Stations énergie CPAP : autonomie & 12V/AC

CPAP energy stations: autonomy & 12V/AC

CPAP Power Stations: 300-700 Wh , 12 V direct vs AC 230 V pure sine wave , full night 's runtime, humidifier & UPS - the 2025 guide

Need to power a CPAP (sleep apnea) while traveling , in a van or during a power outage ? This guide simply explains how to choose a suitable power station : capacity (Wh) to last the night, power (W), direct 12V DC output (higher efficiency) or pure sine wave AC 230V , impact of the humidifier & heated hose , real autonomy calculations, USB-C/mains/MPPT solar charging, UPS mode to automatically switch over in the event of a micro-outage, and the LymobileShop selection ready for purchase.

View Compatible CPAP Stations | 60–200W Foldable Panels

1) Understand the needs of a CPAP (W & modes)

A CPAP generally consumes between 25 and 60 W in basic operation. With a humidifier and/or heated hose , consumption can rise to 60–100 W (or more depending on temperature & settings).

  • Without humidif./heating pipe : 25–45 W typical.
  • With humidification : +15–30 W depending on heating level.
  • With heated pipe : +10–20 W on average.
  • “Eco” mode on certain machines: reduces heating and consumption.

Tip: If you sleep warm , lowering the heat on the humidifier and hose will drastically increase battery life.

2) Wh (autonomy) & W (power): the formula that works

The capacity of a station is measured in Wh (Watt-hours). The inverter power (W) indicates what it can supply instantly.

Formula for estimating autonomy:

 Autonomie ≈ Capacité(Wh) × Rendement / Charge(W)
  • AC 230 V connection (station mains socket): assumes an efficiency of ~0.80–0.85 (inverter losses + heat).
  • 12V DC connection (cigarette lighter output/regulated DC socket): takes ~0.90–0.95 (best efficiency).

Examples (512 Wh station):

  • CPAP 35 W at 12 V : 512 × 0.92 / 35 ≈ ~13.5 h .
  • CPAP 35 W in AC : 512 × 0.85 / 35 ≈ ~12.4 h .
  • CPAP 70 W (humidif.+hose) in AC : 512 × 0.85 / 70 ≈ ~6.2 h .

3) 12 V direct vs AC 230 V : which connection should you choose?

  • 12 V DC direct (recommended when possible):
    • Higher yield → more hours for the same station.
    • Less heat, less noise (fans).
    • Often requires an official 12V cable from the CPAP manufacturer (polarity & regulation).
  • AC 230 V (pure sine):
    • Compatible with the mains power supply supplied with the CPAP.
    • Essential if you don't have a 12V adapter for your model.
    • Slightly lower autonomy than with 12 V direct (inverter losses).

Conclusion: If your CPAP accepts a certified 12V cable , this is the best choice. Otherwise, use the 230V pure sine wave AC outlet of a suitable station.

4) Humidifier & heated hose: massive impact on autonomy

These two elements are the “big consumers”. Some pointers:

  • Humidifier = +15–30 W depending on the level. In dry weather, use a larger station.
  • Heating pipe = +10–20 W. The cooler the room, the more it consumes.
  • Tips : Reduce the heat by 1–2 notches, use an insulating cover on the pipe, avoid direct drafts.

Example: CPAP 35 W → + medium humidification (+20 W) → + hose (+12 W) ≈ ~67 W. The same station will last almost half as long as in “dry” mode.

5) Which capacity to choose: 300/500/700 Wh

300 Wh (compact)

  • Without humidification. ~25–40 W: 300 × 0.92 / 35 ≈ ~7.9 h (at 12 V).
  • With humidif. ~60–70 W: 300 × 0.85 / 65 ≈ ~3.9 h (in AC).
  • For whom : “short” night, emergency assistance , summer trip/hotel/van (heat = less heating).

500–512 Wh (balance)

  • Without humidity. 35 W: 512 × 0.92 / 35 ≈ ~13.5 h (12 V).
  • With humidif. 60–70 W: 512 × 0.85 / 65 ≈ ~6.7 h (AC).
  • For whom : a peaceful night's sleep , room for variation, better weight/battery life ratio.

700 Wh (advanced all-rounder)

  • Without humidity. 35 W: 700 × 0.92 / 35 ≈ ~18.4 h (12 V).
  • With humidifier 70 W: 700 × 0.85 / 70 ≈ ~8.5 h (AC).
  • For whom : winter , altitude, heated pipe, van + margin for recharging smartphone/tablet.

See ~300–500 Wh | See ~700 Wh

6) Charging: fast mains, 12V car, MPPT solar

  • Mains : 200–600 W input depending on model (512 Wh at 300 W ≈ ~2 h ).
  • 12V car : practical on the road (60–120W), slower but free during the journey.
  • MPPT solar : typical torque
    • 300 Wh → 100–120 W foldable = ~3–5 h strong sun.
    • 512 Wh → 120–160 W = ~4–6 h.
    • 700 Wh → 160–200 W = ~4–7 h.
  • Pass-through : You can charge the station during the day (solar/car) while using it at night. Avoid unnecessary 24/7 loops.

Choosing a 60–200 W foldable panel

7) UPS mode: anti-power cut-off safety for the night

A UPS -compatible station switches from mains to battery power in the event of a power outage (short transfer time), without turning off the CPAP. It's the "zero stress" solution for your home.

  • Usage : Plug the station into the mains, and the CPAP into the station. Normally, the CPAP is powered by the mains via the station. In the event of a power outage, the station takes over.
  • Tips : Check UPS compatibility & advertised transfer time; do a 5 minute test during the day, before night.

