Why get a Generator for CPAP Machine?
A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine is a lifesaver for people suffering from sleep apnea. A CPAP machine needs a constant source of power to run it. Many people suffering from sleep apnea don’t go camping because of the fear of not having a power supply for a CPAP machine. However, you can solve this problem by getting an alternate power source for your CPAP machine. Such generators are best for running CPAP machines and providing power for other small appliances such as phone and laptop chargers. A large CPAP generator can also power appliances like TV, cooler, ice shaver, blender, and any other appliance in its power range.
Problems Associated with buying a CPAP Generator
First of all, you need to make sure that the generator you are looking for can manage your CPAP machine and for how long. If you want to run two CPAP machines on one generator, make sure it can adjust 2 devices and can run both without any issues. Next, you have to ensure that it can be charged through different means such as a solar panel, wall outlet, car outlet, and a portable generator. It should be easy to handle and carry to the camping site. Apart from these issues, reliability, durability, and operational safety are the most important concerns while a buying generator for CPAP machines.
Table of Contents
Best CPAP Generators
Image | Product Name | Features | Ratings | Reviews | Check Price |
 | Jackery Explorer 500 Portable Power Station |
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 | Rockpals 250-Watt Portable Generator |
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 | Flashfish 300W Solar Generator |
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 | Jackery Portable Explorer 1000 Generator |
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 | Flashfish 200W Portable Power Station |
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 | AIMTOM Portable Solar Generator |
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 | BALDR Portable Power Station 330W |
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Keeping all the above things in mind, we have developed this guide for people suffering from sleep apnea. We want them to live a normal life and go outdoors without any fears. A CPAP generator will help them achieve it. Along with the best CPAP generators in the market, we have also included a buying guide and FAQ section to help you make the best purchase decision.
Let’s look at the best CPAP generators!
1. Jackery Explorer 500 Portable Power Station – Overall Best
Power Output: If you are looking for a superbly lightweight, portable power station to run your CPAP machine and other appliances in the 500 watts range, it is the best buy. Apart from powering your CPAP machine for 23-40 hours (varies according to the machine wattage), it will provide electricity for 53 full phone charges, 7 laptop charges, run LED(5W) lights, a 60-watt mini cooler, TV, and a blender. In short, it can power all the appliances under a surge wattage of 1000 watts and running wattage of 500 Watts.
Recharging: You can recharge this power bank by using 4 ways. It can be charged on a 100W solar panel (9.5 hours under the full sun), a car outlet (16 hours), a wall outlet (7.5 hours), and a portable generator (7.5 hours). The recharging mechanism gives you freedom on the go to recharge from different sources. It comes with charging cables; solar panel is not included. It has a built-in MPPT controller, which converts higher voltage from solar panel to lower voltage needed to recharge its battery. It means that you can connect this device to larger solar panels as well. It uses a 518Wh (24Ah) lithium battery.
Outlets: You get one 110V 500W pure sine wave AC outlet, three 5V 2.4A USB outlets, and a 12V 10A DC outlet. The input jack is not located along with the output panel. It is located adjacent to the display screen.
Display: It comes with a display screen to indicate battery life, output, and input wattages. The display screen helps in monitoring the remaining battery and voltage being taken from the power bank. Such features make the machine user friendly.
Safety: It is loaded with 2 safety features. First, it gives clean and stable electricity in the form of a sine wave, which keeps the CPAP machine and other sensitive devices safe. Secondly, its BMS system ensures that your appliances and power bank stay safe from voltage surges, overloading, and overheating.
Portability: It is a lightweight and compact power bank/generator for CPAP machines. With a size of just 11.8*7.6*9.5 inches and a weight of 13.3 pounds, you can easily adjust in your luggage or backpack.
Our Opinion and Verdict:
It is an excellent power bank for CPAP machines and other small appliances. It is a bit costly as compared to other CPAP generators, but it offers more power. With this machine, you don’t need a classical inverter or generator for single use.
