Product Review: Zopec Explore Best Battery Review Feature

Product Manual: Zopec Explore 5500 Instruction Video

Choose a high-capacity CPAP battery if…

• You’re looking for a CPAP battery that can power your machine during an extended power outage
• You require high-pressure CPAP therapy
• These batteries are usually over 160+ Wh
• Examples include the Zopec Explore Oxygen or the EXP96 Pro}

Choose a mid-capacity battery if… 

• You’re spending a couple of nights off the power grid
• You need to charge your phone or laptop and use your CPAP machine for a night
• Usually rated around 100-160 Wh
• Examples include the Zopec Explorer 5500, Universal Freedom V2, or EXP48 Pro}

Choose a lower-capacity battery if… 

• You need a battery that can power you through an overnight flight or car ride.
• You’re looking for a battery that will power your machine for the night.
• You want something to charge small personal devices, like a cell phone or tablet.
• You’re okay with linking multiple batteries together to extend battery life. 
• Usually rated below 95 Wh
• Examples include the Portable Outlet UPS, or the Medistrom Pilot-12 Lite.

Machine Compatibility

This battery features a wall outlet-style input, meaning it is compatible with almost every sleep therapy device. Keep in mind that BiPAP machines use additional power, so, it may be better to choose a higher capacity battery if you require BiPAP therapy.

Charging Your CPAP Battery

This battery can be used as a portable power source when traveling with your CPAP machine. To do this, you will need to charge the battery ahead of time.

• Before first use, please charge battery to 100%.
• Plug the wall charger to the wall outlet.
• Connect the wall charger to the battery through the round recharge port located on the back of the battery.

Using Your Battery As a Backup Power Source

If you are expecting a power outage while you are using your CPAP machine, a backup battery can prevent you from having to cut your CPAP therapy short. This battery can be used as a backup power supply that immediately takes over powering your machine the moment your home loses electricity, so you don't have to wake up.

1. Plug your CPAP battery into the wall charger as if you are about to charge it.
2. Plug your CPAP machine into the outlet located on the front of the batter.
3. Turn your battery on.
4. Your battery will begin charging while also powering your device.

Determining Your Battery Run Time

While most battery manufacturers offer an estimate for their battery run time, it's best to test how long your new battery lasts with your specific CPAP machine and pressure settings.

• Remove your mask.
• Put a paper towel or sock inside the mask end of your CPAP hose.
• Imitate breathing by turning the machine on and letting a little air through the CPAP hose.
• Allow the machine to run throughout the day.
• Measure the amount of battery used and divide that by the number of hours it ran.

Extending the Life of Your CPAP Battery

• Extend battery power by turning off humidifier and heated tubing. 
• Using a humidifier reduces battery run time by 50 - 60%.
• Using a humidifier and heated tubing reduces battery run time by 70-80%.
• BiPAP machines require about 20% more power than CPAP. 
• Travel machines use less power than a standard machine and are ideal for frequent travelers or power outages. 
• If battery life is limited and you will not have access to power for several days, talk to your doctor about temporarily limiting CPAP usage to 4-6 hours per night.

FAA/TSA Tips

At 160 Wh, the Zopec Explore 5500 is approved for air travel. Below are the guidelines for flying with your CPAP battery. Keep in mind that each airlines has the ability to create additional rules, so it's best to double-check with your specific airline before your flight.

• CPAP batteries are not permitted in checked luggage and must be stored in your carry-on bag
• All battery terminals should be covered to prevent a short circuit.
• Passengers are allowed to carry an unlimited number of mid-capacity (up to 100 Wh) lithium-ion batteries for personal use. 
• Passengers are also allowed to carry up to 2 high capacity (101-160 Wh) lithium-ion batteries for personal use.

Storing Your CPAP Battery

• Fully charge battery to 100% before storing.
• Fully recharge every 3-6 months of storage.
• Choose a cool, dry, well-ventilated location.
• Keep out of direct sunlight. 
• Avoid extreme temperatures. 
• Keep away from flammable or explosive materials. 
• Do not let the battery remain dead for any extended period of time, as this can reduce maximum battery life. 

Safety Tips 

• Keep out of reach from children.
• Avoid dropping the battery.
• Keep away from water or moisture.
• Use manufacturer-approved battery chargers to avoid short circuit.
• Do not disassemble.
• Do not attempt to repair. 
• Charge battery on a hard, non-flammable surface. 
• Do not use outside the operating temperature range specified in the product manual, which is usually between 32 - 115°F. 
• Do not charge if the charging cord or battery has obvious damage or if the battery appears to be bulging.
• Do not leave unattended for long periods of time while charging. 
• Avoid coming in contact with any electrolyte leakage. 

Disposing of Your CPAP Battery

• Lithium-ion batteries should not be discarded with typical household trash. 
• Contact your local waste department for more information. 
• Damaged batteries should be immediately stored in a water-tight, non-flammable container until they can be disposed of. 
• To prevent fires, place the battery in a separate plastic bag or cover the battery terminals with tape.