CPAP Battery Backup Explained: How to Choose the Best One
If you use a CPAP machine, you know how important it is to keep it running smoothly every night. But power isn’t always reliable, whether you’re dealing with a blackout, travelling, or heading off-grid for a few days. That’s where a CPAP battery backup becomes essential. It gives you the confidence that no matter where you are or what the power’s doing, your sleep therapy won’t miss a beat.
In this guide, we’ll break down the different types of CPAP machine battery backups, how they work, and what to look for when choosing one that suits your lifestyle — whether you’re at home, in the bush, or on the road.
Why Do You Need a CPAP Battery Backup?
If you use a CPAP machine for sleep apnoea, then you already know how important it is to keep it running night after night. But the reality is — power isn’t always guaranteed. Whether it’s a sudden blackout or a weekend away camping, losing power can quickly interrupt your therapy.
A backup CPAP battery pack gives you the peace of mind that you won’t be caught out. It acts as a secondary power source that automatically kicks in (or can be manually switched on) when mains power drops out. That means no disruptions to your sleep, no skipped therapy, and less stress overall.
Here in Australia, where storms, bushfires, and long-distance travel are common, having a battery backup is more than just handy — it’s smart. It’s also a great option if you enjoy camping or caravanning and want to keep up with your treatment while off-grid.
What Types of CPAP Battery Backups Are Available?
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to CPAP battery backups — and that’s actually a good thing. Depending on where and how you use your CPAP machine, you’ll find different options to suit your lifestyle. Here’s a breakdown of what’s available and how they work:
Standalone CPAP Batteries
These are portable, rechargeable battery packs specifically designed to power CPAP machines. They usually connect directly to your CPAP device using the correct cable or adapter, and they’re great for travel, camping, or emergencies. Many are universal models compatible with popular CPAP brands like ResMed and Philips, but it’s always worth double-checking.
How they work
You charge the battery via a power outlet (or sometimes a solar panel), then manually connect it to your CPAP when you’re away from mains power. Some batteries can last one or two nights on a single charge, depending on your CPAP settings and whether you use a humidifier.
Integrated Battery Packs (Brand-Specific)
Some newer CPAP models offer integrated or branded battery packs made by the same manufacturer. These are designed to work seamlessly with your machine and often provide better efficiency and ease of use.
How they work
These batteries often slot directly into the device or connect via a dedicated port. They’re usually smaller and lighter but may have shorter run times compared to standalone batteries.
Portable Power Stations
Portable power stations are the heavy-hitters of the backup world. Think of them as mini generators — without fuel or noise. These rechargeable battery units come with a range of AC outlets, USB ports, and DC sockets, allowing you to power multiple devices, including your CPAP.
How they work
After charging the power station (from mains, car, or solar), you plug in your CPAP just like you would at home. Many power stations even support CPAP use for several nights in a row, depending on capacity and settings. They’re especially useful for extended trips, remote locations, or emergency prep at home.
UPS Systems
An Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) system can also act as a short-term backup during sudden power outages. They’re more common in home or office setups but can be handy for overnight peace of mind.
How they work
The UPS sits between your CPAP machine and the wall outlet. If the power cuts out, the UPS automatically switches to battery mode, keeping your CPAP running for a short period. They’re very handy if you live in an area with unreliable mains power.
How Long Will a CPAP Battery Last?
How long a CPAP battery backup will last depends on a few key factors — including the type of battery, your CPAP machine model, and how you use it each night. On average, most portable CPAP batteries will last one to two nights per charge, but let’s break that down a bit more.
Battery Capacity and What It Means
Most CPAP battery backups fall in the 90Wh to 400Wh range. The higher the watt-hour (Wh) rating, the more power the battery can store — and the longer it’ll run your machine.
To put it into context, let’s look at some examples from actual product data, assuming the lowest power draw from the machine.
CPAP Machine | Battery Size | Approx. Runtime |
ResMed AirMini @ 8cm | 148Wh | ~20 hours |
AirSense 10 @ 10–12cm | 148Wh | ~14 hours |
DreamStation 2 @ 10–12cm | 148Wh | ~15 hours |
ResMed AirSense 11 | 160Wh | ~30 hours |
Transcend Micro | 160Wh | ~51 hours |
As you see, a mid-sized battery around 148–160Wh can easily deliver 1 to 2 nights of power, depending on your setup.
Machine Settings Affect Runtime
Of course, not all CPAP machines draw the same amount of power. Pressure settings, ramp time, and comfort features can all make a difference. Here’s what typically shortens battery life:
Using a heated humidifier or heated tubing
High pressure settings
Older or less energy-efficient machines
What Should I Consider When Choosing a CPAP Battery?
Choosing the right CPAP battery backup is about finding a battery that fits your machine, your lifestyle, and how you plan to use it. Here are the key things to consider before you buy:
Compatibility with Your CPAP Machine
Not all batteries work with all CPAP models. Some require special adapters or cables, and a few machines are pickier than others. Always check:
Is the battery compatible with your specific model?
