The short answer
Ask the device maker and the prescriber what backup they recommend and how long you need it. Use the device's own label for watts. Look for a unit with a fast switchover or a power supply the maker approves — and have a plan that does not depend on one device.
Questions to ask
- What power source and backup does the device maker support or warn against?
- How long does the device need to run without interruption, and what happens if power drops briefly?
- Does the device have its own battery? How long does it last?
- Is there a medical-baseline or priority program with my utility?
- What is the plan if backup fails (hospital, relatives, emergency services)?
What this site can and cannot say
Our appliance table lists typical planning watts for a CPAP and for a home oxygen concentrator; real devices differ. Our product pages say whether a maker lists a switchover time, but we do not claim a product is safe or suitable for any medical purpose.
SafetyIf a device is life-sustaining, work with your care team on a backup plan and an emergency plan before any outage. Do not rely on a website's wattage table.
Figures marked as Wattstanding calculations show their working; product figures come from the sources on each product page. How we work