CPAP machine use on the hook

CaptT

CaptT

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 8, 2020
Messages
280
Fluid Motion Model
R-21 EC
Hull Identification Number
FMLC2824L415
Vessel Name
NO FENCES
I was recently diagnosed with sleep apnea and will need to use my new Resmed CPAP machine while on the hook. Does anyone have any experience with this? I noticed the unit has an AC plug but like many appliances has an in line inverter powering the unit with 24 volts DC.
How do you use your unit while on the hook. Are the outlets in the front stateroom of the C-28 powered by the inverter? Other ideas? Maybe a 12v to 24 volt transformer?
I just came home from the hospital with a couple of fresh vertebrae fused together and this new sleep issue. It will be a while before I can get back on the boat so am trying to learn from others and prepare ahead of time for this new way of life!
My Dad always said, "Getting old isn't for sissies" and after this latest hit, I'm becoming a believer!
Thanks in advance for any help you can provide to this newbie to the world of sleep apnea and boating!
 
CaptT":2tya28ut said:
I was recently diagnosed with sleep apnea and will need to use my new Resmed CPAP machine while on the hook. Does anyone have any experience with this? I noticed the unit has an AC plug but like many appliances has an in line inverter powering the unit with 24 volts DC.
How do you use your unit while on the hook. Are the outlets in the front stateroom of the C-28 powered by the inverter? Other ideas? Maybe a 12v to 24 volt transformer?
I just came home from the hospital with a couple of fresh vertebrae fused together and this new sleep issue. It will be a while before I can get back on the boat so am trying to learn from others and prepare ahead of time for this new way of life!
My Dad always said, "Getting old isn't for sissies" and after this latest hit, I'm becoming a believer!
Thanks in advance for any help you can provide to this newbie to the world of sleep apnea and boating!
Click to expand...
My wife and I both use them. We bought “travel” CPAPs so that we didn’t have to move them back and forth to the house. One less thing to remember.

We have 3 x 110 Amp Hour batteries that I don’t run below 50%. We use our CPAPs with the AC adapter and the inverter with no issues. Just make sure you start the evening with 100% battery capacity.


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Just to clarify I have a C-28 also and yes, the inverter provides 110V power to the outlet in the stateroom.

-martin
 
Went through this with my wife's machine in our RV and then on our C28. Bought a 12v to 24v transformer which I think is more efficient than using an inverter. At times we also turn off the humidity and hose heating to save a few more AHs.
 
I have a few friends who use CPAP either for RVing or boating. My dad has a CPAP so I've talked to them about it in case I ever want to have him out on the boat for an overnight.

The view among a few of my friends has been that running the CPAP off an auxiliary lithium ion, dedicated battery (like the lithium version of the GoalZero Yeti or a Jackery Explorer) substantially reduced their anxiety.

They also underscored that running the CPAP directly off DC (without using an inverter) is much more efficient. Apparently, some brands of CPAP are better about your ability to do this than others.

Probably a bigger upgrade, but I did have one friend install a dedicated solar system on his RV (separate from house solar) to recharge his Jackery for CPAP (he said he gets ~10 hours of CPAP operation on just 4-5 hours of solar charge). An additional thing to think about.
 
The ResMed AirMini has an optional 12V power adapter. Have not done the math/impact on the draw, but works well. Also options for battery for more/totally self-contained, don't have that.
 
My system for running (2) cpaps on my 21ec:

1. Upgraded house batteries to (2) trojan scs225's relocated to aft compartment forward of fuel tank .

2. Replaced battery charger with Pro mariner Prosport 20 3 bank.

3. Added 3 Guage led battery monitor panel port side just forward of fusion radio .

4. Added 2 Scotty downrigger receptacles in berthing area , 1 on each side shelf. Added Fused seperate10 Guage wires forward and tied into thruster cable attach lugs.

5. Added 2 resmed 90watt dc converters ( increase 12dc to CPAP required 24 vdc). Also changed converter plug to Scotty downrigger twist lock plug .

6. Added Honda EU 1000i generator. Mounts on fabricated raised platform on swim step when in use.

7. Replaced all night use bulbs with led bulbs

This works well for me. Battery voltage in a m. Is usually 12.5 volts . I can stay on the hook until water and/or holding tank levels require attention.

Usually run the generator in a.m. then I will top off prior to retiring for the night. The generator will power the charger at idle on eco-throttle, is very quiet .
 
Ah, a problem near and dear to my heart.

We have a 2019 R27-OB that has (2) 110ah batteries in the house bank going on their 4th season. I could not run my Resmed CPAP with or without humidifier using inverter without triggering battery alarm.

I bought a Jackery 240w power station ($200 on Amazon) that gives me (3) nights of usage without humidifier without recharging. It's been a great solution!

Bob
The Doghouse 2
 
Thank you all for some great information! I've printed the entire conversation and once the back starts working, I can solve the problem with some excellent suggestions.
Being new too this I didn't realize there were so many options available. It's great knowing I'm not the only one trying to get a good night's sleep on the hook.
Next year.....maybe the Loop?? That's the "carrot "......I've had more than enough of the proverbial "stick"!

Terry
 
No problem running my CPAP all night on the hook, using the inverter on our R29CB. I just make sure to top off the batteries with the generator during the day.
 
I have found that using the inverter uses much more power than using one of those 12v inverters that have enough wattage to run the c-pap. I installed a 12V right above my head in the v-berth.
 
CruisingElvinRay":37w8iu6s said:
What is a 12 V inverter?


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

Mike is I believe describing a 12V adapter used with a C-pap. I originally used the inverter and plugged my c- pap converter into the 120V outlet. I found this to be a poor use of power. 12V to 120V back to 12V. My C-pap operates at 12V to 14V. I installed a 12V receptacle in the berth area specific for my C-pap. I purchased a 12V adapter for my C-pap and now it works 12V to 12V. Many c-paps operate at 24V. There are adapters that will act as a transformer 12V to 24V which is still utilizing the 12V power supply better than 12 Volts to inverter 120V then 120V to 24V. No matter what your choice is if it works for you use it. I like to keep it simple. If I can maintain the use of low voltage I prefer that over low voltage to high voltage back to low voltage. I believe using the 12V adapter is the way to go. My opinion!
 
My BPAP machine (Bi-level positive air pressure) draws 6.67 amps at 12 VDC.
My house bank should be able to handle it overnight.
 
Inverter use with CPAP, bipap, and avap machines:

Some machines require that if using an inverter one that produces a "pure sine wave" is needed.
The cheaper inverters that produce a "square sine wave " a " modified square wave " are not acceptable for the newer CPAP units.
It is important to check the requirements of your machines to assure you are using the appropriate quality of ac power.
 
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