CPAP Backup Battery for Camping and Power Outages – Bluetti Power Stations Review – Solar Powered or Plug-in

Some of the best accommodations in the world’s most beautiful places do not have electricity and that can be a problem if you sleep with a CPAP. Before you read this review of the Bluetti EB3A Power Source, you should know why you need one. A portable solar-powered battery pack is great for camping. You can use it to charge phones, computers and other electronic devices when there is no power source onsite. But if you have sleep apnea, a CPAP backup battery can be essential for your health. Not having a power source for my CPAP machine has limited the amount of tent camping we have done in recent years. That’s why I tested out the Bluetti Power Station as a CPAP backup battery for camping and power outages.

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My Journey with Sleep Apnea

For over twenty years my wife and my children complained about my snoring. My wife even suggested that she thought that I might have sleep apnea and that I should get tested. It seemed to me that I was sleeping normally so I resisted the urging to get tested.

One day I found myself walking through a health fair. There were booths everywhere and I am normally not one to stop and ask questions at these booths. As luck would have it, I happened to be wearing a baseball cap of my favorite hockey team and one of the workers at a random booth happened to catch my eye and commented about my hat. Now, if there is one thing I like to talk about, it is sports, and particularly the teams I cheer for. We visited about the year my team was having and I must admit I was enjoying the conversation. 

Out of the blue, this person asked me how I slept. I replied that it depended on who you asked. I felt I slept just fine but my wife and kids would probably have a different story. After a few more questions it became obvious that I was not sleeping very well. This health worker then asked me if I had ever been tested for sleep apnea. I replied I had not, and the health worker said that she could send me home with a device that would monitor my sleep over a two-night period and then I could return the device and they would analyze the data and give me the results for no charge. I figured, I didn’t have anything to lose, so I agreed to go through the testing.

After two nights of data recording, I returned the device and a couple of days later I received a call to meet with them. The request was rather urgent. I promptly met with them, and I was told that my data showed that I had one of the worst cases of sleep apnea they had ever seen. They showed my data on the computer screen and told me that I averaged stopping breathing 54 times per hour through the night. 

Why I use a CPAP Backup Battery

Once I started using a CPAP machine to treat my sleep apnea, I was amazed at the difference it made in my life. The first night I used the machine, I went to sleep at 10:38 pm and did not wake up until 7 am the next morning. For twenty years I had looked at the clock every five minutes all night long. With the help of the CPAP, I felt refreshed, had more energy, and even lost some weight. That CPAP machine changed my life for the better and I didn’t like the idea of trying to sleep without it.

My wife and I travel a lot and I found that the sleep apnea machine travels quite well. It was small enough to carry onto an airplane, quieter than I expected, and worked just about everywhere we traveled. I did discover one limitation: camping!

CPAP Backup Battery for Camping and Power Outages

We like to camp. Some campsites have power, but there are many that don’t.  I tried sleeping without my CPAP machine when we camped in a place that didn’t have power, but I always had a terrible sleep and woke up sluggish and tired. My sleep was so bad that I did not enjoy camping without my CPAP machine and started to do it less often than we used to. That’s why we got a Bluetti Power Station. We wanted to test it out as a CPAP backup battery to use when we go camping and for the rare occasions when we have a power outage at home.

Bluetti Power Stations Review Findings

A few months ago, I discovered the Bluetti EB3A, a portable power source that might be the answer to my camping woes. I tested it at home and on a camping trip in Winston Churchill Provincial Park. Here’s what you need to know.

• Charge Time: I charged the Bluetti EB3A up at home and it took just over 4 hours to completely charge. It has a very visual display showing the numeral percent charge as well as a metered charge. The power source can also be charged using a cigarette lighter from a vehicle.
• Solar Charging: Bluetti power sources are designed with solar compatibility in mind. Many of their products can be charged using solar panels, making them perfect for off-grid adventures or as backup power during emergencies. The integration of MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) technology ensures efficient charging from solar panels, allowing users to harness renewable energy sources effectively. Note: We did not have the solar panels for charging the device, but we hope to get those in the future and add to this review.
• Weight: Weighing in at 4.6 kg (10.14 lb), the Bluetti EB3A power source is too heavy for backpacking. That is one downside to this device. It is great for car camping and for unserviced campsites that can be accessed by vehicle.
• High-Capacity Battery: We tested this battery using a CPAP machine that uses a humidifier and requires more energy than some other CPAP devices. On full charge, the Bluetti EB3A power station powered the CPAP for 6 hours. I charged my phone and based on the amount of power used to charge my phone I could recharge my phone about 15 times. The average laptop could be recharged about 5 times. Bluetti Power Sources are equipped with high-capacity lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries, which provide reliable and long-lasting power. These batteries are known for their durability, safety, and extended cycle life.
• Multiple Output Options: Bluetti power stations offer a variety of output options, including AC outlets, USB ports, DC outputs, and even wireless charging capabilities for phones and other devices. This versatility enables users to power a wide range of devices, from smartphones and laptops to refrigerators and power tools.
• Quiet Operation: This power source was completely silent. Unlike traditional gas generators that produce noise and emissions, Bluetti power sources are virtually silent and emit no harmful fumes. This makes them ideal for indoor use and reduces their impact on the environment.
• Portable and Compact Design: Bluetti power stations are designed to be portable and user-friendly. I liked the way the handle folds into the device making it easier to carry. These power sources are compact and lightweight, making them easy to transport and set up wherever power is needed. This portability is especially valuable for outdoor enthusiasts, campers, and RV owners.
• Smart Monitoring: Bluetti’s advanced power management system includes a user-friendly LCD display that provides real-time information on battery status, input/output power, and charging progress. Some models even offer mobile app connectivity for remote monitoring and control.
• Use in Cold Weather: One downside to the Bluetti power source is how effective it is in colder weather. The efficiency of the power will definitely decline in colder weather but this would be an issue with any battery.

If you own a CPAP, you should clean your mask regularly. These inexpensive CPAP mask wipes make it easy. Gently and thoroughly clean your CPAP mask and other plastic and silicone surfaces without leaving any lint, residues, fragrances or particles. Each soft but durable wipe removes dirt and oils without damaging your mask.

Recharging the Bluetti Power Station with the solar panel attachment

The Bluetti Power Station can be recharged by plugging it into any wall outlet. If there is no power outlet at your tent site, but there is one in some other spot at a campground, you can recharge it using a wall outlet. If you are camping and there is no place to plug in the device to recharge it, you can use the solar panel to recharge it. Ths could also be a valuable attachment to have for emergency situations when power is out for extended periods of time. I tested the solar panel recently and found that it took six hours of sunlight to fully charge the battery. It was easy to use and it worked well for me.

Bluetti Power Stations Overall Review

For someone like me with severe sleep apnea, having a CPAP backup battery is essential for camping and for power outages. I tested the Bluetti EB3A and found that I could get six hours of CPAP use from a fully charged battery. It was quiet, and conveniently portable. At 4.6 kg (10.14 lbs), it is too heavy for backpacking, but it is adequately portable for campsites that can be reached by motor vehicle. It’s also great for recharging cellphones, tablets, laptops, cameras and other devices while camping. I recommend the Bluetti EB3A power source if you need a power source to help you have more freedom with a CPAP machine, or for recharging cell phones, laptops, and cameras while you are camping.   

Related: Check out our review of the VSSL First Aid Kit for camping and hiking.

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