If you have sleep apnea, a CPAP machine can be a godsend. True, it takes some time to adjust to one and no one likes cleaning their CPAP equipment, but most people sleep better once they adapt to CPAP therapy. So what do you do if you need to take a trip away from the convenience of power outlets? This is where a CPAP battery pack comes in handy.
A CPAP battery is an alternative power source for your CPAP machine. It lets you continue with therapy when access to electrical outlets are limited or unavailable. They are great for camping, flying, and stays in remote areas. Some CPAP batteries can also provide backup power during outages, kicking in when the power goes out for safe and effective therapy.
What is a CPAP Battery?
A CPAP battery is a portable power bank designed with enough capacity to fuel a CPAP machine for at least a full night. Some are made exclusively for CPAP machines, while others are versatile batteries that can be used to power other electronic devices. Most batteries for CPAP machines are FAA-approved for in-flight use. This means you can travel worry-free, knowing your therapy can continue uninterrupted during your flight.
When it comes to CPAP batteries, there are numerous options available on the market in 2024 and each comes with its unique advantages and features. Whether you are a veteran CPAP user or just starting your sleep apnea journey, we’ll help you find the best CPAP battery that fits your needs.
We’ve compiled a list of our top batteries for CPAP machines in 2024. For each battery in our review, we examine its key features, machine compatibility as well as pros and cons. Take a peek below!
Pro Tip:
Check out our CPAP battery guide to learn more about battery-machine compatibility and key features to look for when shopping for a CPAP battery.
In This Review:
- Best for ResMed Machines: Medistrom Pilot-24 Lite CPAP Battery
- Best for Camping: Zopec EXPLORE 5700 Universal CPAP Battery
- Best for Power Outages: Zopec EXPLORE Oxygen CPAP Backup Battery
- Perfect for Your Micro CPAP: Transcend Micro PowerAway Battery
Medistrom Pilot-24 Lite CPAP Battery
If you’re looking for a portable, pocket-sized CPAP battery for camping, the Medistrom Pilot-24 Lite CPAP Battery is precisely what you need. Weighing just 1.3 lbs and measuring 6.7”x 3.5”x 0.8”, this battery fits easily into a backpack and is one of the lighter and smaller lithium-ion batteries on the market.
The Pilot-24 Lite can reach a full charge in less than 3 hours and depending on your pressure setting, a full charge can last you up to two nights. This makes it a great choice for travelers with limited time and access to power sources.
You can charge the Medistrom CPAP battery using your CPAP’s AC power adapter or the Medistrom DC Adapter/Car Charger. The car charger plugs into the cigarette lighter socket in your car and fully charges the battery in less than 4 hours. However, the exact charging time will vary based on your car’s make, model, and the condition of its battery.
If you don’t want to use your CPAP machine’s AC adapter, you can purchase the Medistrom AC Power Adapter. This adapter is dual voltage (100-240V) and comes with a 2-pronged plug. While it’s directly compatible with North American and certain Asian wall outlets, using a travel plug adapter makes it universally compatible with outlets worldwide.
The Pilot-24 Lite also offers additional features, such as a 5V USB-A port for charging mobile devices and a built-in flashlight. It can also be used as a backup or stand-alone power source.
One significant advantage of this CPAP battery is that it falls just below the 100Wh TSA limit for batteries permitted on airplanes. This means you can pack this in your carry-on, and if the airline permits, you can even use it to get some rest during long-haul flights.
Although the Pilot-24 Lite can be used as a backup power supply, it’s not our top pick for backup power. For that we recommend the Zopec EXPLORE Oxygen Battery, which we’ll cover later in this review.
Overall, the Pilot-24 Lite is a solid CPAP battery, with a capacity of 95Wh and a recharge time of less than 3 hours. The downsides are that it’s only compatible with ResMed CPAP machines and that it doesn’t come with a power supply (you have to use your machine’s power supply to charge it).
