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Thread: cpap question

  1. #1
    Registered User
    Join Date
    05-14-2016
    Location
    West-central Indiana
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    419

    Default cpap question

    Is anyone using the HD Z2 machine yet?

    While I do okay with an oral device while hiking, I really think I'd sleep much better with a cpap. Sadly, I've gotten pretty comfortable using one.

    The Z2 looks to be the best lightweight option at this time. Before I buy one, I am curious about what people are carrying for batteries in order to cover the distance between charging opportunities.

    Any real world insights would be appreciated.

    Many thanks.

    Sent from my SM-N975U using Tapatalk

  2. #2

    Default

    I use the Z1, and being an engineer-hiker I contacted the manufacture for info and ran my own tests to find the lightest possible solution. The manufacturer will say the only solution is to use their medical grade batter pack; I never saw the need for a battery with the medical certifications (e.g. won’t spark in a high oxygen environment) on any trail. It’s also not weight efficient. So any decent lithium ion battery pack (lightest battery technology available) that will not automatically shut off will work.

    From a very helpful HDM technician, I was told the Z1 is designed as a 15VDC device with a minimum voltage of 11.8VDC (before it shuts down) and a maximum voltage of 16.5VDC. So a 12-16VDC battery capable of supplying up to 2 amperes and has a 2.1mm x 5.5mm plug will work.

    I use a 15VDC battery from bixpower.com (MP100-15V) and it is 98Wh. The Watt-hour (Wh) number will determine how many days you can go between charges. In my testing the Z1 uses an average of 19.6Wh per night (avg. 7.5h of sleep), so I get ~5 nights of sleep between charges if I don’t also use it to top off my phone.

    Your usage will differ depending on the settings. Automatic (APAP) uses more power than Continuous (CPAP) due to the need for pressure changes. Higher pressure uses more power than lower pressure, so finding the lowest setting that works for you will extend battery life. The all-knowing Google can tell you how to hack into your device and change the settings.

    Z1 CPAP (10.8oz) Z2 should be similar but quieter
    4’ Hose (2.2oz)
    Mask (1.15oz)
    MP100-15V Battery (30oz)
    Battery Charge (7oz)

    A few other tips: Don’t bother with the HDM moisturizer adapters, they add weight, don’t work that well, and saline spray is lighter. Use the shortest hose possible and SleepWeaver cloth masks are the lightest. Keep the battery and Z1 in their own waterproof bag; water and 98Wh of power do not mix well. At shelters/campsites I tell folks near my hammock I’m using one in case they hear it, and point out the slight electric-fan / breathing sound is much better than the alternative noise they would be hearing.

    Hope that helps, good luck!

    H

  3. #3
    Registered User
    Join Date
    11-13-2015
    Location
    Orangeville, Ontario, Canada
    Age
    73
    Posts
    441

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Hatchet_1697 View Post
    I use the Z1, and being an engineer-hiker I contacted the manufacture for info and ran my own tests to find the lightest possible solution.

    … snip … snip … snip …

    At shelters/campsites I tell folks near my hammock I’m using one in case they hear it, and point out the slight electric-fan / breathing sound is much better than the alternative noise they would be hearing.

    Hope that helps, good luck!
    Great advice — thanks!


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  4. #4
    Registered User
    Join Date
    05-14-2016
    Location
    West-central Indiana
    Posts
    419

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Hatchet_1697 View Post
    I use the Z1, and being an engineer-hiker I contacted the manufacture for info and ran my own tests to find the lightest possible solution. The manufacturer will say the only solution is to use their medical grade batter pack; I never saw the need for a battery with the medical certifications (e.g. won’t spark in a high oxygen environment) on any trail. It’s also not weight efficient. So any decent lithium ion battery pack (lightest battery technology available) that will not automatically shut off will work.

    From a very helpful HDM technician, I was told the Z1 is designed as a 15VDC device with a minimum voltage of 11.8VDC (before it shuts down) and a maximum voltage of 16.5VDC. So a 12-16VDC battery capable of supplying up to 2 amperes and has a 2.1mm x 5.5mm plug will work.

    I use a 15VDC battery from bixpower.com (MP100-15V) and it is 98Wh. The Watt-hour (Wh) number will determine how many days you can go between charges. In my testing the Z1 uses an average of 19.6Wh per night (avg. 7.5h of sleep), so I get ~5 nights of sleep between charges if I don’t also use it to top off my phone.

    Your usage will differ depending on the settings. Automatic (APAP) uses more power than Continuous (CPAP) due to the need for pressure changes. Higher pressure uses more power than lower pressure, so finding the lowest setting that works for you will extend battery life. The all-knowing Google can tell you how to hack into your device and change the settings.

    Z1 CPAP (10.8oz) Z2 should be similar but quieter
    4’ Hose (2.2oz)
    Mask (1.15oz)
    MP100-15V Battery (30oz)
    Battery Charge (7oz)

    A few other tips: Don’t bother with the HDM moisturizer adapters, they add weight, don’t work that well, and saline spray is lighter. Use the shortest hose possible and SleepWeaver cloth masks are the lightest. Keep the battery and Z1 in their own waterproof bag; water and 98Wh of power do not mix well. At shelters/campsites I tell folks near my hammock I’m using one in case they hear it, and point out the slight electric-fan / breathing sound is much better than the alternative noise they would be hearing.

    Hope that helps, good luck!

    H
    Thank you so much. This is what I was looking for.

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