Camping with CPAP: The Essential Guide

Camping with CPAP: The Essential Guide

Updated July 29, 2025

Camping is a perfect way to recharge — fresh air, sunshine, and time away from screens can do wonders for your health and stress levels. If you have sleep apnea, though, you might wonder if it’s even possible to bring your CPAP along for the adventure. Good news: camping with CPAP is easier than you think with just a little preparation.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to camp confidently with your CPAP:

  1. How to Power a CPAP While Camping
  2. Using a CPAP Battery for Camping
  3. Choosing a CPAP Machine for Camping
  4. Extra Tips and Reminders


How to Power a CPAP While Camping

First things first: never skip using your CPAP, even on vacation. Sticking to your therapy every night is essential for managing sleep apnea and protecting your overall health. Fortunately, camping with a CPAP is completely doable.

You'll just need to make a key decision:

  • Will you stay at a campsite with electricity?
  • Or will you camp off-grid and use a portable power source?

Both options work well—it just depends on the kind of camping experience you're after.

Using a CPAP Battery for Camping

A CPAP battery is a must-have for true CPAP and camping. It's lightweight, portable, and often FAA-approved for air travel.

Why a CPAP Battery Is Great for Camping:

  • Compact and easy to pack
  • Runs your CPAP quietly without needing a generator
  • Gives you full freedom to camp anywhere

Things to Keep in Mind:

  • Battery Life: Most batteries last 1–2 nights. Bring spares if you’re planning a longer trip.
  • Compatibility: Not every battery fits every machine. Some need a DC input, others may need an inverter. Always double-check your machine’s requirements.
  • Preparation: Contact support if you're unsure which battery works best for your CPAP model.

We recommend looking into Medistrom's Pilot Lite Series, which includes the Pilot-12 Lite and Pilot-24 Lite. These powerful, lightweight batteries are FAA-approved, making them easy to fly with and perfect for backwoods or off-grid CPAP camping. They’re also compatible with popular CPAP machines and can often double as backup power during outages.

  • Pilot-12 Lite is ideal for machines like the DreamStation or System One 60 Series.
  • Pilot-24 Lite pairs well with ResMed machines like the AirSense 10, 11, and AirMini.

Being prepared ensures you’ll have power for the full length of your trip—and peace of mind every night.

Find a Campsite with Electricity

Of course, the easiest option is just to stay at a campsite that provides power. If you’re looking for a camping experience with a side of air conditioning and Wi-Fi, this is the way to go. There are plenty of great choices, from KOA Campgrounds to National Parks, that offer power hookups. Access to power makes it a lot easier to go camping with your CPAP, especially if you use a humidifier.

Quick Tip: If you plan to use your humidifier during camping, expect it to drain power faster. Either bring extra batteries or opt for a campsite with electricity.


Choosing a CPAP Machine for Camping

You can definitely bring your regular CPAP machine camping—but if you travel often or want something lighter, a travel CPAP machine might be worth it.

Benefits of a Travel CPAP for Camping:

  • Smaller and lighter for easy packing
  • Simple to use in tight spaces like tents or cars
  • Leaves your home CPAP setup untouched
  • Often includes tracking features to monitor your sleep while on the go

Here are some top options:

  • ResMed AirMini: Ultra-compact, feature-rich, and compatible with the Medistrom Pilot-24 Lite seamless travel power.
  • Transcend Micro : One of the smallest CPAPs on the market with waterless humidification, making it ideal for tent camping or hiking trips.
  • Z2 Auto: Lightweight and whisper-quiet, the Z2 Auto is a great choice for campers who prioritize portability and comfort.

Extra Tips and Reminders for Camping with Sleep Apnea

Before you head out, double-check your camping CPAP checklist to make sure nothing important gets left behind.

Essentials to Pack:

  • Mask, tubing, and filters
  • CPAP cleaning supplies
  • Rain protection for your machine
  • Extra batteries or charging equipment

Bonus Tip: Carefully pack your CPAP to avoid any damage during transport, especially if you’re hiking into your site.


Final Thoughts

Camping with sleep apnea might take a little extra prep, but it’s absolutely worth it. Whether you need a lightweight travel CPAP, a reliable CPAP battery for camping, or just some expert advice, we’re here to help. Shop for Travel Essentials here at CPAP Supply USA to get everything you need for a safe, comfortable trip under the stars.


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