6 Helpful Tips for Using a CPAP Machine While Boondocking

Asked and Answered! A member of our RV Lifestyle Facebook group was seeking advice for using a CPAP machine while boondocking. Fellow RVers jumped in with lots of great advice…

You gotta love the RV community. It’s such a caring community that’s always open to helping others so they can enjoy the RV lifestyle to its fullest. 

Our RV Lifestyle Facebook group is filled with questions that are answered within the community, and this CPAP post is no exception.

Merla posted:

“Hello Everyone! We have a question regarding use of a CPAP machine while boondocking.

My husband uses a Resmed AirCurve 10 machine with a heated hose and humidifier. We need a battery source/inverter to ensure that he gets at least 5-6 hours of sleep per night on his machine. Looking for any recommendations from other CPAP users.

We want to buy the proper power source so we don't ruin his machine. We are considering the Bluetti EB55. There are so many different options. Thanks so much!!”

How did the RV Lifestyle community respond?…

If you buy something through our links, we may get a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps keep our lights on so we can continue to provide helpful resources for RVers. Read our full affiliate disclosure here.

Advice For Using a CPAP Machine While RVing

Receiving over 70 comments, the RV Lifestyle Facebook community really stepped up to ensure Merla and her husband could rest easy while boondocking. 

Many people offered product solutions that work well with CPAP machine. Others offered advice to help reduce energy consumption. And a couple even offered a complete alternative to a CPAP machine.

Here’s what they all had to say…

Taifu 12-24v Adapter

Several members recommended using a 12v adapter as it uses much less energy than a wall outlet. 

One member, Julie, recommended this particular model as it's the one she uses for her Resmed CPAP machine. She says it “works like a charm.” It’s compatible with a whole slew of Resmed Airsense models.

It comes with a 30-day free exchange and a 36-month warranty.

Bluetti Power Stations 

A few different power stations were recommended in the comments and Bluetti was a recurring one. There were two different sizes recommended, in particular.

The first is the EB70S, which you can also bundle with a solar panel to charge it with. This model is 800W and has multiple outlets… 12, in fact!

The second is the larger AC2000P with 6 2000W AC outlets. This model was recommended by Anna, because it powers both her and her husband’s CPAP machines simultaneously.

Jackery Power Station

Another popular recommendation for a power station is the Jackery brand. Like Bluetti, Jackery also offers a few different capacities.

The Jackery 1000 seems like it could meet most needs, but you should consider different models for your particular situation. Plus, you again have the option to add a solar panel to charge the station. We'll have more about the Jackery in an upcoming post!

CAT Power Station

A member named Chuck had the most affordable suggestion with a 3-in-1 CAT power station that he was able to buy at Costco. It’s also available on Amazon, which we linked to above.

It’s a lower 200W power inverter than the other options but it does the trick for Chuck’s CPAP machine. It’s also a lower cost, at less than a third of the price of other options.

Forego Heated Hose & Humidifier 

A few members also suggested minimizing the CPAP's power usage by not using the heated hose and humidity setting. Of course, you should only consider this if it’s safe to do so for your situation.

Heated CPAP tubing is meant to prevent condensation and water droplets from building up in your mask. For this reason, heated tubing is recommended. However, it is not required.

CPAP humidifier settings can also draw a lot of energy. So, a few members suggested not using the humidifier or lowering its level to minimize power usage. 

Alternative Solution: Inspire Sleep Apnea Implant

When reading through the comments, I was intrigued by an alternative solution to a CPAP that I’d never heard of before. 

Two members, Pam and John, suggested removing the need for a CPAP machine in the first place by recommending a special implant called Inspire. It’s the only FDA-approved obstructive sleep apnea treatment.

Inspire is an alternative to CPAP that works inside your body while you sleep. It’s a small device placed during a same-day, outpatient procedure. You turn the device on at bedtime and it opens your airway, allowing you to breathe normally and sleep peacefully.

According to their website:

• 90% of bed partners report no snoring or soft snoring
• 91% of people are satisfied with Inspire
• 79% reduction in sleep apnea events
• 94% of Inspire patients say Inspire is better than CPAP & would recommend Inspire to others

Well, this device would certainly save a lot of energy as it doesn’t require any electricity at all. Apparently, it’s covered by most major insurance providers, too. 

Are You New to Boondocking?

Boondocking, also known as “Dry Camping,” is Jennifer and my favorite way to RV. We don’t have to rely on hookups for camping, which opens up a lot of possibilities for a wide range of destinations. 

We know there are some big misconceptions about boondocking, but it really is a great way to travel. Of course, it’s not for everyone. Some people prefer to be connected to utilities and camp in more social atmospheres. 

If you’re curious to learn more, you should read Is RV Boondocking Right for Me? It’ll give you a better idea of what boondocking really is, and if it’s an appealing option for you.

If you’re really interested in giving it a go, then I suggest our getting our more comprehensive guide on boondocking. Here is more information…

Want to learn how to boondock?

We created a PRINT version of our most popular guide to help you with the most common boondocking problems. We get a ton of questions from our subscribers about how to get started boondocking that range from where to go and wild animals to water conservation to what equipment to use and more. 

Throw off the shackles of traditional RV Parks and campgrounds, stop paying high fees every night that you spend in your RV, and experience the boundless amounts of nature while boondocking!

You’re done with the noisy RV parks, the 3.5 feet of room you have squished in between two other RVs, and other people’s kids running through your campsite?

You’ve ditched the hookups, the concrete blocks and have replaced them with self-leveling and Navy showers?

This is the book for you.

---