I use my CPAP for overnight flights on AA all of the time. I've got a
very old web page with a discussion of the topic. (I now use the APAP version of the machine, but I'm still using the same battery setup I mentioned on that site.) But to answer your questions:
Originally Posted by
Dr Bill SFO
A patient of mine is planning a trip SFO-EZE via ORD in J class. If a Respironics BiPAP machine has a DC power consumption of 12 V, 3.0 A max, and using the available Respironics DC cigarette lighter style power cord, would it be possible to power the machine using the AA power port?
The machine might handle it. As JDiver says, things meant to be plugged in to car adapters usually can deal with 10V - 15V. I had a problem with a power supply that was only outputting 11V and my Puritan-Bennett machine couldn't deliver enough power, so the machines themselves may be a bit more sensitive than the average equipment, but I wouldn't think a little extra voltage would be a problem. You certainly want to check with Respirionics either way. The 70W limit will not come into play: Even if it used every one of those 15 volts at 3.0 A max, 3A x 15V = 45W.
However, AA might not be happy. Last I talked to them, they want you to bring along batteries. Depending on using the power ports for any medical device makes them very nervous. And given that there is a chance of a power port not working (I've had that happen occasionally), I'd go ahead and get the battery.
BatteryGeek.net is a good site for batteries.
The problem is the size of the battery for the power demands of a BiPAP. At 12V x 3A, that's 36W (max, which it probably won't run most of the time, but even so....). If he thinks he's going to get a full 8 hours, that's a max of 288 Watt Hours of power.
BatteryGeek's 200WH battery (which should get you by) is $500.
I wouldn't bother with their specific
CPAP batteries. They are effectively the same as their
Portable Power Station (PPS) batteries, but you can't charge them and use them at the same time. The normal
PPS has all of the tips you need for a CPAP anyway. Look at either the
PPS, the
Super Portable Power Station 12-222, or the
SPPS 12-444. (The latter is a $900 battery. Yikes!
)
Originally Posted by
Dr Bill SFO
The only problem with this is that CPAP machine would have to be used without the attached humidifier.
Another suggestion was to use a small inverter to convert the inseat DC power to AC, like
this one from Kensington. Presumably, both the BiPAP machine and the attached humidifier could be used together.
Heated humidifiers and DC do not mix well at all. The humidifier will fry if you use it with an inverter. (Someone once explained the electronics/physics of why this is, but I don't remember the full story. Something about inverters and sine waves.) And even if this wasn't a problem, the wattage involved in a heated humidifier is sure to go over the 70W max. You can always just use a pass-over (non-heated) humidifier.
Originally Posted by
Dr Bill SFO
Any recent experience on using CPAP/BiPAP onboard AA flights? Does anyone know what the current AA policy is? The AA website only refers to carrying CPAP onboard but says nothing about usage inflight.
The one thing you definitely need to do is call the Special Services Desk at 800-237-7976 to get the machine approved for use. They will want the manufacturer and model number. One thing to note is that while Special Services notes in your record that you will be bringing a CPAP on board (occasionally I've been queried by the ticket or gate agent) they do not notify the flight crew, which can get some odd looks if they think you're using oxygen. I always let the FA on board know that I'll be using my CPAP and explain what it is. I've never had a problem.