If you rely on a CPAP machine for sleep apnea, losing power isn't just inconvenient — it's a health risk. A portable power station ensures your therapy continues during outages, camping trips, or travel.
CPAP Power Consumption
Most modern CPAP machines draw surprisingly little power:
| CPAP Type | Watts (no humidifier) | Watts (with humidifier) | Watts (heated tube) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 30–50W | 50–80W | 70–100W |
| Auto (APAP) | 35–60W | 55–90W | 75–110W |
| BiPAP | 40–70W | 60–100W | 80–120W |
Runtime Calculation
For an 8-hour sleep session:
Without humidifier (50W average):50W × 8h = 400 Wh needed
400 Wh ÷ 0.85 (inverter efficiency) = 470 Wh battery minimum
80W × 8h = 640 Wh needed
640 Wh ÷ 0.85 = 753 Wh battery minimum
470 Wh × 2 = 940 Wh minimum → get a 1,000+ Wh unit
Pro Tip: Use DC Output
Most CPAPs accept 12V or 24V DC input directly. Using the DC output from your power station skips the inverter, gaining you 10-15% more runtime:
Without DC adapter: 50W × 8h ÷ 0.85 efficiency = 470 Wh needed
With DC adapter: 50W × 8h ÷ 0.95 efficiency = 421 Wh needed (10% savings)
Check if your CPAP manufacturer sells a DC adapter cable. ResMed, Philips, and Fisher & Paykel all offer them.
What to Look For
| Feature | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Pure sine wave inverter | Required — modified sine wave can damage CPAP |
| Low idle noise | You're sleeping next to it |
| DC output (12V/24V) | Better efficiency, quieter (no inverter fan) |
| 500+ Wh capacity | One full night minimum |
| LiFePO4 | If you'll use it frequently |
Our Top Picks for CPAP
- EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max (512 Wh, $299) — 1 night with humidifier, silent at low loads
- BLUETTI AC70 (768 Wh, $499) — 1.5 nights, excellent value
- Jackery Explorer 600 Plus (632 Wh, $449) — proven reliability, quiet
- EcoFlow DELTA 2 (1,024 Wh, $699) — 2+ nights, fast recharge for travel
- Anker SOLIX C800 (768 Wh, $549) — ultra-quiet, fast charge
FAQs
Can I use my CPAP on a plane with a power station?Most airlines allow power stations under 100Wh (TSA limit without approval) or under 160Wh (with airline approval). This rules out most useful sizes. Consider a dedicated CPAP battery pack designed for air travel instead.
Will the power station's fan wake me up?At CPAP loads (50-80W), most quality power stations run their fans at minimum or not at all. Check reviews specifically mentioning noise at low loads.
How many nights does a 1000Wh station last?Without humidifier: ~2 nights. With humidifier: ~1.3 nights. With DC adapter and no humidifier: ~2.3 nights.
→ Calculate exact runtime for your CPAP setup