2. Rockpals 250-Watt Portable Generator Rechargeable Lithium Battery Pack Solar Generator with 110V AC Outlet, 12V Car, USB Output Off-grid Power Supply for CPAP Backup Camping Emergency
Power Output: The Rockpals generator will give you a 300 watts surge and 250 watts running wattage. You can use this power to run CPAP machines, charge phones, laptops, and run car coolers. It will only be able to manage the appliances under the load range of 250 watts.
Recharging: You can charge this generator with solar panels (time depends on the weather conditions), wall outlet (8 hours), car outlet (16 hours). It comes with 60Ah high-quality lithium polymer batteries. Its battery is even more powerful than the generator reviewed above. However, its voltage is less. AC adapter, car charger cable, and a DC to car lighter socket adapter are included in the box.
Display: The generator has 5 indicators to tell you about the recharging and remaining life of the battery.
Outlets: You get 2 AC outputs, 2 USB outputs, and a DC inverter output for solar charging.
Safety: The generator is loaded with surge and short-circuit-protection, temperature control, and overcharging protection. It gives pure sine wave AC power to keep your CPAP machine safe from the unstable current.
Portability: It is a sleek and very lightweight unit. With dimensions and weight of 8.86 x 3.94 x 6.30 inches and 5.95 pounds, you would never feel burdened with it.
Warranty: You will get 18 months warranty on this generator. Warranties give peace of mind and come helpful during repairs or maintenance.
Our Opinion and Verdict:
The only issue with this generator is that its cooling fan makes noise while running. Overall, it is an excellent generator to run your CPAP machines on the go.
3. 300W Solar Generator, FlashFish 60000mAh Portable Power Station Camping Potable Generator, CPAP Battery Recharged by Solar Panel/Wall Outlet/Car, 110V AC Out/DC 12V /QC USB Ports for CPAP Camp Travel
Power Output: It provides a surge wattage of 350 watts and running wattage of 300 watts. Apart from running a CPAP machine, you can also use this generator to power all the appliances in the 300 watts range.
Recharging: It supports a 6000mAH battery and can be recharged via solar panels, car charging, and wall outlets. The wall outlet takes less time as compared to solar panels and car charging. Please keep in mind that the generator cannot be charged and used at the same time. The car charger is included in the box.
Outlets: You get two QC3.0 USB ports for the CPAP machine, one 2.4A USB port, and two DC outlets. The two AC outputs are located on the other side of the machine. The location of outputs increases the device’s functionality, and you can connect appliances on both sides.
Display: You get a large display screen to monitor the working of the generator. It displays the battery life and voltage being drawn.
Safety: The generator keeps your sensitive devices safe through short-circuiting protection, surge, and low voltage protection, overloading, and overheating protection. It ensures that you and your devices remain safe with the power bank.
Portability: It has measurements of 13.4 x 8 x 5.2 inches and weighs 7.28 pounds. The generator is slightly heavier than the one we discussed above. However, it is more powerful than its predecessor.
Our Opinion and Verdict:
It is a very reasonable generator/power bank for CPAP machines. It offers a high build quality in this price range.
4. Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 1000, 1002Wh Solar Generator (Solar Panel Optional) with 3x110V/1000W AC Outlets, Solar Mobile Lithium Battery Pack for Outdoor RV/Van Camping, Emergency
Power Output: For the people who want more power on the go, Jackery brings in the best deal. You get 1000 watts of power. It is enough to run 2 CPAP machines, charge phones, run TV and other small appliances. It will provide enough power to run small appliances for 2 people during camping or emergencies. It can also be used for boondocking and RVs.
Recharging: You can use solar panels 100W (17 hours with one and 8 hours with two panels), wall outlet (7 hours), car outlet (14 hours), and generators (7 hours) to recharge the power bank. It uses a 1002Wh (46.4Ah) lithium battery to provide you backup power. The car adapter and AC charging cable are included in the box.
