CPAP Solar Runtime Calculator
See exactly how long your CPAP can run on a solar-charged battery before the power cuts out — with or without humidifier, at your real pressure settings.
Quick Answer
How long will a solar generator run a CPAP?
A ResMed AirSense 11 draws about 56 watts without a humidifier. A 1,024 Wh power station runs it for approximately 16 hours — around 2 nights of 8-hour sleep. With a heated humidifier on full, expect closer to 8 hours. Connecting via DC cable instead of AC adds 15–17% more runtime from the same battery.
Select your CPAP or BiPAP machine, your power station, and your settings. The calculator does the math instantly — showing you exactly how many hours and nights you’ll get, plus which power stations match your needs. All wattage figures come directly from manufacturer technical specifications.
How to read your results
- Green badge — your power station covers your target nights comfortably
- Amber badge — close but may fall short with heavy humidifier use or high pressure settings
- Red badge — this station is undersized for your setup; check the recommendations below the result
- DC cable tip — if you see a DC gain suggestion, that's free extra runtime with a $20–$40 cable, no new battery needed
CPAP & BiPAP Wattage Reference
Figures represent average draw at typical therapy pressure (10–12 cm H₂O). Higher pressure adds approximately 5–10W.
| Machine | No Humidifier | Low Heat | Full Heat |
|---|---|---|---|
| ResMed AirSense 11 AutoSet | 56W | 78W | 98W |
| ResMed AirSense 10 AutoSet | 53W | 74W | 95W |
| ResMed AirMini (travel) | 30W | — | — |
| ResMed AirCurve 10 BiPAP | 62W | 84W | 104W |
| ResMed S9 Series | 45W | 66W | 87W |
| Philips DreamStation 2 | 45W | 66W | 87W |
| Philips DreamStation Original | 38W | 59W | 80W |
| Philips DreamStation BiPAP Auto | 72W | 93W | 114W |
| Philips DreamStation Go (travel) | 30W | 45W | — |
| Fisher & Paykel SleepStyle Auto | 40W | 61W | 82W |
| Fisher & Paykel ICON+ Auto | 55W | 76W | 97W |
| Luna G3 Auto CPAP | 35W | 56W | 77W |
| Z2 Auto Travel CPAP | 28W | — | — |
| Transcend Micro Travel | 20W | — | — |
| Apex XT Auto | 50W | 71W | 92W |
| DeVilbiss IntelliPAP 2 | 42W | 63W | 84W |
Don't see your machine? Use the manual entry field — enter the watt draw from the label on the bottom of your device.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
The questions our readers ask most — answered clearly and Without jargon.
Yes — every major CPAP and BiPAP manufacturer specifies pure sine wave AC power. Modified sine wave inverters can damage your machine's motor and cause humidifier faults. Every power station in this calculator's recommendations outputs pure sine wave.
DC mode connects your CPAP directly to the power station's 12V or 24V port using a compatible cable, bypassing the inverter. This eliminates the 15–17% energy loss that every AC inverter creates and gives you more runtime from the same battery. Search "[your CPAP model] DC cable" on Amazon to check availability — most ResMed and DreamStation 2 machines are compatible.
In many cases yes, with a Letter of Medical Necessity from your prescribing physician. See our [HSA/FSA Solar Generator Guide] for the full process, a free LMN template, and reimbursement claim instructions.
Yes. LiFePO4 power stations produce zero exhaust and zero carbon monoxide — they are completely safe indoors. Place the unit on a hard flat surface with at least 6 inches of clearance on all sides.
Maintained by Lee Arnold — Solar Backup Specialist, MedicSolar.com, Denver CO. Wattage data sourced from manufacturer documentation. Updated April 2026. MedicSolar participates in the Amazon Associates Program. Affiliate links earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.