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How Many Watts Does a CPAP Machine Use? ResMed Specs and Battery Run Time
A CPAP machine typically uses about 50 to 60 watts with the humidifier on, and as little as about 11 watts with it off. ResMed lists typical power consumption of 53 watts for the AirSense 10 and 56.1 watts for the AirSense 11. Over an 8-hour night that is about 0.4 to 0.45 kWh, which a 1,000 Wh power station covers for about two nights.
This article covers power use only. Talk to your doctor or equipment supplier before changing how you power or use your CPAP.
CPAP watts by model
| Model | Typical power | Peak power | Power supply |
|---|---|---|---|
| ResMed AirSense 10 | 53 W | 104 W | 90 W |
| ResMed AirSense 11 | 56.1 W | 73.2 W | 65 W |
| Philips DreamStation 2 | Not listed | Not listed | 80 W supply required for humidification |
Sources: ResMed AirSense 10 and AirSense 11 user guides (Americas); Philips DreamStation 2 instructions for use.
Humidifier on vs off: the big difference
ResMed's battery guide lists AirSense 10 current draw at 12V DC through ResMed's DC/DC converter, at a pressure of 10 cm H2O:
| Setting | Current at 12V DC | About (watts) |
|---|---|---|
| No humidifier (SlimLine tube) | 0.93 A | 11 W |
| Humidifier at setting 4 | 2.30 A | 28 W |
| Humidifier and heated ClimateLineAir tube (Auto) | 3.77 A | 45 W |
Source: ResMed Battery Guide. Watts are our calculation (amps x 12 V). Higher pressure settings draw more.
How much power does a CPAP use per night?
Watts x hours = watt-hours. At the AirSense 10's typical 53 W, an 8-hour night uses about 424 Wh. With the humidifier off on DC power (about 11 W), the same night uses about 88 Wh.
How many nights will a power station run a CPAP?
| Power station | Capacity | Nights at 53 W (humidifier on, AC) | Nights at 11 W (humidifier off, DC) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 | 1,070 Wh | About 2.3 | About 10.9 | From $499 |
| Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 | 2,042 Wh | About 4.3 | About 21 | From $899 |
| Jackery HomePower 3000 | 3,072 Wh | About 6.5 | About 31 | From $1,349 |
Nights = capacity x 0.9 / (watts x 8 hours). Capacity is from each product page. The DC figures assume ResMed's DC/DC converter plugged into the station's 12V car port.
AC or DC: what ResMed recommends
- DC is preferred. ResMed's battery guide says it strongly recommends using DC-to-DC converters to power ResMed devices from a battery rather than DC-to-AC inverters. ResMed's Air10 DC/DC converter has a 24V/90W output and runs from a 12V or 24V source.
- If you use AC, use pure sine wave. ResMed's guide recommends a pure sine wave inverter and warns that modified sine wave inverters can damage sensitive electronics.
- The Explorer 1000 v2 has a pure sine wave AC output and a 12V/10A car port, according to Jackery's specifications.
Want to recharge during a long outage? Pair a station with solar: the Explorer 1000 v2 is available with a SolarSaga 200W panel from $699. Browse all portable power stations, or see What Size Portable Power Station Do I Need?
Need help sizing? Call 1-888-855-7286. Tell us your CPAP model, whether you use the humidifier, and how many nights you want covered, and we will match you to a power station.
CPAP wattage FAQ
How many watts does a CPAP machine use? About 53 to 56 W typical for the ResMed AirSense 10 and 11, with peaks up to 104 W for the AirSense 10.
How many watts does a CPAP use without the humidifier? About 11 W for an AirSense 10 at 10 cm H2O on 12V DC, based on ResMed's battery guide (0.93 A x 12 V).
How long will a power station run a CPAP? A 1,070 Wh Explorer 1000 v2 covers about 2 nights with the humidifier on, or about 11 nights with it off on DC.
Do I need a pure sine wave inverter for a CPAP? ResMed recommends DC-to-DC converters first, and a pure sine wave inverter if you use AC.
How much power does a CPAP use per night? About 424 Wh for 8 hours at 53 W, or about 88 Wh with the humidifier off on DC.