Question:
There is a new product out by Portawattz called the PowerPAC it is a combination battery pack and 300 watt inverter which I am sure would be enough to power most CPAP machines, at least for a few hours. for more information see their website: http://www.store4power.com/core.asp Al S.
Response:
< I’m considering lying at an angle in my easy chair, I fell asleep in my easy chair and woke up the next morning feeling like I did before CPAP. So, the easy chair did not work. Maybe sleeping on your stomach ??? — David L. King ki…@planetc.com davek…@acm.org zd…@etsu.edu Pursuant to US Code, Title 47, Chapter 5, Subchapter II, ‘227, any and all unsolicited commercial E-mail sent to this address is subject to a download and archival fee in the amount of $500 US. E-mailing denotes acceptance of these terms. Mike Webb <mewn…@softhome.net> wrote in message
news:199912280145.UAA21883@dwebs.net…
Response:
I had the same problem, I bought a power inverter and hook it up to my car battery, then plug the cpap into the inverter, works great, just start your car the next day to charge the battery for a while. Got my power inverter through Northern Tool & Equipment Co. www.northerntool.com P.S. mine cost about $60
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> From: "Wdps" <w…@aol.com> > When camping many people will use a mouthpiece, which will help to stop > snoring. why not look at www.webcreations.com/snorban
The camping situation is a lot like what may happen to a lot of us if the power systems fail, even for a while, at Y2K. I have a pretty serious sleep apnea (my sleep study showed that I either stop breathing or get an incomplete breath once a minute during sleep), and I’m wondering what backup plan I should have in place should the power fail. I’m considering lying at an angle in my easy chair, which is the only thing I can think of (I’m going to call my sleep doctor’s office for ideas, also). Anybody else have ideas? If so, please cc: me at <afn15…@afn.org> in your reply to the group; I get my Usenet messages via Deja.Com’s free Usenet-by-Email service, and right now it’s running a whole week behind. Any replies here won’t even arrive until after New Year’s Day (assuming the power stays up). Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/ Before you buy.
Response:
In article <19991220113929.05467.00000…@ng-fr1.aol.com>, w…@aol.com (Wdps) writes: >When camping many people will use a mouthpiece, which will help to stop >snoring.
Reminds me of the time (BC – before CPAP) I was tent camping along side the Klamath River. My snoring attracted a wild boar that actually poked his nose under the edge of the tent. Two stakes were ripped out. I made a lot of noise and he went away, but I didn’t sleep well afterward. Now I camp at a place where there is AC power. No problem. At home, for emergencies I have a deep-cycle marine battery in the garage with wires into the bedroom. Every two weeks I top off the battery with a charger. I figure the battery should should be good for at least 3 nights. I also have a small solar panel that will help keep the battery up for a longer time. Sleep well, Burt Burt Smith
Response:
When camping many people will use a mouthpiece, which will help to stop snoring. why not look at www.webcreations.com/snorban Merry Xmas JB
Response:
On Wed, 15 Dec 1999 20:27:22 -0500, <ddill…@mindspring.com> wrote: >Does anyone have any suggestions/recommendations as to where to find 24 VDC >converters for use with car batteries to run a CPAP?
24 volts? Are you planning to use two? 12 volt inverters are much more prevalent. If I remember right, marine "deep cycle" batteries are better suited to this type of usage as they’re designed for extended drain.
Response:
I have a Sullivan Model APO2 CPAP and enjoy camping. Most campgrounds have AC power for use but I have found some that do not have electric. Does anyone have any suggestions/recommendations as to where to find 24 VDC converters for use with car batteries to run a CPAP? Does anyone use a CPAP while camping without electric available? David
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It could have been a dream on or about Fri, 14 Aug 1998 03:35:13 -0300 when c…@accesscable.net (Nova Scotia Bear) stunned my sensibilities with: snip >Also, when did Respironics replace the T with the LX? I may want ot >have a chat with my DME about this…
snip Wasn’t it when the color of the device changed? D
Response:
I am also using a Virtuoso T, and as far as I have been able to figure out, the pressures it uses are compared to ambient air pressure, so that as the air pressure around it changes, it’s idea of "0 pressure" changes to match. That would make it automatically adjust for altitude changes, or nearby tornados (I know, feeble attempt at humour.) If I am in error, would someone please correct me? Also, when did Respironics replace the T with the LX? I may want ot have a chat with my DME about this… Carroll Bloyd <cbl…@fcs.net> wrote: > How do you make the altitude adjustment on the Respironics machines? I > haven’t seen anything about this in the setup manual or owner’s manual for > my Virtuoso T Smart CPAP. > Thanks, > Carroll
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Response:
John, You wrote: >The new generation of machines are more quiet. They are also more >portable. … current Respironics machines have a very convienient >altitude adjustment.
