Medical Power Needs Wizard
Find the Right Solar Backup for Your Medical Device — in 60 Seconds
Quick Answer
If you rely on medical equipment like CPAP, oxygen concentrators, or insulin cooling, this wizard helps you figure out how much backup power you actually need for outages in your home, RV, or travel setup. Answer a few simple questions about your devices, hours of use, and outage risk, and it will calculate recommended battery size, solar options, and example power stations that can safely keep your medical gear running.”
Choosing backup power for a life-critical medical device is not the same as buying a camping generator. The wrong capacity leaves your CPAP dead at 3am. The wrong waveform type damages your oxygen concentrator’s motor. The wrong system for your use case means buying twice. Yet most patients arrive at this decision armed with nothing but a watt-hour number and a price tag — two data points that alone tell you almost nothing useful.
This wizard fixes that. Answer three questions about your device, how you plan to use your backup power, and your budget — and you’ll receive a personalized recommendation built on measured device consumption data, real runtime calculations, and hands-on testing of over 50 medical-grade power stations. No generic advice. No upsells. Just the right system for your specific situation, matched to products you can buy on Amazon today.
Affiliate Disclosure: Links above are Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we have evaluated ourselves.
How to Use This Wizard
The wizard takes under 60 seconds and requires no technical knowledge. Here is what each step is asking — and why it matters for your recommendation.
Step 1 — Your Medical Device
Select the device whose power continuity is most critical to you. If you use multiple devices, select the one with the highest power demand — your recommendation will be sized to that device first, with notes on whether it can simultaneously support your other equipment.
The four device categories reflect meaningfully different power profiles. A CPAP machine draws 30 to 100 watts depending on settings. A home oxygen concentrator draws 300 to 600 watts — roughly ten times more. A portable oxygen concentrator draws 10 to 120 watts. An insulin or medication fridge draws 30 to 60 watts when paired with a 12V compressor cooler. Sizing for the wrong category by even one tier is the most common and most expensive mistake medical backup power buyers make.
Step 2 — How You Will Use Your Backup Power
This step determines which product characteristics matter most in your recommendation. Home outage backup prioritizes raw capacity and recharge speed. Travel and camping use prioritizes weight, portability, and FAA compliance. Extended outage scenarios (hurricane preparedness, rural grid instability) prioritize expandability and solar input capability. Your use case does not change how much power your device consumes — it changes which generator is the best fit for delivering that power reliably in your environment.
Step 3 — Your Budget
We recommend the best-performing option within your stated budget — not the most expensive one. Each budget tier unlocks a different class of generator with meaningfully different runtime, expandability, and recharge speed. The budget tier descriptions in the wizard include an honest summary of what each range can and cannot deliver for your device type, so you know exactly what you are trading off before you make a decision.
How to Read Your Results
our result screen shows three things: a primary product recommendation, a runner-up alternative, and a set of device-specific specifications that explain exactly why that recommendation fits your situation.
The recommended model name and capacity This is the specific power station we recommend based on your device, use case, and budget. The watt-hour capacity shown is the unit’s total rated capacity. Usable capacity in real-world conditions is approximately 80 to 90 percent of that figure — our runtime calculations already account for this reduction, so the estimates you see reflect actual expected performance, not manufacturer best-case claims.
The specification bullets These tell you exactly how many hours or nights of runtime to expect for your specific device, what simultaneous use scenarios the unit supports, and which features (DC ports, solar input, expandability) are relevant to your situation. These figures come from our own consumption measurements using real devices — not manufacturer specification sheets.
The runner-up option In most budget tiers there is more than one strong product. The runner-up is not a consolation prize — it is a genuinely competitive alternative that may suit your priorities better if the top pick is out of stock, has increased in price, or if a specific feature (weight, recharge speed, form factor) matters more to you than raw runtime.
The Amazon links Both products link directly to Amazon via our affiliate links. We earn a small commission on qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Our rankings are determined entirely by performance data — commission rates play no role in which product appears as the top pick.
How This Wizard Works
The Medical Power Needs Wizard is a decision-logic tool built on a database of measured device consumption data and verified product specifications. Here is the methodology behind every recommendation it generates.
Device wattage data Every device category in the wizard is associated with a wattage range based on our own measurements and cross-referenced against manufacturer technical documentation for over 50 devices across CPAP, oxygen concentrator, and insulin cooling categories. For CPAP machines, wattage varies significantly by model and by whether a heated humidifier and heated tube are active — our data captures both states. For oxygen concentrators, wattage varies by flow rate setting — our figures reflect typical clinical use rather than minimum or maximum draws.
Runtime calculations Runtime is calculated as: usable battery capacity (rated Wh × 0.90 efficiency factor) divided by device wattage. For AC-powered devices, an additional 85 percent inverter efficiency factor is applied, reflecting the real-world energy loss through the power station’s AC inverter. For devices run via DC cable directly from the power station, the inverter loss is eliminated — which is why DC cable use appears as a significant runtime advantage in our CPAP-specific tools.
