Camping is all about fresh air, open skies, and restful nights under the stars — but for people with sleep apnea, the thought of leaving behind a CPAP machine can turn a relaxing trip into a stressful one. Fortunately, with a bit of planning, you can still enjoy the outdoors without sacrificing sleep quality.

Here’s how to camp comfortably with a CPAP machine, including power options, portable models, and practical tips for off-grid or car camping scenarios.


🧠 First, Know Your CPAP Needs

Before packing for your trip, understand:

  • What kind of CPAP machine you use (standard, BiPAP, Auto-CPAP, etc.)

  • Whether it requires a humidifier

  • How much power it draws per night

  • What kind of outlet (AC/DC/USB) it uses
    This info will help you decide on the right power source or whether you should consider a travel-sized alternative.


🔌 Powering Your CPAP While Camping

Depending on how far off-grid you’re going, there are several ways to power your CPAP in the wild:

1. Portable CPAP Battery Packs

These rechargeable batteries are designed specifically for CPAP machines and can often power your device for 1–3 nights. Popular options include:

  • Medistrom Pilot-24 Lite (for ResMed AirMini & AirSense 10)

  • Zopec Voyage Universal Battery

  • Expion360 EXP96 Pro

💡 Pro Tip: Turn off the humidifier and heated tubing to extend battery life.


2. Solar Charging

Pairing a battery with a solar panel can allow for multi-day trips. Set up a foldable solar panel at camp during the day and recharge your CPAP battery for use each night. Look for models like:

  • Jackery SolarSaga + Explorer battery packs

  • Goal Zero Yeti + Boulder Panel


3. Car Camping with Inverter

If you’re car camping and have access to your vehicle, use a DC adapter or power inverter to run your CPAP from your car’s battery. Just be cautious — draining your battery overnight could leave you stranded.

✅ Best for: Short trips or when paired with an auxiliary battery system.


4. Power Stations

Devices like the Jackery Explorer, Bluetti EB3A, or EcoFlow River are excellent for powering CPAPs and other electronics (phones, lanterns, etc.). Look for units with at least 300Wh of capacity for overnight use.


🧳 Best Travel CPAP Machines for Camping

If your standard machine is bulky or power-hungry, consider a portable CPAP designed for travel:

🔹 ResMed AirMini

  • Ultra-compact

  • FAA-approved for air travel

  • Compatible with Medistrom batteries

  • Bluetooth-enabled app

🔹 Transcend Micro

  • One of the smallest CPAPs available

  • USB charging

  • Optional waterless humidification system

🔹 Z2 Auto Travel CPAP

  • Auto-adjusting pressure

  • Optional battery pack

  • Lightweight and quiet

These machines are designed to be used off-grid and are compatible with most CPAP masks.


🛠️ Tips for CPAP Camping Success


✅ Final Thoughts

You shouldn’t have to choose between breathing well and enjoying the great outdoors. With the right gear and preparation, camping with a CPAP is totally doable—whether you’re boondocking off-grid or camping in a national park. From compact travel CPAPs to solar-charged power stations, today’s tech makes it easier than ever to wake up refreshed no matter where you sleep.