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Around 15-20% of Americans aged 65 and older have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines are a common treatment for OSA, especially among seniors.
On average, a CPAP machine uses 30-60 watts per hour for a regular pressure level of 7-12cm H2O. However, it can exceed 90 watts per hour if a humidifier or other high-pressure features are used.
This article is a guide to how many watts different types of CPAP machines use, and what sustainable power sources you can use.
Key Insights
A standard CPAP machine without a humidifier consumes 30-60 watts per hour for a pressure level of 7cm to 12 cm H2O.
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A CPAP machine with a humidifier uses 60-90 watts per hour and 80-100 watts per hour with additional heated tubbing.
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33 million adult Americans use CPAP machines to treat OSA, as of 2024.
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79.1% of individuals aged 61-70 use CPAP consistently, which can last 6-8 hours per day.
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A CPAP machine on average costs $649–$989, depending on model and features.
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How Much Power Does a CPAP Machine Use?
A standard CPAP machine without a humidifier consumes 30-60 watts per hour at a pressure level of 7-12 cm H2O. However, this consumption can vary based on the model and the additional features such as pressure settings, power requirements, etc.
Models without humidifiers use around 53 watts, while those with a heated humidifier can consume up to 104 watts, depending on settings.
Due to lower consumption, many elderly use CPAP to treat their sleep problems and stay healthy. It is especially affordable for those with a fixed income. A study shows that 79.1% of individuals aged 61-70 use CPAP consistently, which can last 6-8 hours per day.
Here’s a chart on CPAP machines and how many watts they use per hour (watts-hour):
How Much Power Does a CPAP Use in Eight Hours?
A CPAP machine consumes 240 to 800 watt-hours (0.24 to 0.8 kWh) in eight hours. But this can vary depending on the model and features.
Advanced features like heated humidifiers may require a stronger power supply for consistent operation. For off-grid use, a solar power setup or a solar generator can provide a reliable and sustainable energy source, especially when paired with a CPAP-compatible battery pack.
To calculate the power usage for your CPAP machine in eight hours, you can use the following formula:
Power Usage (Watt-Hours)=Wattage × Usage Hours
The exact power consumption can vary due to several factors, such as model type, pressure settings, and usage duration.
Factors Affecting CPAP Power Usage
Several factors can influence how many watts a CPAP machine uses:
| Factors | Impact on Power Usage |
| Air Pressure Level | Standard pressure levels (7-12 cm H2O) use fewer watts than higher pressure levels, especially in BiPAP or Auto CPAP machines. |
| Duration of Use | The number of hours a CPAP machine runs each night affects power consumption. |
| Power Source | Direct electricity can cost more. Some CPAP machines use external battery packs, portable power stations, or inverters that may more power. |
| Model Efficiency | Older CPAP models consume more than newer ones. Additional features are also a big factor. |
How Much Does a CPAP Cost Per Month?
A standard CPAP machine using 30-60 watts, with an electricity rate of $0.178 per hour, can range between $1.28 to $2.56 per month. With a humidifier, the cost can rise to $2.56 to $3.84 per month.
The cost depends on local electricity rates, the machine's wattage, and the hours of usage. However, Most CPAP machines cost under $5 per month.
Comparison of CPAP Power Consumption vs. Common Household Appliances
79.1% of individuals aged 61-70 use CPAP consistently, which can last 6-8 hours per day. The following graph is a comparison of CPAP machine’s power usage and common household appliances in 8 hours.
The low and high estimate is calculated on the electricity price of 0.178 per kWh in the US as of October 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
How to Power a CPAP Machine?
Most CPAP machines, like the ResMed Airsense, come with a standard AC power adapter for home use but can also run on alternative power sources such as solar panels, inverters, and lead-acid batteries.
Many older adults buy CPAP battery packs for emergency backup during power outages or when traveling to remote places such as camping trips in RVs. Newer models also include built-in batteries or chargers for ease of use.
Here’s a breakdown of portability, average runtime, and recharge time for common CPAP power sources:
| Source | Portability | Average Runtime (Hours) | Recharge Time |
| Direct AC Power | Not Portable | Unlimited (as long as power is on) | Instant (continuous power) |
| Battery Pack | Highly Portable | 8 - 16 hours | 4 - 8 hours |
| Portable Power Station | Moderate Portability | 10 - 20 hours | 4 - 12 hours (depends on capacity) |
| Solar Generator | Portable (Solar Panels May Vary) | 8 - 12 hours (depending on sunlight) | 6 - 10 hours (full sun conditions) |
How Many Amps Does a CPAP Use?
When plugged into a standard AC source (120V AC), a CPAP machine uses 0.25 to 0.75 amps, depending on its features.
When you use a 12V DC power source, such as a battery backup or vehicle adapter, the amperage increases due to the lower voltage. In this case, a machine usually consumes 2.5 - 7.5 amps, depending on the power settings.
Other CPAP devices such as masks, tubing, etc. also increase power use.
Does Medicare Cover for CPAP Machine for the Elderly?
An American Academy of Sleep Medicine study shows that about 56% of people aged 65 are at high risk of developing OSA. If left untreated, it can lead to serious health issues such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Currently, 33 million adult Americans use CPAP machines to treat OSA, as of 2024.
A CPAP machine on average costs $649–$989, depending on model and features. Although expensive, you can afford them through assistance programs, insurance, and Medicare.
Around 60% of seniors aged 65 and older rely on Medicare for their healthcare needs. The assistance program helps low-income seniors cover 80% cost of CPAP machines and equipment such as masks, tubbing, etc. after the applicant meets the Part B annual deductible, which is $240 as of 2024.
If you buy a CPAP machine on rent, Medicare pays it for 13 months. After this period, you can own the machine. However, Medicare doesn’t cover the monthly electricity billing costs of CPAP.
Bottom Line
CPAP machines, essential for treating sleep apnea, consume 30-60 watts per hour on average, though this rises with humidifiers or high-pressure features. Over eight hours, they use 0.24 to 0.8 kWh, costing under $5 monthly at standard U.S. rates. Medicare covers 80% of CPAP costs for eligible seniors after the Part B deductible. Backup power sources, including battery packs and solar options, support uninterrupted use, providing reliability for both home and off-grid scenarios for users.
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Sources
- NCOA Adviser. (2024, October 14). Sleep apnea statistics and facts you should know. Evaluated on November 3, 2024.
Link - Braley, T. J., Dunietz, G. L., Chervin, R. D., Lisabeth, L. D., Skolarus, L. E., & Burke, J. F. (2018, May 9). Recognition and diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea in older Americans. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. Evaluated on November 3, 2024.
Link - Posadas, T., Oscullo, G., Zaldívar, E., Garcia-Ortega, A., Gómez-Olivas, J. D., Monteagudo, M., & Martínez-García, M. A. (2020, February 17). Treatment with CPAP in elderly patients with obstructive sleep apnea. Journal of Clinical Medicine. Evaluated on November 3, 2024.
Link - U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Evaluated on November 3, 2024.
Link - Medicare. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) devices & accessories. Evaluated on November 3, 2024.
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