How to Prepare Your CPAP for a Power Outage

Published on Friday 17 February, 2023

If you use a CPAP machine for sleep apnea, it is important to have a plan in place for what to do when the power goes out. While it is possible to experience complications from sleep apnea if you do not use a CPAP machine, it is unlikely that you will die in your sleep if your CPAP machine stops working or runs out of power. In most cases, you would simply wake up and notice that your machine is not working.

However, if you have severe sleep apnea and rely on a CPAP machine to maintain proper breathing during sleep, a sudden interruption in therapy can increase the risk of complications such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. This is why it is important to have a backup plan in case your CPAP machine fails or the power goes out.

Here are a few tips to help you prepare:

Use a battery backup: One option is to use a battery backup device specifically designed for CPAP machines. These devices will kick in to provide power to your CPAP machine in the event of a power outage.
Use a portable power bank: If you don't have a battery backup device, you can use a portable power bank to power your CPAP machine. Look for a power bank with enough capacity to provide several hours of power to your CPAP machine.
Use a generator: If you have a generator, you can use it to power your CPAP machine during a power outage. Make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for using the generator safely.
Sleep without your CPAP: If you are unable to use a battery backup, portable power bank, or generator, you may need to sleep without your CPAP machine. While this is not ideal, it is better than not sleeping at all. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about how to manage your sleep apnea when you are unable to use your CPAP machine.

If you do not have a backup plan, you can still manage your sleep apnea by sleeping in a position that reduces the severity of your symptoms, such as on your side instead of on your back, and maintaining a healthy sleep environment with comfortable temperature, humidity, and ventilation. However, it is always recommended to have a backup power source or an alternative therapy option to ensure consistent treatment.