Are the right cables or DC converters included (or easy to buy)?
Are the right cables or DC converters included (or easy to buy)?
Manufacturers usually list compatible machines, so make sure yours is on the list before you commit.On the other hand, portable power stations don’t usually have these compatibility issues — since you’re plugging your CPAP straight into a standard AC outlet, just like at home.
Battery Capacity and Runtime
Think about how long you’ll need the battery to last. Are you after a battery pack for a CPAP machine when camping for multiple days or just covering the occasional power cut? Here’s a rough guide:
90–160Wh batteries: Great for 1–2 nights, perfect for light travel or backup use
200–400Wh+ batteries or portable power stations: Better for off-grid travel, longer run times, or powering extra gear
And remember — using a humidifier or high pressure will shorten run time, so plan accordingly.
Portability
If you’re on the move — whether it’s camping, caravanning, or flying — size and weight start to matter. Look for a lightweight, compact option that won’t weigh down your bag.
Most airline-approved batteries are under 160Wh, which is handy if you’re travelling internationally.
Others come with carry cases or handle-friendly designs for easy transport.
Charging Options
Consider how and where you’ll be recharging the battery:
Mains charging: Standard for most batteries
Car charging: Great for road trips and caravanning
Solar charging: Ideal for off-grid camping, though charging times can vary with weatherMost modern portable power stations, like EcoFlow batteries, support multiple input options and fast charging, so you’re always covered wherever you are.
Is UPS Backup a Good Option?
The short answer? It depends. A traditional UPS is designed to provide short bursts of backup power during blackouts — typically just long enough to keep sensitive electronics like computers, modems, or medical devices running until power is restored.
For a CPAP machine, a UPS can help avoid interruptions if the power flickers or goes out briefly, kicking in automatically the moment mains power cuts off.
But here’s the catch: most standard UPS units are bulky, heavy, and not made with portability in mind. They’re designed to sit under a desk or in a home office, not to be packed up for travelor camping.
Luckily, there’s a new generation of portable power stations that combine UPS functionalitywith easy portability. These units are purpose-built for powering a wide range of devices — from CPAP machines to TVs, computers, and other small appliances — and many of them are compact enough to fit in your car, van, or a cupboard at home.
These smart home battery backup solutions offer fast switchover times without weight, meaning your CPAP therapy continues uninterrupted during a blackout — just like with a traditional UPS.
If you’re looking for a high-performance portable power station with reliable, pro-grade UPS, the EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus Portable Power Station is hard to beat. With a fast switchover time of under 10ms, it ensures your CPAP machine — or any other sensitive equipment — keeps running without a hitch during unexpected power cuts.
The RIVER 3 Plus delivers 286Wh of base capacity, which is enough to comfortably run most CPAP machines for a few nights. If you need more juice for longer trips or extra peace of mind, you can expand the battery by stacking it with either the EB300 (for 572Wh total) or the EB600, giving you up to 858Wh of backup power. It features a strong 600W output (with X-Boost support up to 1200W), which means it can handle most of your small appliances — no dramas.
What makes this unit especially attractive is its portability and design. It’s whisper-quiet (under 30dB), compact enough to fit into a cupboard, car boot, or overnight bag, and built with energy-efficient GaN technology, which minimises heat and boosts performance.
Charging is a breeze too — you can go from 0 to 100% in just one hour via wall outlet, charge rapidly via car, or pair with solar panels to get a compact solar generator for your campsite. If you’re after a reliable, long-lasting, and smart backup solution that works just as well at home as it does on the road, the EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus is well worth considering.
Conclusion
As you see, a CPAP battery backup is a bit of a must-have, whether you’re preparing for times when storms can knock out power or you love heading off the grid for camping or remote adventures. From understanding how long batteries last to weighing up whether a UPS system suits your needs, being informed helps you make the best choice for uninterrupted sleep therapy. So, choose wisely and stay sleep safe!
FAQs
Can I use my CPAP battery while traveling on a plane?
Yes, you can — but you’ll need to make sure the battery is airline-approved. Most airlines allow lithium-ion batteries up to 160Wh in carry-on luggage (not checked bags), which covers many popular CPAP batteries. Always check with your airline beforehand and keep the battery easily accessible for security checks.
What size battery do I need for my CPAP machine?
That depends on your machine and how you use it. For most users, a battery between 150Wh and 300Wh will give you at least one full night of CPAP to use — more if you switch off features like the humidifier. Smaller machines with low pressure settings can get 2–3 nights out of a mid-sized battery. If you’re planning off-grid travel or want extra peace of mind during outages, consider a larger portable power station (300Wh+).
How do I power my CPAP while camping?
There are a few great options for camping:
Use a dedicated CPAP battery — lightweight and easy to pack
Go with a portable power station — more power and can charge other devices too
Add solar charging — perfect for longer trips off-grid
To stretch your battery life, turn off the humidifier and heated tubing, and make sure your battery is fully charged before you head out.