12 volt CPAP Question

Okay. I do have a CPAP. It is a Respironics System One 560P. Even the 120 Volt block puts out the 12 Volts it runs on natively. I ordered the proper 12 Volt cable from the big online "A" store.

Things needed:
1. Stable place to put the CPAP machine. In my mods, I show a shelf I put in. I set the machine on that.
2. 12 Volt outlet into which to plug it. I installed one next to the bed. The power needed depends on if you are going to run a humidifier along with the basic machine. On our last trip, I just ran the machine without the humidifier working. I had some water in it, but only for passive humidification, as I had the heat turned off.

The reason I had the heat to the humidifier turned off is that the specifications for the machine say it uses 12 V 6.67A. However, without the heat, it uses much less than that. If battery life is a concern (which it was for us), then running without the humidifier turned on will help. As it was, the only night we had any significant drawdown of our batteries was the first night when I had the refrigerator on 12 V power. After switching it to Propane, I had no problems the rest of the trip running the heater and the CPAP all night as we were travelling. When we were at ta significant stop, we had access to AC power, which made it a non-issue. Still, I ran on 12 Volt rather than switching back and forth.

For our setup, I have two six Volt batteries wired in series to generate 12 Volts. Since we returned, I purchased a Generac IX-2000 generator to carry on future trips. I am currently constructing a carrier for the hitch "A" frame on which to mount it. When it is done, I'll post pictures in the mods section. The generator is more for ensuring I have a way to keep the batteries charged if we are on an extended "dry" camping trip as well as to run the AC if possible. I won't be able to test that until we get our R-Pod back from the dealer's lot where it is for repairs of some manufacturer's and other issues which cropped up on our first trip.

I found that ours runs 12v native as well. I just  checked the AC adaptor. We have a 177 and I put a 12v outlet in the "entertainment center" and leave the CPAP machine there. Works fine and out of the way. We have 2  12V AGM deep discharge marine batteries and have no problems with 3 nights of camping.

Thanks for the reply sand the info.

Your concerns were the same ones I had when we purchased our R-Pod. I researched options and found that it is not a big issue. I did not find that the CPAP made a huge difference for me, but it does make a huge difference for my wife. She has had quieter nights since I started using it. 

I have heard other CPAP users state that it made a big difference in the quality of sleep. I don't know how bad your apnea is, but I hope you find it to be helpful.

The snoring is part of it Quieting that down is the benefit for my wife. I too have apnea, which is why I also have the CPAP. It would not have been prescribed only for snoring.

There are some very small machines now which would be great for travel. You may wish to talk with your sleep doctor about whether one of these (such as the Z1 or Transcend) would be adequate for you. They are currently the smallest ones on the market.