Best CPAP battery backups for power outages (2026)
If you sleep with a CPAP, a power outage means a night without therapy unless a battery is ready. CPAP batteries connect with a DC cable made for your machine, so the first thing to check is which machines each one works with. Ready.gov says to talk to your medical provider about a power outage plan for medical devices powered by electricity.
By PreparedStates editors · Updated October 22, 2026 · 5 products, prices indicative
Our picks
Pilot-24 Lite (24V)
ResMed AirSense 10 and AirMini users
Pilot-12 Lite (12V)
Philips DreamStation users
Pilot Flex (12V and 24V)
ResMed AirSense 11 users
All 5 compared
| Battery | Capacity | Works with (maker) | Notes | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
95 Wh · 24V machines; AirSense 10 and AirMini cables included; also lists S9, AirSense 11, DreamStation and others · Recharges in 2-3 hours (maker) ResMed AirSense 10 and AirMini users | 95 Wh | 24V machines; AirSense 10 and AirMini cables included; also lists S9, AirSense 11, DreamStation and others | Recharges in 2-3 hours (maker) | |
Our verdictOur verdictResearched A compact 95 Wh battery for 24V machines that comes with AirSense 10 and AirMini cables. Check the listing for the cable your exact machine needs before you buy. Best for ResMed AirSense 10 and AirMini users Good
Worth knowing
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if your machine is a 12V model: see the Pilot-12 Lite. | ||||
95 Wh · 12V machines; DreamStation 1 and 2 and S60 cables included; also lists DeVilbiss IntelliPAP and HDM Z1/Z2 Philips DreamStation users | 95 Wh | 12V machines; DreamStation 1 and 2 and S60 cables included; also lists DeVilbiss IntelliPAP and HDM Z1/Z2 | — | |
Our verdictOur verdictResearched The 12V version of the Pilot, with DreamStation 1 and 2 cables in the box. Confirm your machine's model against the listing. Best for Philips DreamStation users Good
Worth knowing
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if your machine is a 24V ResMed: see the Pilot-24 Lite or Pilot Flex. | ||||
98 Wh · 12V and 24V machines; AirSense 11 and AirMini cables included; also lists AirSense 10, DreamStation and others ResMed AirSense 11 users | 98 Wh | 12V and 24V machines; AirSense 11 and AirMini cables included; also lists AirSense 10, DreamStation and others | — | |
Our verdictOur verdictResearched Works with both 12V and 24V machines and comes with AirSense 11 and AirMini cables, so it's the simplest pick for the newest ResMed machine. Best for ResMed AirSense 11 users Good
Worth knowing
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want several nights from one charge. | ||||
160 Wh · Runtimes listed for AirSense 11, AirSense 10 and AirMini · 2 to 3 nights at typical pressures (maker) More than one night from a single charge | 160 Wh | Runtimes listed for AirSense 11, AirSense 10 and AirMini | 2 to 3 nights at typical pressures (maker) | |
Our verdictOur verdictResearched 160 Wh, with the maker listing up to 24 hours on an AirSense 11 and 2 to 3 nights at typical pressures. Check that it has the cable for your machine. Best for More than one night from a single charge Good
Worth knowing
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you need it to work with a machine it doesn't list. | ||||
297 Wh · Cable set for ResMed S9, AirSense 10 and 11, AirCurve 10, AirMini and Philips machines (maker) Several nights of backup, many machines | 297 Wh | Cable set for ResMed S9, AirSense 10 and 11, AirCurve 10, AirMini and Philips machines (maker) | — | |
Our verdictOur verdictResearched The biggest battery here at 297 Wh, with cables for a range of ResMed and Philips machines, so it covers more than one night for most users. Larger and heavier than the Pilot packs. Best for Several nights of backup, many machines Good
Worth knowing
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want something to pack in a carry-on: the smaller packs are easier. | ||||
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Before you buy
Match the voltage and cable to your machine.
The Pilot-24 Lite is for 24V machines and comes with AirSense 10 and AirMini cables; the Pilot-12 Lite is for 12V machines and comes with DreamStation cables. Each listing names the machines it has cables for.
Size it for the nights you want to cover.
Runtime depends on your pressure settings and whether the heated humidifier is on, so use the battery maker's runtime figures for your machine.
For several nights, or to run other things too, a portable power station is the bigger option
See our power stations page.
Keep it charged and check it every few months, like any backup.
We verify every product's specifications against at least two independent sources, re-check its US price and stock on a schedule where we can track it automatically, and cross-check safety-relevant claims against official guidance. Every review is labelled Researched or Used and reviewed by us: where we've bought a product, or been sent it free, and used it ourselves, its review says which; where we haven't, our verdict is a considered spec-and-evidence comparison, not a hands-on test — and commissions never change a ranking either way. Read our full methodology →
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Common questions
How long will a CPAP battery last?
It depends on the battery, your machine, your pressure and the humidifier. Freedom, for example, lists up to 24 hours for an AirSense 11 on its 160 Wh battery, and 2 to 3 nights at typical pressures. Check the maker's figures for your machine.
What should I ask my doctor or equipment supplier?
The FDA's booklet suggests asking whether your device can use batteries in an outage, what type and how many it needs, how long it will last on battery power, and how to switch it between battery and electric power.
Can I run my CPAP from a portable power station?
Many people do. Check that the station's output suits your machine and ask your machine maker or medical provider. Our power stations page compares the options.
Should I tell my power company?
The FDA's booklet lists your local power company among the contacts to notify when the power is lost and restored, alongside your health care provider and family.