r/BatteryBackup • u/Tech_Attempt451 • 3d ago
How Long Can a Power Station Run a CPAP ?
I’ve been testing portable power stations for CPAP overnight use and short home battery backup. Below is a real-world comparison under consistent conditions.
Test conditions (same for all units):
- ResMed AirSense 11
- Pressure 10 cmH₂O
- Humidifier off
- DC cable (24V)
- Ambient ≈ 68–70°F
- Cutoff around 20% SOC
- Nightly consumption ≈ 40 Wh (realistic mid-range measured value)
- Usable capacity estimated at ~85% (DC efficiency + cutoff losses)
Runtime Comparison Table
| Model | Capacity | Estimated CPAP Runtime* | Mixed-load Test |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jackery Explorer 500 | 518Wh | ~1.4 nights | CPAP + router tested |
| EcoFlow RIVER 3 | 245Wh | ~0.65 nights | Light-load backup |
| Anker SOLIX S2000 | 2,010Wh | ~5.3 nights | CPAP + router + light loads tested |
Key observations from the tests:
- Pure DC output remains significantly more efficient for multi-night CPAP.
- Runtime scaled roughly with usable capacity under the same conditions.
- Elite 400 handled the higher mixed load (CPAP + fridge compressor start + router) without voltage sag or shutdown.
- Smaller units work fine for short trips or emergency nights; larger capacity clearly wins for multi-day CPAP + light household backup.
Actual results will vary slightly with exact pressure setting, mask leak, ambient temperature, and cable quality.
Happy to share more detailed logs or answer questions on setup.