A great place to start Disorder information source Rated and Reviewed Sleep Links Entrance to all monitored Sleep Forums Search all of Sleepnet.com


Sleep Disorder
Forum Posting


Archived Sleep Forum3 Posting viewing only. To post a new topic go to the Sleep Forums Homepage.

Re: no power

Posted by Mark Biegert on April 19, 1998 at 10:07:55:

In Reply to: Re: no power posted by Lynne on April 17, 1998 at 21:30:42:

Hi Lynn,

I tried to find some specifications for the Sullivan V Elite CPAP (at http://www.resmed.com/flow/sullivan5.htm), but there was nothing but the statement

"Usable on almost any power supply in the world without adjustments."

Clearly, I would like this to be nailed down a bit more. Here are the questions I would ask of ResMed:

* What are the input voltage requirements of the unit?
+ What is the AC voltage and frequency range it
uses?

This is important if you wish to travel
overseas. There are different voltage levels
and line frequencies in use. Note that the
power cords are also different and you should
inquire if they have cords for use in other
countries (I am sure they do). The line
frequencies in common use are 50 Hz (Europe,
Japan), 60 Hz (North America), and 400 Hz
(portable power generators).

+ Does the unit accept DC?

This is important if you wish to hook the unit
directly to a battery without the need for an
inverter, which converts DC-to-AC?

+ How do you connect the unit up to the battery?

They may have a cable they want you to use for
hooking up to the unit.

+ What is the range of DC it will accept?

I have seen some CPAP units that require 24
VDC, some that require 12 VDC. It determines
the type of batttery you require.

+ Does the unit automatically sense the type of
voltage being put into the unit or does the
user have to set something?

I know a person who was traveling with a CPAP
unit in Europe and didn't set the unit for the
proper voltage. He blew his CPAP unit up on
his first night in Germany and had a miserable
trip because he couldn't sleep well. All of
us make mistakes, so it is nice if the unit
handles this stuff automatically.

* What recommendations does ResMed have for
battery power of their units?

They may have something they sell that is
fully checked out with their hardware (and
almost certainly expensive). Many people
put their own battery/charger system together
to save money. It depends on how handy you
are.

* What are the current requirements for the unit?

Battery size and weight is determined by a
number of things, including the battery
chemistry (lead-acid, Ni-Cad, etc) and the
energy required. Battery energy is usually
measured in amp-hours, which is computed by
multiplying the current requirement of the
CPAP unit by the hours of use between
chargings.

Note that ResMed may not give you a good
answer. The power you machine uses depends on
your individual pressure settings. ResMed
may just tell you their maximum current need.
If you choose a battery based on the maximum
current need, you probably will end up getting
a battery much larger, heavier, and expensive
than you need.

* Ask the same questions about your humidifier.

Some early humidifiers had problems when powered
from "alternative" power sources. Make sure
yours does not. Take a look at
http://www.newtechpub.com/phantom/psnews/power01.htm.

There are some questions for you.

+ How long will you need to run off of battery
power?

This determines your energy requirement. I know
people who go camping for a week and need a
battery that will cover them during that time.
I know of one guy who charges his unit with
solar power (see previous email in thread).
I also know a mountain climber who is dragging
a battery with her. What you need depends on
your application. The more energy you need, the
larger and more expensive your battery will be.

+ How will you treat the battery?

Some batteries, like lead-acid, can leak. Some,
like gel cells, don't leak. But the gel-cells
tend to be larger and heavier for the same
amount of energy.

I have seen email from a person at ResMed that may
be of help to you. Try

AChubb@ResMed.com.au

He lists 619 - 622 - 2040 as a number at ResMed to
get power info.

Don't hesitate to ask any further questions.

Mark

Follow Ups:


Archived Forum3 Posting viewing only. To post a new topic go to the Sleep Forums Homepage.

  • IMPORTANT : Information not intended as medical advice. If you suspect that you have a sleep disorder you should seek care from a qualified professional. Read Terms of Use.
  • The Sleep Forums are not to be used for commercial purposes.
  • Commercial products and services are not endorsed by Sleepnet.com.
  • Sleep Deprivation due to Sleep Apnea and insufficient sleep are common and can present as insomnia, narcolepsy, or idiopathic hypersomnia. In infants and children sleep problems commonly present themselves as ADD or ADHD.


Copyright ©1995-2005 Sleepnet.com., All rights reserved