Pilot-12 Lite (12V) review

What Medistrom lists

Medistrom introduces the Pilot-12 Lite as a small backup power supply and travel battery for Philips Respironics, DeVilbiss and other 12-volt CPAP, APAP and some BiPAP devices. The spec list gives 95 Wh from LG lithium-ion cells, 6.7 by 3.5 by 0.8 inches, 1.3 lb, FAA compliance, and a recharge time of 2 to 3 hours through the DreamStation's own AC adapter, with a note that other adapters may take longer.

The compatibility list names the Philips Respironics DreamStation 2, DreamStation and System One S60, the DeVilbiss IntelliPAP I and II, and the HDM Z1, with the DreamStation 2, IntelliPAP and Z1 marked as needing cable kits sold separately. In the box is the output cable for the DreamStation and System One S60. Medistrom says it is not compatible with ventilator PAP devices.

How backup mode works

Like its 24-volt sibling, the Pilot-12 Lite sits between the wall adapter and the machine. Medistrom says that used as a permanent backup, you will not be woken in the middle of the night to find your machine has stopped: if the power is interrupted, the machine draws from the battery. The battery stays full because it charges whenever the grid is on, which is the quality that matters most in an outage you did not see coming.

Our guide to CPAP in a power outage sets out the choice between a dedicated battery like this and a larger power station with a DC cable; Philips's own instructions say to use its DC cord and not to run the machine from a vehicle with the engine running.

Run time and the humidifier

Medistrom's figure is 1 to 2 nights of continuous run time at an average pressure with the humidifier and heated tubing disabled. A heated humidifier is the biggest draw on a CPAP and will empty 95 Wh long before morning, so switch it off when the power fails. Higher pressures and mask leaks also cut the time; plan on one night with margin.

The page does not give an output wattage, and the DC output current differs between Medistrom's page and its manuals, so we have not quoted one.

Travel and limits

At 95 Wh it sits under the 100 Wh airline carry-on line, which is what Medistrom's FAA compliant note refers to; carry it in the cabin. The page gives no warranty term in text, only a link, so confirm it with the retailer.

It is a 12-volt unit. ResMed's AirSense 10 and 11, AirMini and S9 are 24-volt machines and need the Pilot-24 Lite instead. If you are unsure of your machine's voltage, check the label on its power adapter before buying either.

How it compares, and who should skip it

Within our CPAP battery backup comparison the Pilot-12 Lite is the compact, always-charged choice for DreamStation owners. A power station with the right DC cable runs for several nights with the humidifier on, but costs more and has to be connected when the lights go out. The medical devices in a power outage guide covers the rest of the plan, including your utility's medical baseline program.

Skip it if your machine is 24 volts, if you cannot sleep without the heated humidifier, or if your outages run for days and you want more than one night's reserve.

Which CPAP machines does the Pilot-12 Lite fit?

Medistrom lists the Philips Respironics DreamStation 2, DreamStation and System One S60, the DeVilbiss IntelliPAP I and II, and the HDM Z1. The DreamStation 2, IntelliPAP and Z1 need cable kits sold separately.

How long does it run a DreamStation?

Medistrom says 1 to 2 nights at an average pressure with the humidifier and heated tubing off. Plan on one night with margin, and turn the humidifier off during an outage.

How long does it take to recharge?

Medistrom says 2 to 3 hours through the Respironics DreamStation AC adapter, and notes that charging through other compatible adapters may take longer.

Will it power a ResMed AirSense?

No. ResMed's AirSense 10 and 11, AirMini and S9 are 24-volt machines; Medistrom's Pilot-24 Lite is the model for those.