Outlets: With this generator, you get three standard sine wave AC outlets, two USB, and one quick charge 3.0 port. As this generator offers more power, it comes with more number of AC outlets. AC outlets help connect your devices like laptops and phone chargers, TV, or any other appliance falling in this power range.
Display: Like the other Jackery model, it comes with a display screen to tell you about the battery life, recharging, and power output.
Safety: It produces a clean and stable current to keep your sensitive appliances safe. The BMS system keeps your appliances and power bank safe from voltage surges, overheating and overloading.
Portability: It is bigger than other generators in our list and measures 13.1 x 9.2 x 11.1 inches. It is heavier compared to smaller units and weighs 22 pounds. Its weight to power ratio is impressive.
Our Opinion and Verdict:
It is a perfect and flawless device for CPAP machine users. It ensures that you get power for all your appliances under 1000 watts without any hassles.
5. 200W Portable Power Station, FlashFish 40800mAh Solar Generator with 110V AC Outlet/2 DC Ports/3 USB Ports, Backup Battery Pack Power Supply for CPAP Outdoor Adventure Load Trip Camping Emergency.
Power Output: This generator offers comparatively less power compared to other generators on the list. A 200-watt power is suitable for running a CPAP machine and charging your phone. It is a small machine, and we suggest that you keep it for your CPAP machine only so it gives a high running time.
Recharging: The power bank can be charged through a solar panel, car outlet, and wall outlet. It is a small machine and can be charged in less time as compared to larger generators. It has a 40800mAh battery to power your CPAP machines. The power station cannot be charged and used at the same time.
Outlets: It offers two 110V AC outlets, two DC ports, and three USB ports for quick connection. You can use 2-pin or 3-pin AC plugs.
Display: A display screen keeps you aware of the working condition of your generator. It will tell the battery life, the voltage being taken, and the recharging percentage.
Safety: It is a very safe device to use. The features like short-circuit protection, over-charging and overloading, low-voltage protection, and over-heating protection make its use tension-free.
Portability: With just a 5.48 pounds weight, it becomes easier to carry the device with you. It is a compact and sleek model with a carry handle. All such features make it best suited to become your camping partner.
Warranty: It is backed by a 1-year warranty and lifetime customer support service.
Our Opinion and Verdict:
If the main concern is only to power your CPAP machine, it is the best device for you. It is lightweight, covered by warranty, and reasonably priced as well.
6. AIMTOM Portable Solar Generator, 42000mAh 155Wh Power Station, Emergency Backup Power Supply with Flashlights, for Camping, Home, CPAP, Travel, Outdoor (110V/ 100W AC Outlet, 3X 12V DC, 3X USB Output)
Power Output: Providing you with a peak power of 150 watts and running wattage of 100 watts, this generator is also suitable to run your CPAP machines for a long battery time. When looking at small power CPAP generators, we suggest that you don’t plan to run other appliances on it.
Recharging: It comes with a 4200mAh battery, and it can be charged by car outlet, wall outlet, and a solar panel. The best thing about this generator is that it allows pass over-usage. It means that you can use the generator to power up your appliances and recharge it as well at the same time. You can run a car cooler on it and charge it at the same time as your vehicle. It has an MPPT controller, which enhances the battery charging speed from solar panels.
Outlets: It has an AC outlet, 3 USB outlets, and 3 DC outlets for car accessories.
Display: It comes with a simple display screen that shows battery bars, output, and recharging indicators.
Portability: It is a highly portable unit. The weight is just 3.64 pounds, and it will easily fit inside your backpack.
Safety: Its safety system is in line with high-end generators. It offers protection from overloading, overcharging, over-voltage and overheating. It produces a clean and stable current which keeps your appliances safe while running.
Our Opinion and Verdict:
You can buy this device without any worries about running your CPAP machine. Its power is less, and hence we suggest that please be careful while running other appliances along with a CPAP machine.