That’s reassuring. As I’ve mentioned elsewhere, I’m certain I lost some hearing due to the constant racket and pressure. And that’s not good since I make my living by providing phone support ! Being able to adjust for altitude is essential, since I travel to Colorado Springs, which is high enough to trigger altitude sickness. >I placed my Virtuoso LX and my father’s Remstar on a current meter … >At a pressure setting of 10cm, both units draw just over 1 amp for a >few moments at startup, then settle down to about 800 milliamps of >draw…
That’s great to have confirmed. Thanks. >NB – I have found Remstar to operate on 12 to 24 Vdc, and will not run >below 11.95V. Conversely, the Solo/Virtuoso LX machines will NOT >tolerate 24 volts, but will operate down to 11 volts DC.
Again, thanks. That would be a bear to try to figure out. I’ll keep that in mind when I put together my arrangement. This information is a big help. No reason to reinvent the wheel, and I don’t like messing with my sleep. And risking my CPAP is not a good option. But I’m feeling very reassured. Thanks, =jbf= John B. Fisher
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How do you make the altitude adjustment on the Respironics machines? I haven’t seen anything about this in the setup manual or owner’s manual for my Virtuoso T Smart CPAP. Thanks, Carroll – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -dogho…@smartt.com wrote in message <6qsbhd$bt…@nnrp1.dejanews.com>… > All of the current Respironics machines have a very convienient >altitude adjustment.
Response:
I have a new Resp Virtuoso LX CPAP machine and use it with a Mirage mask. I set it up for 12 volt operation yesterday in anticipation for doing some camping and did some tests to see how much current the machine used. The RT said that it would take about 2.5 amps at 10 cm but I found the current values to be much lower. With the machine off – 0.18 amps (electronics) Machine starting and blower coming up to speed – 2.8 amps momentarily Machine on, free flowing through mask (10 cm) – 1.2 amps Machine on, 8 cm 0.74 amps inhale 0.57 amps exhale " " 10 cm 0.95 amps " 0.75 amps " " " 12 cm 1.11 amps " 0.84 amps " " " 15 cm 1.5 amps " 0.97 amps " " " 20 cm 2.2 amps " 1.5 amps " Conclusion: A car battery in good condition should not have any problem supplying your CPAP with power for a night and have enough reserve to start the vehicle after a good sleep. For regular use or use for several days without recharging, use a deep cycle battery. Have a good night in the fresh air! Len — email: len…@ecn.ab.ca
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In article <6qq3d2$2g…@camel29.mindspring.com>, "John B. Fisher" <jbfis…@mindspring.com> wrote: > Folks, John, You wrote: > So, based on ALL that, here are some questions: > 1. Is the Virtuoso LX Smart CPAP, a fairly quiet unit? If so, it would > address concerns about changing pressure needs both due to altitude and > stress. I’m not worried about changing pressure waking me. I have little > problem with using my CPAP unit (and never had problems with adjusting to > it).
———- I have experienced both the Remstar and Virtuoso LX (and solo too,). The new generation of machines are more quiet. They are also more portable. All of the current Respironics machines have a very convienient altitude adjustment. > 2. How much does a CPAP unit drain a car battery? Would it be better to > have a second battery that could be used just for this? (Yes, it would > require a full charge during the day, but that should be easy to do). Any > other power suggestions?
——– I have placed my Virtuoso LX and my father’s Remstar on a current meter, for just this reason. At a pressure setting of 10cm, both units draw just over 1 amp for a few moments at startup, then settle down to about 800 milliamps of draw. This means that you can, (and I have…) run all night long and have no worries starting the car in the morning. NB – I have found the Remstar to operate on 12 to 24 Vdc, and will not run bellow 11.95V. My solution was was to put two gel cells in series and run the unit on 24 volts, allowing the batteries to discharge completely. Conversely, the Solo/Virtuoso LX machines will NOT tolerate 24 volts, but will operate down to 11 volts DC. No matter which you choose, it will work for you. > Any thoughts (except Respironics tirades) and input gladly accepted.
Hope this helps you a bit. John (Who likes Respironics stuff) —–== Posted via Deja News, The Leader in Internet Discussion ==—– http://www.dejanews.com/rg_mkgrp.xp Create Your Own Free Member Forum
Response:
Max, Greetings! Thanks for the quick response. Actually, since I will be tent (car) camping. That of course makes the challenge a bit more interesting. But you noted: >The battery set up is a not too unusual one for medium sized gasoline driven >motorhomes. I use two 6v golf cart batteries hooked up in series to produce >12v. They LOVE to be deeply discharged and they do not work against each other >when one is weaker than the other. They are rugged have a lot of capacity and >they are relatively cheap at SAM’S club.
That’s the type of idea I hoped to find. This would be realitively easy to put together, and build a small carrier for the batteries. When done using them, I could put them onto a trickle charger … Or even ‘jump’ them from the car. Anyone have any other insight about tent (car) camping with a CPAP unit ? As to pressure changes: >Adjusting the unit was dead easy, but you need to double-check your work by >measuring the pressure using the same method each time. And you should keep a >record of the adjustments you make so it will be possible to reset it to the >original setting if something goes wrong or you end with poor results.
