For CPAP and BIPAP users, a power outage may impact your ability to use CPAP or
BIPAP to treat your sleep apnea.
What are some options to consider in the event of a power outage?
Remember that regular usage of CPAP/BIPAP has carry over benefits for a night or
two, by increasing muscle tone in your mouth and throat. Your sleep apnea may not
be as severe on a single night without CPAP/BIPAP as it was before you started
treatment.
There are a few things you can do to reduce your sleep apnea severity if you find
yourself without CPAP/BIPAP:
- Sleep on your side or stomach, but NOT on your back
- Sleep semi-upright (e.g., in a recliner)
- Do not drink alcohol
- Do not smoke tobacco or marijuana
- Do not use narcotic pain medicines or other sedatives
Backup power options in event of a power outage include:
- A generator. If you have a generator, be sure to follow safety instructions and use
only as needed to save fuel. Always allow the generator to cool completely
before refueling. - A rechargeable CPAP battery. Available options can be found online, e.g. from
https://www.CPAP.com.
*If you use CPAP, BIPAP or an oxygen concentrator for chronic respiratory failure and
not just CPAP/BIPAP for sleep apnea, planning for power outages by obtaining a
generator may be necessary. Please discuss with your Primary care provider or
Pulmonologist if you have questions about this.