8) Noise, heat, placement & safety

  • Fans : Activate if the station is charging/charging heavily or becomes hot. Place it on a hard, well-ventilated surface .
  • Temperature : avoid radiators and direct sunlight; the electronics limit power in hot weather (perceived reduced autonomy).
  • 12 V : locks the plug well (some tips have a twist-lock ).
  • Safety : favors LiFePO4 stations (longevity, stability), complete BMS (OVP/OCP/OTP/UVP), pure sine wave in AC.

9) Ready scenarios

Home & Micro-cuts (UPS)

  • Station : 500–700 Wh, UPS , pure sine AC, 12 V stable.
  • Connection : CPAP on 12 V if official cable; otherwise AC.
  • Typical autonomy : 512 Wh, CPAP 35 W 12 V → ~13.5 h .

Van / winter camping

  • Station : 700 Wh, LiFePO4, 12 V 10–15 A, MPPT.
  • Solar : 160–200W foldable. Charge during the day, sleep soundly.
  • Settings : humidif. + hose ≈ 60–80 W → ~8–9 h (AC) on 700 Wh.

Hotel / business trip

  • Station : 300–500 Wh compact.
  • Connection : often AC (original CPAP mains socket); brings short multi-socket & 12V cable if compatible.
  • Tip : Lower the humidity if the air is not too dry.

Illuminated bivouac

  • Station : 500 Wh + 120–160 W panel .
  • Plus : LED lamps (5–10 W), smartphone/tablet charging via USB-C.
  • Objective : to complete the day/night cycle without a sector.

10) Sizing tables (order of magnitude)

10.1 Estimated autonomy according to configuration

Station Connection CPAP consumption Autonomy ≈
300 Wh 12 V DC 35 W ~7.5–8.5 h
300 Wh AC 65–70 W ~3.5–4 h
512 Wh 12 V DC 35 W ~12.5–14 h
512 Wh AC 65–70 W ~6–7 h
700 Wh 12 V DC 35 W ~5–7 p.m.
700 Wh AC 65–70 W ~8–9 h

10.2 Recommended folding panels (daytime charging)

Station capacity Sign Charging time (strong sun)
~300 Wh 100–120 W ~3–5 h
~512 Wh 120–160 W ~4–6 h
~700 Wh 160–200 W ~4–7 h

Notes : Indicative values ​​(effective MPPT, optimal angle, short cables, mild weather). In winter/clouds, allow more.

11) Express shopping checklist

  1. Capacity : 300 Wh (emergency), 500 Wh (full night), 700 Wh (winter/margin).
  2. Connection : prefer 12 V DC with official CPAP cable; otherwise AC 230 V pure sine .
  3. Power : ≥300–500 W inverter for comfort (AC).
  4. Chemistry : LiFePO4 (longevity, thermal stability) recommended.
  5. UPS : if used at home → automatic switchover in the event of a power outage.
  6. MPPT solar : 100–200 W depending on capacity for daytime charging.
  7. Noise & placement : hard, ventilated surface; avoid fabrics & heat.
  8. Accessories : 100W USB-C cables (smartphones/tablets), 12V CPAP certified cable.

12) LymobileShop Selection (CPAP-Ready)

Stations ~300 Wh — compact

  • For : repairs, hotels, light nights without humidification.
  • Advantages : Pure sine AC 300–500 W, stable 12 V, USB-C.

See ~300 Wh

Stations ~500–512 Wh — full night balance

  • For : peaceful night, home UPS, mid-season van.
  • Advantages : LiFePO4, AC 500–700 W, 12 V 10–15 A, MPPT .

See ~500 Wh

Stations ~700 Wh — winter & comfort margin

  • For : humidif. + hose, altitude, cold van.
  • Advantages : 700–1000 W inverter, high peak, multi-port.

See ~700 Wh

100–200 W foldable panels

  • For : day/night autonomy in van/home base.
  • Pros : MC4/DC, kickstands, 70–170W usable output.

See the signs

13) CPAP & Energy Stations FAQ

12V or AC: Which lasts longer?

Direct 12V lasts longer (less loss). Use your CPAP's official 12V cable if available.

What capacity for a full night with humidifier?

500–700 Wh depending on settings. At 65–70 W AC, aim for 700 Wh for margin.

LiFePO4 mandatory?

Recommended: better longevity (cycles) & thermal stability. Li-ion OK for occasional use/tight budget.

Is UPS mode useful?

Yes, for home use : automatic switchover in the event of a micro-outage, without interrupting the CPAP.

Can I charge while driving?

Yes via 12V car (60–120W) and supplement with a folding panel at the camp.

And the plane?

Stations often exceed 100 Wh → check with the airline (limited tolerance & agreement). For air travel, take a power bank ≤100 Wh in the cabin (not for all-night CPAP).

14) Trust & Services LymobileShop

  • Delivery : free in France, fast shipping.
  • Payment : secure, several methods to choose from.
  • After-sales service : team in France, assistance with CPAP sizing (W/Wh, 12 V/AC, UPS, solar).
  • Returns & Warranty : 14 days to change your mind, 2 year warranty .

See all our energy stations | See the folding panels

Remember : for a CPAP , choose a 500–700 Wh power station (full night, winter margin), favor 12 V direct if your model accepts it (autonomy +), keep the AC 230 V pure sine if necessary, and think about UPS mode at home. A 100–200 W panel with MPPT completes the autonomy in a van/basecamp. The selection is ready at LymobileShop .

Back to blog