Medistrom Pilot-24 Lite CPAP Battery: Compatible Machines
- ResMed AirSense 10 (all models)
- ResMed AirSense 11 (all models; requires the AirSense 11 Cable Kit which is sold separately)
- ResMed AirMini Auto Travel CPAP
- ResMed S9 AutoSet (S9 Cable Kit required)
- Apex Medical iCH (Apex Medical iCH Cable Kit required)
Pros
- FAA-approved for in-flight use
- Compact and lightweight
- Can power CPAPs for 1-2 nights, depending on pressure setting
- It comes with a built-in flashlight and USB-A charging socket
Cons
- Less capacity than a full-size battery for CPAP machine
- Requires device-specific adapter kits for most CPAP machines
- Not compatible with all CPAP machines and brands
- Not compatible with BiPAP machines
Zopec EXPLORE 5700 Universal CPAP Battery
Next up in our CPAP battery review is the Zopec Explore 5700 Universal CPAP Battery. It’s the best battery to use for CPAP camping because it works with every brand of CPAP machine. Simply plug your machine’s power supply into the battery and you’re all set — no adapter cables required.
In terms of size, the Zopec EXPLORE 5700 is about a third larger than the Medistrom Pilot-24-Lite at 8.5” x 6.0” x 1.0” and 2.5 lbs. However, it’s also a more powerful battery and depending on your CPAP or BiPAP settings, its robust battery life can give you between 16 to 24 hours of runtime.
Beyond powering your CPAP device, this versatile battery can also charge your personal electronic devices with its two USB-A and USB-C ports. It also comes with a 45W car charger that connects to your car’s 12V cigarette lighter socket.
We also love that it comes with a wall charger, unlike the Medistrom Pilot 24-Lite Battery. And you can even charge the EXPLORE 5700 off-the-grid using the Zopec Medical PHOTONS 40 Lite SMART Solar Charger (sold separately).
Frequent fliers will be happy to know that the Zopec Explore 5700 CPAP Battery adheres to FAA and TSA regulations. In fact, it’s the only FAA-approved battery in our CPAP battery review that can be used with BiPAP machines. However, it’s only compatible with auto BiPAP machines and should not be used with BiPAP ASV, BiPAP ST, and BiPAP ST-A machines.
Zopec EXPLORE 5700 Universal CPAP Battery: Compatible Machines
- All CPAP machines regardless of brand or model, no adapters needed
- Auto BiPAP machines such as the ResMed AirCurve 10 VAuto and Philips Respironics DreamStation BiPAP Auto
Pros
- Can power electronic devices (less than 120W) other than CPAP machines
- FAA/TSA compliant for air travel
- Compatible with select auto BiPAP machines
- Comes with AC wall charger and car charger
- Compatible with all CPAP machine brands and models without needing adapters
- Silent operation with solid-state Peltier cooling
- You can purchase a portable solar panel for charging off-grid.
Cons
- The initial charge takes a longer time.
- Battery runtime decreases by 70-80% when used with heated humidifier and heated tube
Zopec EXPLORE Oxygen CPAP Backup Battery
Now let’s look at the most power battery in our CPAP battery review: the Zopec EXPLORE Oxygen CPAP Backup Battery. The EXPLORE Oxygen is an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) that provides backup power for your CPAP or BiPAP during a power outage. We highly recommend this battery if you live in an area that’s prone to outages.
Like the Zopec EXPLORE 5700 Battery we just reviewed, the EXPLORE Oxygen is also an universal CPAP battery. It’s compatible with all machine brands and does not need special adapters, inverters, or voltage matching. Simply plug your machine into one of its AC outlets and you’re ready for another night of therapy.
To use the EXPLORE Oxygen Batter as backup power, just plug it into a wall outlet, and then plug your CPAP/BiPAP machine into the battery. The battery is designed to remain plugged in 24/7 — it allows power to flow through when there is no power disruption. And when there’s an outage, it’ll automatically switch to battery power without any extra steps from you.
We love how the battery comes with two USB ports and an extra 110V AC outlet. That’s right, it has two 110V AC outlets — one for your CPAP or BiPAP and the other for your laptop or even modem. And you can charge your phone or tablet with the USP ports too.
For even more convenience, the EXPLORE Oxygen Battery comes with a 45W fast car charger/DC adapter so you can charge from your car during an outage.
Did we mention it can also power portable oxygen concentrators? The Zopec EXPLORE Oxygen can provide up to 5 hours of runtime on the Philips Respironics SimplyGo at 2 L/min oxygen flow.