You are right. However, I do know if I’m doing well with my sleep or not. Yes, I know that only a sleep study can tell you, BUT… After six years, I’ve learned to pay attention to several warning signals. If I dread sleep, then it’s not effective. My wife confirms that I’m having Apneas. (Predictable when you think about it). So, I adjust pressure twice … when increasing altitude and when decreasing altitude. Otherwise, I leave it alone. (I found too much pressure caused central apneas … that from a sleep study, which indicated the need to decrease pressure after about four years … even though I had gained weight … go figure …) Thanks, =jbf= John B. Fisher John.B.Fis…@digital.com
Response:
John, I am a motor home camper and I have used my "tranquility quest" CPAP set at 15cmH2O with a 12vdc–110vac inverter many times. Most recently on a 3 day and night campout at Cloudcroft, New Mexico I used it without recharging the coaches batteries. No problem, plenty of power for lights, water pump, radio. No sign of weakness in the batteries when I left. The battery set up is a not too unusual one for medium sized gasoline driven motorhomes. I use two 6v golf cart batteries hooked up in series to produce 12v. They LOVE to be deeply discharged and they do not work against each other when one is weaker than the other. They are rugged have a lot of capacity and they are relatively cheap at SAM’S club. As an aside, The altitude at our campsite was 9300 feet (about 2836 meters) and I slept much better than at home. I was sure that my CPAP was putting out less pressure than in Dallas so I tested it there using the quick and dirty method of imersing the hose in a wastebasket full of water and seeing exactly where the bubbling stopped. 12.5 cm was the reading, my wife said no snoring of irregular breathing ever occurred Joe Guilford had told me that after loosing 40 pounds my pressure might need to be asjusted downward, so I put 2 and 2 togather and reset CPAP to 12.5 when I got home. MUCH BETTER, fewer pressure related problemsand I slept better because leaks and drymouth, etc did not wake me nearly as much. Adjusting the unit was dead easy, but you need to double-check your work by measuring the pressure using the same method each time. And you should keep a record of the adjustments you make so it will be possible to reset it to the original setting if something goes wrong or you end with poor results. (usual disclaimers here. Do this stuff at your own risk. I’m no doctor and I am not qualified to give any kind of advise. I’m just telling you my experience) Once you have used the CPAP on 12v a few times your confidence in that method grows and it is no longer a concern. By the way, The generators used in rv’s are pretty reliable, but if you use one to power CPAP I think it is best to use the 12v battery while the generator is running and recharging it. Some generators are said to not have totally clean or steady power, but mostly I do it for the following reasons. If the generator quits the 12v power remains constant and ther is no interruption in CPAP operation. Additionally whan a generator quits it does not just cut off power. The power typacally falls off in voltage and frequency as rpm drops and rpm may surge increasing voltage and frequency or you could get other anomalies. This could be a strain on the CPAP– to say the least. I often use the 12v setting when the RV is plugged in to a 100v utility–just in case. Hope this helps. Max Tunnell (PolkaNoble) "If music be the food of love, play on." — from TWELFTH NIGHT by W. Shakespere
Response:
Folks, Appears I’m a day late and a dollar short again. Sorry for a repeat. I wonder if someone has a collection of ‘tips and techniques’ for camping with a CPAP unit. I ordered the DC Power Cord for my Respironics REMstar unit. But would be interested in experience and tips from others. For the past six years, I used a Respironics REMstar system at 12 cm H2O pressure. During the past two years, I used a Monarch MiniMask, quite happily. Both are very reliable. Though I (finally) intend to work on my weight, I suspect I will always need a CPAP unit. Even as a teen at ideal weight I snored VERY loudly. And the ENT surgeon didn’t think the UP3 would work for me… Additionally, I will try for another sleep study to review my observations during the past 6 years. I have a three objectives: (A) The REMstar is fine, if you don’t mind the noise. It’s LOTS better than no sleep. But decreased noise would be appreciated when camping. (B) My apneas increase (significantly) during times of stress. (Sitting up dreading sleep certainly doesn’t decrease the stress, does it?) (C) I travel for training to Colorado Springs, CO from North Carolina. The altitude differential makes the system unusable… After a week (let alone a month) it’s unbearable. So, based on ALL that, here are some questions: 1. Is the Virtuoso LX Smart CPAP, a fairly quiet unit? If so, it would address concerns about changing pressure needs both due to altitude and stress. I’m not worried about changing pressure waking me. I have little problem with using my CPAP unit (and never had problems with adjusting to it). 2. How much does a CPAP unit drain a car battery? Would it be better to have a second battery that could be used just for this? (Yes, it would require a full charge during the day, but that should be easy to do). Any other power suggestions? 3. Anyone tried a dental apparatus to thrust forward the lower jaw to decrease the Obstructive Sleep Apneas (OSAs)? I’m wondering if that might help if/when I loose weight. It certainly would be more portable than a CPAP and 12V battery! My objective is to eventually get back into backpacking… So CPAP would not be very viable for that. Any thoughts (except Respironics tirades) and input gladly accepted. Regards, =jbf= John B. Fisher John.B.Fis…@digital.com
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