Why you need a CPAP backup battery
A CPAP machine is a lifeline for anyone with sleep apnea. But when the power goes out — whether from a storm, a campsite without outlets, or a long flight — your therapy stops. A backup battery keeps your CPAP running through the night, no matter what.
This guide compares the best options available in 2026, from lightweight travel batteries to heavy-duty power stations that can handle multi-night outages.
What to look for
Before picking a battery, nail down three things:
- Your CPAP's power draw — check the wattage label on your power supply (typically 15–80 W depending on humidifier settings)
- How many hours you need — one night is 7–9 hours; multi-night trips multiply this
- Travel needs — if you fly, you need a battery under 100 Wh (or 160 Wh with airline approval)
Best dedicated CPAP batteries
Medistrom Pilot-24 Lite
The gold standard for CPAP travel batteries. At 97 Wh, it slides under the FAA limit. DC-direct connection to ResMed AirSense 10, AirMini, and compatible machines means zero energy waste on AC conversion.
Pros: FAA-approved, lightweight (1.4 lb), silent, purpose-built DC output Cons: Only works with compatible CPAP models, won't power a humidifier all night Best for: Air travel and weekend trips
Freedom V² CPAP Battery
Another purpose-built CPAP battery with broad compatibility. Ships with multiple DC cables for ResMed and Philips machines. Slightly heavier than the Pilot-24 but often less expensive.
Pros: Multi-brand compatibility, solid build, under 100 Wh for FAA Cons: Bulkier than Pilot-24, limited availability Best for: Users who switch between CPAP brands or want a versatile DC battery
Best portable power stations for CPAP
EcoFlow RIVER 2
256 Wh of capacity in a 7.7 lb package. Fast charging (0–100% in 60 minutes via wall outlet). Pure sine wave inverter handles any CPAP including heated humidifiers. X-Boost mode available but not needed for CPAP.
Pros: Fast charging, compact, LiFePO4 chemistry (3,000+ cycles), versatile Cons: Heavier than dedicated CPAP batteries, fan noise under load Best for: Camping, home power outage backup, multi-device charging
Jackery Explorer 240 v2
241 Wh in a compact, affordable package. One of the most popular entry points for CPAP backup power. Clean sine wave output, simple interface, and lightweight for its capacity.
Pros: Affordable, reliable brand, lightweight for capacity Cons: Slower charging than EcoFlow, no LiFePO4 Best for: Budget-conscious buyers who want reliable one-night backup
Bluetti AC2A
204 Wh LiFePO4 power station at an aggressive price point. Supports pass-through charging (UPS mode) so it can act as an automatic backup if power fails. Quiet operation.
Pros: LiFePO4 durability, UPS mode, great price Cons: Smallest capacity in this group Best for: Home UPS backup for CPAP — plugs in and auto-switches on power failure
Comparison table
| Battery | Capacity | Weight | Chemistry | FAA OK | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medistrom Pilot-24 Lite | 97 Wh | 1.4 lb | Li-ion | ✅ | Air travel |
| Freedom V² | 97 Wh | 1.6 lb | Li-ion | ✅ | Multi-brand DC |
| Bluetti AC2A | 204 Wh | 7.5 lb | LiFePO4 | ❌ | Home UPS |
| Jackery 240 v2 | 241 Wh | 5.2 lb | Li-ion | ❌ | Budget camping |
| EcoFlow RIVER 2 | 256 Wh | 7.7 lb | LiFePO4 | ❌ | All-purpose |
| Jackery 500 | 518 Wh | 13.1 lb | Li-ion | ❌ | Multi-night |
| EcoFlow DELTA 2 | 1,024 Wh | 27 lb | LiFePO4 | ❌ | Extended outages |
How to choose
- Flying regularly? Get the Medistrom Pilot-24 Lite or Freedom V² — they're FAA-approved and purpose-built.
- Camping or overlanding? The EcoFlow RIVER 2 or Jackery 240 balances capacity, weight, and price.
- Power outage protection at home? The Bluetti AC2A in UPS mode or EcoFlow DELTA 2 for extended outages.
- Multi-night off-grid? Pair a 500+ Wh station with a portable solar panel for indefinite runtime.
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