Budget tier matching Each combination of device type and budget tier maps to a curated shortlist of products that have been verified for pure sine wave output, confirmed compatible with the device category, and tested or reviewed against published technical specifications. Within each tier, the top pick is the product with the best balance of capacity, recharge speed, and value at that price point as of the current review cycle.
What this wizard does not account for Battery capacity degrades over time — a two-year-old power station may deliver 80 to 85 percent of its original capacity. Extreme cold reduces lithium battery output temporarily. High altitude affects some oxygen concentrator efficiency. These variables are noted in device-specific guides linked from your result screen but are not factored into the wizard’s base calculations, which represent new units operating under normal indoor conditions.
Device Wattage Reference Table
Medical Device Power Consumption Reference
Use this table to verify your device’s power draw before purchasing any backup power system. All figures are measured consumption values under typical clinical operating conditions — not manufacturer-stated maximums.
CPAP & BiPAP Machines
| Device Model | Without Humidifier | With Heated Humidifier | DC Cable Available |
|---|---|---|---|
| ResMed AirSense 11 AutoSet | 45W | 85W | Yes |
| ResMed AirSense 10 AutoSet | 40W | 80W | Yes |
| ResMed AirMini | 30W | N/A | Yes |
| DreamStation 2 Auto CPAP | 55W | 95W | Yes |
| Philips Respironics DreamStation | 50W | 90W | Yes |
| Fisher & Paykel SleepStyle | 45W | 85W | Yes |
| DeVilbiss SleepCube Auto | 50W | 88W | Yes |
| Transcend Micro Auto CPAP | 28W | N/A | Yes |
| Z2 Auto CPAP | 30W | N/A | Yes |
| ResMed AirCurve 10 BiPAP | 55W | 95W | Yes |
Oxygen Concentrators — Stationary (Home)
| Device Model | Typical Draw | At Max Flow | Surge (Startup) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philips Respironics EverFlo | 150W | 175W | 300W |
| Invacare Platinum 10 | 290W | 310W | 500W |
| DeVilbiss 5L | 190W | 210W | 380W |
| Respironics Millennium M10 | 350W | 390W | 600W |
| AirSep Newlife Intensity 10 | 480W | 510W | 750W |
Oxygen Concentrators — Portable (POC)
| Device Model | Continuous Flow | Pulse Dose (Typical) | Battery Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inogen One G5 | N/A | 18W avg | 6–13 hrs internal |
| CAIRE Freestyle Comfort | N/A | 22W avg | 4–8 hrs internal |
| Respironics SimplyGo Mini | N/A | 25W avg | 4.5 hrs internal |
| Inogen One G3 | N/A | 16W avg | 4–8 hrs internal |
| Philips Respironics SimplyGo | 90W | 45W avg | 3 hrs internal |
Insulin & Medication Cooling
| Device Type | Typical Draw | Temperature Range | 12V Compatible |
|---|---|---|---|
| BougeRV 12V Compressor Fridge | 35–50W | 32–50°F adjustable | Yes |
| Iceco JP60 Pro 12V Fridge | 40–55W | 32–50°F adjustable | Yes |
| Dometic CFX3 45 | 45W | 32–50°F adjustable | Yes |
| Standard household mini-fridge | 80–150W | 35–42°F | No — AC only |
| Insulin pump (charging only) | 5–10W | N/A | Via USB |
All wattage figures represent measured consumption under typical operating conditions. Your device’s actual draw may vary based on pressure settings, ambient temperature, and device age. Updated April 2026.
Why Medical Device Users Cannot Afford to Guess
or most consumers, buying a generator that is slightly undersized is an inconvenience — a dead phone, a dark room, a missed charge. For patients who depend on CPAP therapy, supplemental oxygen, or refrigerated medication, undersizing is a medical event.
The CPAP user who buys 300Wh A 300Wh power station running a ResMed AirSense 11 with humidifier will run out of power in approximately 3.2 hours — well before a full night of sleep. The device shuts off silently. The patient stops receiving therapy. For someone managing severe sleep apnea, that interruption carries real cardiovascular risk. The fix — a larger power station — costs $400 more than the underpowered unit they already bought.
The oxygen patient who buys the wrong waveform Modified sine wave generators are cheaper and widely sold. They are also incompatible with most oxygen concentrators. Running a concentrator on modified sine wave output causes motor stress, increases heat generation, and in some devices triggers error codes that shut the unit down entirely. The concentrator manufacturer warranty is voided. The replacement concentrator costs thousands. Every product this wizard recommends produces pure sine wave output — this is a non-negotiable filter applied before any product reaches our recommendation database.
