cpap/inverter question
 

Hi, Im in the process of getting a cpap machine to treat sleep apnea. I am trying to find out what size inverter I will need to run it in the truck. And if it needs to be hardwired or if I could use a small unit that plugs in to the 12v outlet. Thanks in advance

first thing to do is find out how many watts it uses. agood rule of thumb is anything over 400 should be hardwired in. I had a buddy that had a 600 watter that he plugged in to his 12v plug and after about a year it burnt out.

When you get the unit (Cpap) look at the stickers/manual to find how many watts or amps of power it needs.

If it only shows amps then take that time volts to get the wattage. (since it runs off household current be sure to use 110 volts).

If the unit needs less than 300 watts you should be able to get by with a plug in inverter. Anything more you will probably need to hardwire it in. While they do make 400 watt inverters that plug in, it is unlikely you will actually see 400 watts of usable power as most truck power outlets are not able to deliver that much juice, though it will try.

My guess though is that you should be able to use a plug in inverter since Schneider, who does not allow hard wired ones, have been at the forefront of getting drivers tests and treated for sleep apnea. (unless they are granting special permission for a larger one.)

A former Schneider driver is working for my company now. He's on a CPAP machine. When he was diagnosed with it, he said that Schneider put a 1,500 watt inverter into his truck for him at no cost.

Is it true? I don't know. That's just what he told me.

With many companies going to no-inverter policies, it would be wise to check with your company's safety department. You can get CPAP machines that do not require inverters and I don't believe they are any pricier than a regular one.

CPAP = Darth Vader

I am a current SNI driver that uses a CPAP machine. I don't use the humidifier on the road, only the air pump, so I just plug the thing into the 12v outlet in the sleeper and go with it. In fact, lately I've been using not only the CPAP but the Webasto heater, so no idling at all for some 11 hours. No problem with starting up the next morning.

If I were to use the humidifier on the road, I would need the inverter. It's about 300 watts (if memory serves correctly...yeah, right...), and SNI will install it at no cost. It's definitely not close to 1500, though.

My sleep has absolutely improved. That's not to say I don't argue with the headgear from time to time...there are nights I just can't get the feel right, my nose itches, etc....what mostly, it's been a real benefit!

Best of luck to you!

volts x amps = watts (approximately)

My husband uses a CPAP so when we bought our 1st truck we asked the people that sold us the machine. They said that it will work with the regular 12V outlet but it may burn up his machine. So he suggested an inverter of at least 600W. Our 1st truck has a 750w inverter and our other truck has a 1500W. This way we are covered no matter what. Both are hardwired.