Sleep apnoea machine

looksee

Has anyone ever got a charger for a sleep apnoea machine? I contacted my machine supplier and they were rather vague, they don't do one and could not offer any suggestions. I want to be able to use the machine without an immediate power supply on holiday. A hire situation might be ok.

rubadub

Have you a make & model number for it. This might be better suited to another forum.

I am guessing its just a DC power supply unit you are after, in which case you have to match the voltage output and max current rating and the connector. Just like you would for a phone.

To by a specific one could cost a lot, usually a generic will do the job, or you can buy a set that comes with lots of connectors and can adjust the voltage.

If you put too high a voltage in then it can destroy it.

looksee

Oh thanks Rubadub. I may have confused the issue by referring to a charger, the machine does not have a battery so I need some kind of battery add-on equipment with a charger. If I could establish what terminology I need it would be easier to make enquiries! Yes I am concerned about potential damage to the machine, its something over a thousand euro's worth of equipment! I think I will have another go at the suppliers, but they were being very non-committal about it. I was wondering if anyone else using one of these machines had managed to use a battery arrangement with one. I have seen reference to it being possible to use these machines while on camping holiday etc, but cannot figure how.

tnegun

Will you have access to a 12 or 24v supply like a car or camper?

cormie

You'd need somebody with a lot more knowledge than I have to be able to give you the correct advice, but something like this might be an option. Connect it to a car/camper battery with the clamps and it should give you power for a while at least. Again I don't know how long you could expect and it would depend on the battery used, the draw from the machine itself and loads of other factors.


http://www.dx.com/p/1500w-dc-12v-to-ac-220v-power-inverter-silver-262104#.VRsGpeG4JIQ

looksee

Yes, I would have access to a car, but I was thinking in terms of recharging from a mains source during the day to use overnight, or while the car is being driven (charge from the cigarette lighter). I have done a bit more googling and found a bit more information but it does seem to be that they cannot be used with a machine with a humidifier, which I would imagine most would be, mine is. Presumably the humidifier uses too much power.

tnegun

I used mine with the humidifier on its lowest setting with a deep cell leisure battery and inverter. The battery was charged during the day when the camper was running and I only slept about 6/7 hours so the machine wasn't running that long plus I filled the humidifier with warm/hot water to begin with. I'm using a philips respironics system one btw.

ScouseMouse

Is it a rental or did you buy it outright?

tnegun

Have you seen this

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qeR_zkhvw8s

looksee

Thanks tnegun, that is very helpful. Gives me something to start with! I want to try and understand the set up before I just get something and plug it in! As Scousemouse said, is it hired or purchased?

cormie

I think scousemouse was asking you is your machine hire or purchased looksee

looksee

Oh right! Sorry. Neither, its supplied on medical card.

ScouseMouse

If its on a medical card, its probably a rental so the supplier SHOULD have a solution which, (probably), wont cost you anything. Dont be afraid to get back onto them and tell them you NEED a solution.

Is is Medicare by any chance?

looksee

No, they specifically said they don't do chargers etc, and I would have to make my own arrangements. The person I was talking to didn't seem to know much about it and it was a while ago, I will have another go at them :-) No, its Direct Medical and otherwise they have been excellent.