Zopec Explore 5700 vs Medistrom Pilot-24 Lite: CPAP Travel Battery Compared

Introduction

For CPAP users who camp, travel frequently, live in areas prone to power outages, or simply want the security of a backup power source, a dedicated CPAP travel battery is an important piece of equipment. Two of the most popular options available at CPAP Machines Canada are the Zopec Explore 5700 and the Medistrom Pilot-24 Lite. Both are FAA-compliant, both provide cord-free CPAP therapy for camping and travel, and both can charge other devices like phones and tablets. Beyond those shared features, they take meaningfully different approaches to how they deliver power.

The Zopec Explore 5700 is a higher-capacity general-purpose travel battery with a built-in AC outlet, making it compatible with virtually any CPAP machine without adapters. The Medistrom Pilot-24 Lite is a compact, lightweight DC battery engineered specifically for 24V PAP devices, and uniquely, it can function as an uninterruptible power supply — maintaining therapy without interruption if mains power fails during the night. Understanding these differences is key to choosing the right battery for your specific machine, travel habits, and power needs.

Quick Comparison Overview

Both batteries are FAA-compliant for air travel and can power CPAP devices as well as charge phones, tablets, and cameras. The most significant differences are output type, machine compatibility range, capacity, weight, recharge speed, and the Pilot-24 Lite's unique uninterruptible power supply function.

AC Output vs DC Output — Why It Matters

This is the most practically important technical difference between these two batteries, and it directly determines which CPAP machines each can power.

Zopec Explore 5700 — AC Outlet

The Zopec Explore 5700 includes a built-in AC outlet at 110V / 120W. This means it delivers standard household-style alternating current — the same type of power that comes from a wall outlet. Because all CPAP machines plug into AC power as standard, the Zopec can power any CPAP or BiPAP machine from any manufacturer using the machine's own existing power cable. No adapters, no special cable kits, and no compatibility checking required. Plug your machine in exactly as you would at home.

This universal compatibility is the Zopec's strongest feature for patients who use less common CPAP brands, BiPAP devices, or machines that do not have dedicated third-party battery solutions. It also makes the Zopec useful as a general-purpose travel battery for powering laptops, camera chargers, and other AC-powered devices beyond CPAP use.

Medistrom Pilot-24 Lite — DC Output

The Medistrom Pilot-24 Lite delivers DC power at 24V, 3.75A — direct current at a specific voltage matched to 24V PAP devices. DC batteries are more efficient than AC batteries for this purpose because they do not need to convert power before it reaches the machine, which means less energy is lost in conversion and more of the battery's stored capacity is delivered as usable therapy runtime. The trade-off is that the Pilot-24 Lite only works with machines designed to accept 24V DC input.

Compatible machines include the ResMed AirSense 10, AirSense 11, AirMini, and S9, the 3B Medical Luna, the Apex Medical iCH, and the Philips Respironics DreamStation Go. Some of these connections require separately purchased cable kits — cable kits for the AirSense 11, S9, Luna, iCH, and DreamStation Go are not included in the box and must be purchased separately. The AirSense 10 cable and AirMini cable are included.

Uninterruptible Power Supply — A Pilot-24 Lite Exclusive

One feature of the Medistrom Pilot-24 Lite that has no equivalent in the Zopec Explore 5700 is its ability to function as a permanent, uninterruptible power supply (UPS). When connected between the wall and your PAP machine, the Pilot-24 Lite monitors incoming mains power. If power is interrupted — whether from a storm, an outage, or a tripped breaker — the Pilot-24 Lite immediately and seamlessly supplies power from its battery without any gap or interruption in therapy. The machine continues running without the user being woken up or therapy stopping mid-night.

For patients who live in areas with unreliable power, experience frequent overnight outages, or simply want peace of mind that their therapy will not be interrupted, this is a significant practical advantage. The Zopec Explore 5700 is a standalone battery — it can power a CPAP machine when used as a portable power source, but it is not designed to sit permanently in-line between the wall and the machine as a passive backup.

Capacity, Weight, and Runtime

The Zopec Explore 5700 has a substantially larger capacity at 160Wh compared to the Pilot-24 Lite's 95Wh. In practical terms this translates to a longer potential runtime — the Zopec is rated for approximately two to three nights of cord-free CPAP use without a heated humidifier or heated tubing, while the Pilot-24 Lite is rated for approximately one to two nights under the same conditions. For multi-night camping trips or situations where recharging is not possible, the Zopec's higher capacity offers a meaningful advantage.

The trade-off is weight. The Zopec weighs 2.5 lbs, while the Pilot-24 Lite weighs just 1.3 lbs — less than half as much. For backpackers, ultralight campers, or frequent air travellers trying to keep carry-on weight down, the Pilot-24 Lite's compact aluminum case and low weight are significant practical advantages. The Pilot-24 Lite's dimensions of 6.7" × 3.5" × 0.8" also make it exceptionally slim and easy to fit into a bag alongside a CPAP machine.

Recharge speed also differs. The Pilot-24 Lite recharges in two to three hours, while the Zopec takes up to six hours. For travellers who may need to top up the battery during a brief stop, the Pilot-24 Lite's faster charge time is an advantage. The Zopec includes a 45W fast car charger in the box for charging on the road, along with a universal wall charger — neither of which is listed for the Pilot-24 Lite.

Additional Features and What Is Included

The Zopec's optional solar panel charger accessory is a notable feature for patients who spend extended time off-grid — the ability to recharge from solar means the battery can sustain multiple consecutive nights of use on longer camping or wilderness trips without access to any electrical source. The Pilot-24 Lite does not list a solar charging option.

The Pilot-24 Lite's built-in LED flashlight adds a small but practical convenience for camping use, particularly when navigating a tent or campsite in the dark to manage CPAP equipment. The Zopec does not include this feature. Full Pilot-24 Lite details and cable kit options are listed on the product page.

Which Battery May Suit Each Patient

The Zopec Explore 5700 may suit patients who:

• Use any CPAP or BiPAP brand or model and want universal compatibility without adapters
• Need longer runtime across multiple nights without recharging, such as extended camping trips
• Want to charge AC-powered devices like laptops and camera chargers alongside CPAP
• Plan to recharge from a vehicle and want a fast car charger included in the box
• Are interested in an optional solar panel for fully off-grid extended use
• Want a higher overall capacity battery as a general-purpose travel power station

The Medistrom Pilot-24 Lite may suit patients who:

• Use a compatible 24V ResMed machine (AirSense 10, AirSense 11, AirMini, S9) and want the most compact, lightweight option available
• Want a battery that functions as a permanent uninterruptible power supply for overnight outage protection at home
• Prioritise minimal weight and pack size — particularly ultralight campers and frequent air travellers
• Want faster recharge times between uses
• Value the included AirSense 10 and AirMini cables and carry case in the box
• Want an LED flashlight integrated into the battery unit for camping convenience

Frequently Asked Questions