Just a little off topic, but we are planning on an African safari in 2023. I've been told that the generators are turned off at night and there is no electrical service available. I sleep with a CPAP, could probably get along without it for just a few nights, but I really get much better rest when using it. Do any of my fellow travelers have any experience with a battery powered or battery pack for a travel CPAP machine? Good, bad or indifferent?
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Fredericksburg, VA
241 posts
Nehernan: I also use a CPAP and recently purchased a Medistrom Pilot-24 Lite battery after reviewing several online sources of batteries for various CPAP machines. The best source of information regarding CPAP batteries that I found was: https://www.cpap.com/blog/best-cpap-battery/ which had good descriptions of the various available batteries recommended for my CPAP and links to their websites for additional review. Although this particular battery recommended not using the humidifier for the CPAP while on battery, I tested it at home, with my humidifier on a low setting and it provided power throughout the night (about 8 hours). You use your normal CPAP power source to recharge the battery (about 2-3 hours); so, if the generators are on during the day, you should be fine with recharging the battery each day. I believe the link above also discusses solar panels that can be used by campers to recharge their batteries as well as connections to recharge batteries via a cigarette lighter-style outlet in a car. Please review the descriptions because some of the batteries have limitations for use in hotter climates, generally over 104 degrees Fahrenheit. The battery which I purchases is also FAA-compliant and can be used to power your CPAP should you want to use it in flight.
~Darrel
In any case, good luck on your selection and have a wonderful safari