CPAP and Scamping

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ammaspatrice
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CPAP and Scamping

Hi all - Got a recent sleep apnea diagnosis and now use a CPAP machine. I am wondering if/how I can use  the CPAP in my 13' Scamp. Will I only be able to use the outlet located by the bed when hooked up to utilities (which will rarely happen) ?  I will mostly be boondocking, so I really need to know how to do this. Can I somehow run it off the Scamp battery - and re-charge said battery - with solar panels?  While I"m at it, how can I run the CPAP if I am car camping without the Scamp? Is there a way to use a converter in the cigarette lighter or cell phone charger? Anyone have experience with this?  Starting from square one, so forgive my ignorance ......thank you !!   Patrice

ac0gv
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It's multiple choice

You are correct that the 120 VAC outlet only has power when you are plugged in to shore power.

The device to get 120 VAC from 12 VDC is called an INVERTER and some have good clean power, others not so good. All of them use power themselves to run so they are inefficient.

I understand that some CPAP machines have a 12 VDC cord as an option. I would only be guessing that that would be the best choice.

Size of battery will affect how long you can run without recharging. Solar panel is a good option for charging, but a cheap generator would be a good plan “B”.

ammaspatrice
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thank you

for your helpful comments. I will have some research to do ! 

Patrice Mott

Greg A
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CPAP

ac0 is correct in that there are 12v CPAP systems built for auto/ RV use that many folks use. The other option would be to simply buy a pure sine wave inverter that plugs into a 12v Cigarette lighter and then you can plug the 110 CPAP. This setup is not real efficient to go with the inverter and will draw more AH than a 12v CPAP system.

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ammaspatrice
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Thanks Greg

A friend had a cigarette lighter installed in her Casita years ago (for a smoker in her family) - Would that be an option to have one installed in the Scamp and then just plug into that? And would it be best to visit a sales/repair shop to see what options and help they offer? Appreciate it - not only am I getting used to the CPAP, but all this is a foreign language to me.

Patrice Mott

Sunfish
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Accessory socket

If you have a 12 VDC cord for your CPAP machine, you can install an accessory socket in your SCAMP.  I bought an accessory socket with two USB ports from AutoZone, and other auto shops should have them too.  I spliced into the electrical wires going to the 12 V light above the sink. We use the accessory socket for a battery-powered TV and the USB ports to charge cell phones.   I don't know how much current your machine draws but you may be able to run your machine all night on the SCAMP battery or a heavier duty battery.  Then, you could charge the battery in the day with a solar panel or going down the road with your vehicle.

ammaspatrice
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thank you

Sunfish - I'm glad to know there are solutions, and I will have to find a shop that can do all this for me.

Appreciate it!

Patrice Mott

ac0gv
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There are many choices
ammaspatrice
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thank you

for all the help!

Patrice Mott

HappyR
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CPAP and Scamping

Hopefully your CPAP is 12 volt. Mine is 24 volt. My only choice is plugging into shore power or buy an expensive battery system that only lasts about 12 hours total so not enough for 2 nights. 
less power is needed if you don't use the heated hose option. Good luck in your search. 

ammaspatrice
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Joined: 04/14/2019 - 22:12
thanks

HappyR for the advice. I think mine is 12v - its a ResMed AirSense 10

Patrice Mott

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