What truly sets the Zopec EXPLORE Oxygen Battery apart from other CPAP battery packs is how much juice it has. It can power your CPAP and humidifier for up to 24 hours. You can even use your CPAP heated tubing, although that reduces the runtime to a maximum of 12 hours.
Zopec EXPLORE Oxygen Battery Runtime:
- Humidifier and heated tube: 8-12 hours
- Humidifier only: 16-24 hours
- Machine only (no humidifier and heated tube): 48-43 hours
Zopec EXPLORE Oxygen Battery: Compatible Machines
- All CPAP and BiPAP machines regardless of brand or model, no adapters needed
- Portable oxygen concentrators
Pros
- Compatible with all CPAP and BiPAP machines.
- It can power other electronic devices and portable oxygen concentrators.
- No need for a special adapter.
- Longer battery runtime that can last up to 64 hours.
- Comes with an AC wall charger and car charger.
- Compatible with a portable solar panel (sold separately) for charging off-grid.
Cons
- Not FAA/TSA-compliant for air travel.
- Expensive compared to other CPAP batteries.
- Despite its hefty size and power, it’s not recommended as a backup power source for home ventilators.
Transcend Micro PowerAway Battery
Transcend improved upon the features of the P8 Multi-Night Battery and introduced its latest innovation: the PowerAway CPAP Battery. Exclusively designed for the Transcend Micro CPAP, this sleeker, more compact power solution ensures you enjoy the benefits of CPAP therapy even during flights.
Measuring 4.8 x 5.2 x 1.3 inches, the Transcend PowerAway Battery is about the same size as a coffee mug warmer. It only weighs 16.7 ounces, just as lightweight as a paperback. Together, the battery and the Transcend Micro CPAP weigh a total of 1.5 pounds.
Besides its ultra-light and portable design, this FAA-approved battery delivers up to 3 nights of use on a single charge, providing 17.5 hours of continuous runtime at 9 cm H2O. Once fully depleted, it only needs 4 hours to recharge–much faster than the the P8 battery’s 10-hour charge time. With a lifespan of over 1,000 full charge/discharge cycles, this CPAP battery is built for reliability.
Similar to the Medistrom Pilot-24 Lite, the Transcend Micro PowerAway Battery does not come with its own power supply. Instead, it relies on the CPAP machine’s AC power supply for charging. It can also be recharged using the Transcend Solar Charger, which can be rolled up like a newspaper to save you some space.
That’s not all–this Transcend Micro battery can serve as a permanent backup power source. Simply connect your Transcend Micro CPAP to the PowerAway battery, then use the machine’s AC power supply to plug the battery into a wall outlet. During a power outage, the battery turns on to ensure uninterrupted sleep therapy.
With versatile charging options and a long runtime packed in one pocket-sized solution, the Transcend Micro PowerAway Battery is the best power bank for CPAP camping, hiking, and road trips.
Transcend PowerAway Battery: Compatible Machines
Pros
- Compact, lightweight, and FAA-approved.
- Longer runtime and quicker recharge time than its predecessor.
- Longer lifespan than other CPAP batteries.
- Can be used as a backup power source.
- Compatible with the Transcend Solar Charger for charging off-grid.
Cons
- Only compatible with the Transcend Micro Auto Travel CPAP.
- Cannot be charged with a USB cable or DC adapter.
- It does not come with a wall plug. You need to use your existing Transcend power cord to charge the battery.
The Verdict: Which is the Best CPAP Battery?
CPAP batteries are indispensable for individuals who require continuous therapy for sleep apnea. They offer peace of mind, ensuring uninterrupted treatment even when traditional power sources are unavailable.
If you require a longer battery runtime, the Zopec EXPLORE Oxygen CPAP Backup Battery is the best option, as it can last up to 64 hours on a full charge. However, if you’re looking for a compact and lightweight CPAP battery, you might want to stick with the Medistrom Pilot-24 Lite and Transcend PowerAway Battery (if you have the Micro CPAP).
And if the thought of making sure you have the proper adapter cable sounds like too much of a headache, the Zopec EXPLORE 5700 Universal CPAP Battery is the portable power bank for you.
Have questions about our CPAP battery review? Get in touch with RespShop and let us help.
Our team of healthcare professionals can answer your questions and provide CPAP battery recommendations to suit your specific travel needs.