CPAP DC Power leads

[Jake Royd]

My wife uses a CPAP m/c in the motorhome , via the 'special' lead bought seperately.
She had an updated m/c in the last few days , which 'appears' to have the same 240v to 12v DC power supply and the same plug to enter the socket on the m/c.

Does it work with our existing lead? No it bloody well does not.

The m/c powers up Ok , then displays a 'check power' alert preventing further progress.

Searching the web , lead for the new m/c is out of stock almost everywhere , except a firm offering on for £75.
Reluctantly we have sent off for one.

These leads are made for pennies and are very profitable for those who sell them.
But how do they make them m/c specific?

Doing some research I note that the male plug that goes into the m/c has 3 pins.
One is earth , one is supply and one is something else.

My assumption is there is a resistance imbedded in the cable , perhaps in one of the ferrite cores which the m/c checks. If it sees the correct value, off it goes, if not it hangs up.
Of course this means you only have to change the resistor value to 'code' the cable to a particular m/c

Anyway after this little rant I will have for sale, shortly , a power supply lead that will suit earlier Remstar CPAP machines and not the latest Dreamstation models.

In the short term we will have to use our little inverter and use that to supply the normal 24v power supply unit but then we have a little inverter fan running all night.

It would interest me if the geeks on the forum know if I am correct.

 

[dulvil]

Won’t they give you a dreamstation? Mine uses a cigarette lighter fitting with thick wires to the battery

 

[Jake Royd]

Won’t they give you a dreamstation? Mine uses a cigarette lighter fitting with thick wires to the battery

Yes she's got the Dream station. What I was describing is that our current DC power lead fits perfectly but does not operate it.

 

[Jev88]

Do you have a GOOD 12V supply you are plugging into? Is your leisure battery bank up to the job?
Just a thought as to why the system is saying check power.

 

[Jake Royd]

Do you have a GOOD 12V supply you are plugging into? Is your leisure battery bank up to the job?
Just a thought as to why the system is saying check power.

Good idea but also a problem using a specialist lithium battery pack with the same lead.

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[Puddleduck]

We had the same issue when Martin's CPAP was upgraded. No option but to buy a new input lead. In our case the connector to the machine was different and a warning came with the machine that if any unauthorised power supply was used any warranty would be voided and we would be responsible for the cost of a new machine and it's set up.

 

[welshcake lady]

Hi
here is a link, https://www.hope2sleep.co.uk/
they are uk based, (hope2sleep)
Ive bought a 12v adapter lead from them plugs straight in to a 12 socket !
works brilliantly, one lead I had was showing the same problem you are having, it was a faulty lead, they replaced it no probs
since,

 

[ChrisL]

Will the NHS not give you a lead?

 

[Pausim]

I run my CPAP from an inverter. Probably a bit less efficient than using 12V direct but it is a 24V machine so it would need a 12/24V power pack.

 

[Jake Royd]

Will the NHS not give you a lead?

In short , No

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[Jake Royd]

What I want to know is how they code a power cable to a machine.
I have to accept I'll be ripped off on price.

 

[welshcake lady]

my machine is a dream station that runs on 12v, hope2sleep changed me about £30 for a 12v cable, I also bought a portable power pack, rechargeable with USB or mains it also has a built in inverter (very quiet), hope this info is helpful?

 

[Puddleduck]

Will the NHS not give you a lead?

In short , No

Only if you are a lorry driver or similar.

The 12/24 v adaptor for Martin's machine is £74.99 but out of stock so we are glad we bought it when the machine was changed.