Marine Batteries

[jackellis]

My wife (aka The Dymano) needs to use a CPAP machine when she sleeps (sleep apnea). This gets to be a problem when she's camping since there's usually not any grid power at the campsites. The CPAP machine supplier has suggested she can use a deep-cycle marine battery with a special adapter they supply to power her machine for a few days. She'll be doing two camping trips this summer and will need to recharge the marine battery between trips.

I'm wondering whether someone can confirm that a standard 12V automotive battery charger can safely charge a deep-cycle 12V marine battery that's sold by Sears.

She also backpacks and for those trips, everyone else has to put up with her snoring!

[gsmittle]

It's not just the snoring, it's the fact that at best sleep apnea leaves you groggy and cranky the next day.

I use a deep-cycle battery with mine when I camp, and have no problems charging it with a standard battery charger. Make sure the charger has a "deep cycle" setting and charge it on the lowest amp setting.

Read the battery label carefully. Marine batteries come in two varieties, one of which is intended to start your outboard and propel your trolling motor. If you want a true deep cycle battery, be prepared to spend $$$. OTOH, a marine battery got me through three weeks of camping in the desert, so unless she's going for a couple of months, a Wally World special will do.

Backpacking is a whole 'nuther thing.... I'm trying to invent a much lighter way to power a CPAP. Well, OK, I'm thinking about maybe someday thinking about inventing a power source....

Have fun!

g.

[jackellis]

In the Dynamo's case, there were none of the classical signs of sleep apnea. She had lots of energy during the day (I'm the one who wants to take naps) but she fell asleep instantly. It was only when I repeatedly pestered her about the fact that she was apparently not breathing, then snorting that she finally went to see a sleep specialist.

I think a Sears battery will be fine for this application but thanks for the advice about looking for a deep cycle setting and charging sloooooowly.

[Uncle Cracker]

You definitely want to make sure your charger is set up for deep cycle use. Some have a switch setting, others do it automatically, but some don't do it at all. Make sure your does.

[gsmittle]

More than you ever wanted to know about RV batteries: http://www.phrannie.org/battery.html
g.

[JimD]

I use one deep cycle battery on my boat for the trolling motor. I used to use two but I just switched to a newer 12V with more power than the old 24V. I use a Sears battery charger on the deep cell setting. I do not use the 2 amp setting. That is for my lawn tractor.

I do not know how long it would work but motorcycles and lawn tractors use small lead acid batteries that provide the same voltage as the full size ones. I do not know if they come in small sizes but there are also gel type cells that do not spill easily. My only other idea for backpacking would be a Ni-Cad tool battery. Again, it probably wouldn't last too long. A comparison of amp-hours to the big one plus the tip above that the big one can last for a couple weeks, should give you an idea.

Jim

[annunaki]

Thank you for this information

I just recently learned about Sleep Apnea and through my local VA got tested, found out I was rated "high" on the test and just got my machine.
I didn't know you could die in your sleep from this or that more than 50% suffer from it and that SIDS is now being reassessed as to possible sleep apnea, and that young people can have it.
It's more common than diabetes
Now I know why I never felt rested.