle battery
A DC converter connects your CPAP directly to a 12V or 24V DC power source, such as a car’s accessory outlet or a separate deep-cycle battery.
For ResMed machines:
- The AirSense 11 DC/DC converter is made specifically for the AirSense 11. It plugs into a vehicle’s 12V or 24V accessory outlet and has a light that shows when the vehicle battery is getting low.
- The AirSense 10 uses its own, separate DC converter. Converters aren’t interchangeable between the two machines. See what else changes between the AirSense 10 and 11 →
Tips:
- ResMed recommends a deep-cycle battery, which is designed for steady, all-night drain, rather than relying on a car’s starter battery.
- Unplug the converter when not in use, so it doesn’t slowly drain the battery.
- Don’t run your CPAP from a car battery overnight without a plan to recharge it. You may need that battery to start the car.
Option 2: A dedicated CPAP battery
CPAP battery packs are designed to power specific machines, usually through a DC cable. They’re the lightest, simplest option for flights and backpacking.
Before you buy, check:
- Compatibility with your exact machine model
- Watt-hour (Wh) rating, which affects both run time and whether you can fly with it
- Whether it comes with the correct DC cable for your machine
Travel CPAP machines often have their own matched batteries. See travel CPAP options →
Option 3: A portable power station
Portable power stations are large rechargeable batteries, often with solar charging, that can run a CPAP for several nights. They’re popular for home outages and RV trips.
Tips:
- Use the DC output with your machine’s DC converter if you can. Running through the AC outlet means the power is converted twice (DC to AC, then back to DC inside your machine’s power supply), which wastes battery.
- If you do use the AC outlet, check that it provides pure sine wave power, which is the recommended type for electronics like CPAP machines.
- Some units can charge while powering your CPAP (“pass-through” charging), which is useful for nightly backup at home. Check the manufacturer’s specifications.
How to make your battery last longer
The air pump uses relatively little power. The humidifier and heated tube use the most.
- Turn off the humidifier while on battery
- Turn off or remove the heated tube. Use standard non-heated tubing instead. Standard vs heated tubing explained →
- Use a DC connection rather than AC through an inverter
- Start with a fully charged battery and keep it warm, since cold reduces battery capacity
- Test your setup at home for a full night before you rely on it
Run time depends on your battery size, pressure setting and whether humidification is on, so there’s no single answer. Check your battery manufacturer’s run-time estimates for your specific machine.
Planning for power outages at home
If you use CPAP every night, a little preparation goes a long way:
- Keep a charged backup, whether a CPAP battery or a power station, and check its charge every month
- Know your settings: how to turn off humidification quickly in the dark
- Keep a non-heated tube with your backup kit
- Ask your utility company whether it offers a notification or priority program for households that use powered medical equipment. Many do.
- Talk to your provider about what to do if you can’t use your machine for a night
Flying with CPAP batteries: FAA rules
Your CPAP machine is a medical device and can travel in the cabin. Spare lithium batteries have their own rules:
| Battery size | Rule |
|---|---|
| Up to 100 Wh | ✅ Allowed in carry-on |
| 101–160 Wh | Allowed in carry-on with airline approval; maximum two spares |
| Over 160 Wh | ❌ Not allowed |
Key points:
- Spare lithium batteries and power banks must be in your carry-on, never in checked luggage
- Find your Wh rating on the battery label, or calculate it by multiplying volts (V) by amp-hours (Ah)
- Airlines can set stricter limits. Check with your airline before you fly, especially if you plan to use the CPAP in flight
- Protect the battery terminals from short-circuiting (original packaging or a separate case)
- Carry a copy of your prescription
At MyCPAPZone: [CONFIRM — which converters, CPAP batteries and power accessories are stocked, and which machines each one fits.]
Frequently asked questions
Can I run my CPAP during a power outage?
Yes, with a backup power source such as a CPAP battery, a portable power station, or a DC converter connected to a deep-cycle battery. Turning off the humidifier and heated tube makes the battery last much longer.
Can I run my CPAP from a car battery?
Yes, using the correct DC converter for your machine. ResMed recommends a deep-cycle battery for overnight use, so you don’t drain the battery you need to start the car.
Does the AirSense 11 work with the AirSense 10 DC converter?
No. Each machine has its own DC converter. Buy the one made for your model.
How long will a battery run my CPAP?
It depends on the battery’s capacity, your pressure setting, and whether the humidifier and heated tube are on. Turning off humidification typically extends run time significantly.
Can I bring a CPAP battery on a plane?
Yes, in your carry-on. Batteries up to 100 Wh are allowed; 101–160 Wh need airline approval, with a maximum of two spares; over 160 Wh aren’t allowed.
Should I use a power station’s AC or DC output for my CPAP?
DC is more efficient if you have the right converter for your machine. If you use AC, choose a power station with pure sine wave output.
This article is general consumer information about powering CPAP equipment. It is not medical advice. Follow your device’s user guide, your battery manufacturer’s instructions and your airline’s rules.