Can you use a power strip with an xpap?

[sptrout]

I have my APAP connected to a small UPS that was no longer in use for its original purpose. Although the UPS capacity is small, it will carry the APAP load through short power outages and it does have surge protection and multiple outlets. Very useful way to put an old, unused piece of equipment, to valuable use.

[OMyMyOHellYes]

I'm going in a certain direction with this.....I camp ALOT. Recently, I've started to see power boxes in many public campgrounds not necessarily catering to RV-ers (I suppose a wired camp spot is necessary for all those tech gizmos to be charged). Am I going to be able to run a heavy duty power cord from one of those boxes into my van?

Depends on how long your cord is or how close to the box you park.

OMMOHY

[OMyMyOHellYes]

      There were breaker boxes for venders etc. 
     We had many a cpap ran off heavy cords ran into tents, vans,  venders campers etc. 
     Just make sure your plugging into 110 v.

If you can get a plug into it, most CPAP/APAP/BiPAP/ASV units don't care if it is 110/120 or 220/240 AC.  Their converters will handle them both just fine.  Look at the label and it will probably say 110V-240V AC input.  Like when you go to Europe, all you need is a plug adapter, not a converter for your XPAP.

OMMOHY

[OMyMyOHellYes]

I have my APAP connected to a small UPS that was no longer in use for its original purpose. Although the UPS capacity is small, it will carry the APAP load through short power outages and it does have surge protection and multiple outlets. Very useful way to put an old, unused piece of equipment, to valuable use.

That is a good set of expectations and use for computer-type UPS units as far as CPAP is concerned.

OMMOHY

[CB91710]

Wife and my machines both run off the same power strip.

Your wife runs off of a power strip? 

Seriously...  Use them at home for convenience with the alarm clock, light, and phone charger.

Absolute requirement for travel (and I keep a couple of extension cords in the trunk), since you can't always guarantee more than one outlet anywhere NEAR the bed...  Particularly with the Motel 6 redesigns, we've stayed in some rooms that have one outlet in the bathroom and one outlet under the TV.

Apparently, building codes that require outlets every 6ft along the wall don't apply to motels.

[Newbee2016]

My machine runs off a power strip, which is also powering this pc and its satellite sound system, my table lamp and my iPhone and iPad chargers. No problems since I started on cpap over a year . Of course when I go to sleep, everything else is shut down except the chargers and the cpap.

I never go on overseas travels without my power strip which comes with a 2m cord. 1 foreign plug converter gives me 4 home outlets and maybe a multi-plug added to one of the 4 outlets taking 3 mixed brand chargers for samsungs, iphones & ipads (low power consumption). Can't seem to leave the accessories behind these days with GPS, power banks, portable wifi, camera batteries, etc... plus one very important device - cpap. 

[Walla Walla]

I didn't even think about a surge protector for my BIPAP. I'm glad this topic came up!

[bwexler]

I have run my CPAP and ASV machines on a GOOD surge suppressor since day one 7 years ago, until I recently switched to a UPS.
Wouldn't think of running expensive equipment without at least a GOOD surge suppressor.
That includes several years living full time in an RV and plugging into campground power boxes or running off the 2800 watt inverter in the RV.

[Snoopy.pa30]

ALL,

I don't have the reference, but one thing I read years ago was that Brown Outs were more damaging than power Surges.

Since Surges are "easier and cheaper" to deal with, lots of power strips have built in surge protectors.

You really need a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) to take care of your sensitive electronics (Computers) and Life Saving devices (xPAP, O2).

Just be sure you check out what peak power your system pulls and what your UPS can deliver.

I hate the way the marketing over hypes the surge issue, and never mentions brown outs.

Don't get me wrong, you still need surge protection, but Most (if not all) UPS's have that built in as well.  Lots of power strips have surge protection, and some even advertise a guarantee if your equipment is damaged by a surge.  Again, mainly marketing.

Be Informed and Stay Safe.

Snoopy

[SarcasticDave94]

Great advice coming on about UPS usage. I think I'll check into getting one myself. I know we have one for keeping the home router, modem and garage door interface powered at all times with a UPS.

BTW our garage door interface is to allow it to connect with the internet so we can remotely open and close the door via a smartphone. And the door opener has a backup battery.