Portable Power Solutions for CPAP Users: A Comparison of the Best Battery Backups
While being diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea may initially feel disconcerting, there are many ways in which this chronic condition can be effectively treated. Perhaps the most common strategy involves the use of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine.
Although these units have been designed for home use, other models are portable in nature.
However, the effectiveness of a portable CPAP will ultimately depend on how long it will function before needing to be recharged.
This is why a portable power supply in the form of a battery is crucial when choosing the most appropriate unit for your requirements. Let’s therefore take a look at the highest-rated batteries currently on the market as well as some of the unique benefits of each.
The Medistrom Pilot-24 Lite
Some industry analysts feel that the Medistrom Pilot-24 Lite is particularly beneficial due to its lightweight design. It will therefore be much easier to handle while traveling.
The Medistrom Pilot-24 Lite is also compatible with the ResMed AirSense 10 and AirMini. Not only can this battery provide a reliable solution in the event of a mains power failure, but a built-in USB port can be used to perform simultaneous actions such as charging your smartphone.
The Zopec Power Outlet 2
This battery is unique in the fact that it can be fully charged in only two hours. The Zopec Power Outlet 2 is also beneficial in terms of usability. It contains a standard alternating current (AC) outlet alongside three built-in USB ports (one of these offering a USB-C configuration).
This essentially signifies that these units represent standby power supplies for other everyday devices such as televisions, gaming consoles and even appliances.
The Zopec Power Outlet 2 can be recharged more than 500 times before its reserve stores of energy begin to deplete and it weighs just under one kilogram. Status lights will also alert the user if a recharge is imminent.
The CPAP Hero Freedom V2 Travel CPAP Battery
The CPAP Hero Freedom V2 Travel CPAP Battery represents an upgrade of the original Freedom travel battery, as it now offers a runtime that has been increased by an impressive 20 percent. Similar to the previous model, this battery can be fully charged in under two hours and it contains a single USB port.
The Freedom V2 Travel Battery is actually offered as a kit, as it also contains a series of cables that are able to supply either 12 or 24 volts of power (depending on the type of CPAP machine that you own).
We should likewise point out that these units can function as battery backups in the event that a home-based machine does not have a supply to mains electricity. The Freedom V2 Travel CPAP Battery is compatible with these brands:
- DreamStation
- The AirMini
- The ResMed S9
- The AirSense, the AirCurve and AirStart
Please note that this model does not contain a standard AC outlet as a built-in feature.
The Portable Outlet UPS Battery
This configuration has been primarily designed for times when users do not have immediate access to an AC outlet. The Portable Outlet UPS Battery therefore doubles as a normal source of mains power.
Not only can it be used to supply energy to CPAPs, but it may also provide power to other third-party devices such as gaming consoles and computers. A USB port will work in tandem with smartphones and a color display highlights how much power remains before a recharge is needed.
Perhaps the only downside to the Portable Outlet UPS Battery involves its weight. At just over 1.3 kilograms, this unit is relatively heavy when compared to other models. This may present an issue if you travel on a frequent basis. Note that these are also not intended to serve as battery backups.
The Zopec Explore Oxygen Battery
In terms of ergonomics, the Zopec Explore is currently considered to be the most lightweight battery on the market. Its small dimensions also provide a convenient solution when traveling. Its developers claim that the Explore is capable of supplying power for up to eight nights before needing to be recharged.
Another unique aspect of the Zopec Explore is that it is capable of functioning in synergy with the majority of machines on the marketplace. It could therefore represent a viable solution for those who may be considering changing or upgrading their existing unit.
Making the Right Decision
Ensuring that a CPAP machine is provided with a reliable portable power solution is a very real concern for many people. This is why it is always important to examine each of the brands in greater detail. Whether used as a standby source of electricity or an on-the-go travel option, alleviating the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea can now become a reality.
Sources:
https://www.sleepfoundation.org/best-cpap-supplies/best-cpap-battery