CPAP and medical devices in a power outage
How to size backup power for a CPAP or other powered medical device, using your device's own numbers. Figures as of 2026-10-28.
Check your device label first. Every number below is an example from a published source. Your device's label or manual is the number to plan around. Talk to your doctor or equipment supplier before changing settings or connecting a battery, inverter, or generator. If a device is life-sustaining, plan with your provider and let your utility know.
Step 1: Find your device's watts
| Device | Published power use | Source |
|---|---|---|
| ResMed AirSense 11 CPAP | 56.1 W typical, 73.2 W peak (65 W power supply, 24 V DC) | ResMed user guide |
| CPAP, no heat (general) | 30–60 W | Champion chart |
| CPAP with heated humidifier (general) | 60–120 W | Champion chart |
| Oxygen concentrators, nebulizers, others | Use your device label. We don't list these because models vary widely. | |
Step 2: Do the runtime math
Watt-hours per night = device watts × hours of use. Nights per charge = battery Wh × 0.85 ÷ watt-hours per night Assumption: 85% usable.
| Battery | At 56.1 W × 8 h (≈449 Wh/night) | At 30 W × 8 h (240 Wh/night) |
|---|---|---|
| Medistrom Pilot-24 Lite (95 Wh) | ≈ 0.2 nights (about 1.4 h) | ≈ 0.3 nights (about 2.7 h) |
| Anker SOLIX C1000 (1,056 Wh) | ≈ 2.0 nights | ≈ 3.7 nights |
| Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 (1,070 Wh) | ≈ 2.0 nights | ≈ 3.8 nights |
| Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 (2,042 Wh) | ≈ 3.9 nights | ≈ 7.2 nights |
Capacities: Medistrom; HomeGridHQ (October 2026). Medistrom quotes its own runtime with the humidifier and heated tube turned off, and a DC connection to the device avoids inverter losses. Compatibility depends on your machine: ResMed says it does not endorse third-party batteries for the AirSense 11 (ResMed FAQ).
Try the CPAP / medical preset in the calculator →
Step 3: Make a plan with FDA's checklist
FDA's home-use device booklet walks through the questions to ask your manufacturer or provider (FDA):
- Can the device run on batteries or another power source, and which type?
- Could you be harmed if it stops for a short time, and how long?
- Do you need supplies for a minimum of 3 days?
- After power returns, check for damage and incorrect settings before use.
Refrigerated medicine
Ready.gov: if the power is out for more than a day, discard medication that should be refrigerated unless the label says otherwise, and contact your doctor or pharmacist for a new supply (Ready.gov). Ask your pharmacist in advance how long your medicine is stable at room temperature.
FAQ
How much power does a CPAP use?
It depends on the machine and settings. ResMed lists the AirSense 11 at 56.1 W typical and 73.2 W peak. The Champion wattage chart lists CPAPs at about 30–60 W without heat and 60–120 W with a heated humidifier. Check the label or manual for your own device.
How long will a power station run my CPAP?
Divide usable battery watt-hours by your device's watts. At ResMed's 56.1 W typical figure, an 8-hour night is about 450 Wh, so a 1,070 Wh station (Jackery Explorer 1000 v2) with 85% usable covers about 2 nights. Turning off the humidifier and heated tube usually cuts use a lot.
Can I plug my CPAP into any battery?
Ask your device maker first. FDA advises finding out from the manufacturer whether your device can run on batteries or a generator. ResMed says it does not endorse third-party batteries for the AirSense 11.
What about oxygen concentrators and other devices?
We don't publish wattages for oxygen concentrators or other life-sustaining equipment, because they vary widely by model. Use the watts on the device label and plan with your medical provider and equipment supplier.
Backup power, before the next outage
A short email when it matters: outage-season prep checklists before summer storms and winter freezes, state and utility rebates that open, change, or run out of money, and real price drops on the power stations in our data.