7. BALDR Portable Power Station 330W, 2019 Updated Portable Solar Generators for home use, CPAP Backup Battery with QC3.0&TypeC SOS Flashlight and Wireless Charger for Outdoor Camping Travel Emergency
Power Output: It will provide you with 300 running watts and 330 maximum watts. This generator is powerful compared to the generator reviewed above. Hence it can be used to run 1-2 small appliances as well.
Recharging: It can be charged using solar panels (5-8 hours), a wall outlet (5-8 hours), and a car charger in 7-8 hours.
Outlets: When it comes to outlets, the generator offers you more freedom. It has one 12V DC outlet, two 12V 5A DC outlets, one type-C, and three 3.0 USB outlets along with one 110V AC outlet.
Display: You get a display screen to monitor the working condition of your generator. It illustrates battery life, recharging, and voltage withdrawn from the generator.
Portability: The weight and dimensions are ideal for carrying during outdoor trips. It will not add any extra baggage.
Safety: A BMS system has been installed in the generator to ensure protection from surge voltage, overheating, overloading, and overcurrent issues.
Warranty: When it comes to warranty, this generator leaves every other generator far behind. It offers a 30-days money-back guarantee, a 2-year limited warranty, and 24/7 customer support service.
Our Opinion and Verdict:
It is a bit costly generator, but its features and exceptional warranty cover justify the price hike.
Buying Guide
When looking for a generator for a CPAP machine, you need to make sure that nothing is left out. At such times, a buying guide comes in handy. Our buying guide will enable you to buy the best generator for a CPAP machine. Let’s know more about these features.
Power Needs
First of all, ensure what are your power needs and what other appliances you need to run along with a CPAP machine. A CPAP machine usually needs 30-60W of power. If you plan to run only a CPAP machine, you would need to calculate how much it will last on a fully charged generator. Other devices commonly used on a portable generator are laptop and phone charger, coolers, and devices with 100-150 watts power. You would need to calculate their power usage and how much time they will run on the generator. You can read the backup time calculation formula in the FAQs below.
Recharging Mechanism
Almost all the generators support 3 modes of recharging. Jackery’s power banks can be charged through a generator as well. More recharging modes add versatility to your generator and give you freedom on the go.
Safety
A good portable generator for the CPAP machine will have safety features like protection from overloading, overcharging, overheating, and surge voltage. Look for a generator that has the most safety features.
Display
All the latest models come with a display on the screen. Some only show the battery percentage, while other show voltage, recharging, remaining battery time, and voltage being taken from it. A display with more features makes the machine user friendly.
Warranty
When you have a warranty on a generator, it adds value to your money. The warranties also allow you to save money in maintenance and repair head.
Portability
CPAP generators are mostly carried to trips and camping places. All the generators on our list are lightweight and highly portable. All the generators have a carry handle. It makes it easy to carry it around.
Budget
The last thing you need to consider is the budget. A generator for just a CPAP machine is not that costly. However, if you go for more power and other hi-tech features, you will have to pay more.
FAQs
How to calculate the working time of my device?
You can calculate the working time of one particular device with the help of this formula.
Working Time: Power Output of the Generator*0.85/Operating power of your device.
For example, the power output is 500 Watts, and the operating power of your CPAP device is 40 watts. The time calculated will be 10 hours.
What devices can my CPAP generator power?
Apart from your CPAP device, any appliance falling in your generator’s rated wattage can be run on it. If you have a 300 watts generator, it will power all the appliances under 300 watts.
Can I power two CPAP machines on one generator?
Yes, you can power two CPAP machines on one generator. It would only be possible if your power bank has enough power capacity. The backup time will be half for 2 machines.
Can we take a CPAP generator on a plane?
You can take a CPAP machine on a flight. However, a CPAP generator is not allowed on planes due to security risks.
Conclusion
For people suffering from sleep apnea, A CPAP machine is essential. Don’t compromise on your lifestyle because of sleep apnea. You can now enjoy outdoor trips, camping, and boondocking without any worries. Just buy a CPAP generator and enjoy peaceful sleep anywhere, anytime.