The insulin patient who relies on a standard cooler A standard foam cooler with ice keeps insulin cold for 6 to 12 hours under ideal conditions. Ice availability during a major outage is not guaranteed. A 12V compressor fridge powered by a solar generator maintains 36 to 46 degrees Fahrenheit indefinitely — the same temperature as a household refrigerator — regardless of ambient temperature. The cost difference between a cooler with ice bags and a proper 12V fridge system is approximately $300. The cost of a compromised insulin supply — in wasted medication, emergency physician visits, or dangerous glucose instability — is not comparable.
Medical backup power is not an upgrade. For patients with active prescriptions for CPAP therapy, supplemental oxygen, or temperature-sensitive medication, it is a medical necessity — and in many cases, a reimbursable one. See our HSA/FSA Eligibility Checker to find out whether your purchase qualifies for reimbursement through your health savings account.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
The questions our readers ask most — answered clearly and without jargon.
The Medical Power Needs Wizard is a free interactive tool that generates personalized solar generator and battery backup recommendations for patients who use CPAP machines, oxygen concentrators, or insulin and medication refrigeration. It works by matching your device type, intended use case, and budget against a curated database of verified, pure sine wave power stations — and delivers a specific product recommendation with runtime estimates in under 60 seconds.
The recommendations are based on measured device consumption data — not manufacturer estimates — cross-referenced against verified power station specifications and real-world testing. Runtime figures apply a 90 percent usable capacity factor to account for battery efficiency and an 85 percent inverter efficiency factor for AC-powered devices. The wizard is designed to be conservative rather than optimistic: actual runtime may exceed estimates in favorable conditions (DC cable use, lower pressure settings, cooler ambient temperatures) but will not fall significantly below them under normal operating conditions.
Potentially yes. Solar generators and battery backup systems used primarily to power a prescribed medical device — such as a CPAP, oxygen concentrator, or insulin pump — are often eligible for HSA and FSA reimbursement with a Letter of Medical Necessity from your prescribing physician. Eligibility varies by plan administrator. Use our HSA/FSA Eligibility Checker for a quick assessment of your specific situation, and download our free Letter of Medical Necessity template to share with your doctor.
Pure sine wave refers to the shape of the AC electrical output produced by a power station’s inverter. It mimics the smooth, continuous waveform of standard household grid power. Modified sine wave — the cheaper alternative — produces a stepped, choppy approximation of that waveform. Most CPAP machines, oxygen concentrators, and insulin pumps require pure sine wave power to operate correctly and safely. Running these devices on modified sine wave output can cause motor damage, trigger error codes, generate audible buzzing from the device, reduce device lifespan, and in some cases void the manufacturer warranty. Every product recommended by this wizard has been verified to produce pure sine wave output.
The terms are often used interchangeably but describe slightly different products. A battery backup (also called a UPS or portable power station) stores electricity and discharges it when grid power is unavailable. A solar generator is a portable power station that also accepts solar panel input — meaning it can recharge itself using sunlight during an extended outage. For short outages of 12 to 24 hours, a battery backup is sufficient. For outages lasting multiple days, or for patients in areas with frequent grid instability, a solar generator with compatible panels is the more resilient long-term solution. All products recommended by this wizard are solar-compatible — even if you do not currently own solar panels, the option to add them later is preserved.
The most reliable method is to check your device’s AC adapter label or the device specifications panel — usually on the underside or rear of the unit. Look for a figure labeled “Power” or “Max Power” in watts (W). If you find only voltage (V) and amperage (A), multiply the two figures to get approximate wattage. Alternatively, consult our device wattage reference table above — it lists measured consumption data for over 30 of the most common CPAP and oxygen concentrator models. If your device is not listed, the safest approach is to add 20 percent to the adapter’s stated maximum wattage as a conservative planning figure.
Yes — but only if the power station’s output wattage rating exceeds the combined wattage draw of all active devices, and its capacity is sufficient to sustain that combined draw for your required duration. A 2,048Wh power station with a 2,400W AC output can simultaneously run a CPAP machine (45W), a 12V insulin fridge (45W), and charge a portable oxygen concentrator battery (60W charging) with significant capacity to spare. Our device-specific guides include multi-device runtime calculations. Use our Solar Generator Size Recommender if you need to size a system for more than one device.
The wizard’s product recommendations are reviewed and updated quarterly. Solar generator prices, availability, and new model releases change frequently — particularly in the EcoFlow, Bluetti, and Jackery product lines, which release updated models on roughly annual cycles. Device wattage data is updated when new CPAP or oxygen concentrator models enter wide clinical use. The current recommendation database reflects products available and priced as of April 2026. The “last updated” date is shown at the bottom of this page.
No. The Medical Power Needs Wizard is an equipment selection tool — it helps you choose the right backup power hardware for your medical device. It does not provide medical advice, clinical guidance, or recommendations about your therapy or medication. Always consult your prescribing physician or respiratory therapist before making changes to your medical device setup. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, contact emergency services immediately.
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.