Although the bottom of the Grand Canyon is far away from the power grid, there is a way to use your CPAP machine! If you plan to bring it on the river with you, you will want to be sure to prepare well in advance of your trip. Read through the information below and let us know if you have any questions.
What you need to do:
- Be sure to list “CPAP” on your registration form or give our office a call at least two weeks prior to your trip, so we know to pack a battery for you.
- Bring a suitable DC adapter with alligator clips to connect our battery with your CPAP machine. The power adapter cords are specific to your CPAP make and model. Please check with your local provider or research online to determine which cords you will need.
- If your CPAP has a humidifier, you will need to disable/remove the humidifier for your river trip. Please test your machine at home to make sure it does work without the humidifier. Our batteries do NOT have the power capacity to run humidifiers while in the canyon.
- Please know, you’ll need to carry the battery (about 60 pounds) between the raft and your campsite.
- If you cannot fit your CPAP into your duffel bag, please provide your own dry bag to store it in while on the river.
- Speak with your doctor to discuss a backup plan should your CPAP machine fail or power supply run out. You will not be able to leave the trip early should your device stop working.
- Your CPAP machine may be exposed to wind, extreme heat, sand, and water while in the canyon.
Tips:
The CPAP Shop and CpapPower sell DC Power cords to connect your CPAP to our 12V battery.
If you are on one of our trips with a charter flight is it ok if your CPAP puts you over the 25-pound weight limit. The airlines may charge a small excess baggage fee.
If you are thinking of bringing a travel battery on the river, please be aware that it will likely not last for the duration of a weeklong trip and there is no way to charge it on the river. Additionally, the intense Grand Canyon heat may damage your battery. Your travel battery will also need to meet FAA regulations if you will be flying with it.
Again, please make sure to inform us that you will be bringing a CPAP machine and need us to bring a battery. It is easy for us to accommodate, as long as we know about it well in advance. Then, just enjoy your whitewater vacation and sleep easy!