If, like me, you require the use of a CPAP or BiPAP machine to treat sleep apnoea / apnea (I’m never sure of the correct spelling) in Ireland, you might be looking for a solution to ensure your machine stays powered during a power outage. For me, last week, we had a power outage here and I was without my CPAP device for about 7 hours. I never want to sleep without my CPAP again, so needed to find a solution.
You’ll need something that:
- Has enough power output to power your machine
- Has enough capacity to last around 8 hours
- Optionally has pass-through charging so it can switch over without disturbing you from your sleep
There are a number of options available, from batteries (like Medistrom Pilot) to lead acid batteries, deep cycle marine batteries and portable power stations.
I opted to go the portable power station route, with the Anker 535 Power station. I got mine from Harvey Norman on sale for 429EUR. Here’s how it works:
- Plug the Anker power station into your AC / wall outlet (your standard socket at home)
- Flip the ‘power saving switch’ to OFF (this keeps the power station running when any devices plugged into it are fully charged, in the case of your CPAP machine, it is required for uninterrupted power)
- Plug your Resmed (or Dreamstation/Philips) plug into the front AC outlet on the Anker 535.
- That’s it!
The Anker will keep itself charged, while providing continuous power to the CPAP machine. In my case, I can run my Resmed Airsense 10 at full power, with humidifier on for about 8 hours on the Anker 535 battery. From time to time, the built in fan on the Anker will kick in. It’s no louder than your CPAP machine so it shouldn’t be disruptive for most people. If there’s a power outage, your CPAP machine will remain on, and you won’t be disturbed during your sleep.
