Powering breathing apparatus

A respiratory therapy system comprising:

• a primary power supply comprising an external power supply, the primary power supply is configured to provide a continuous supply of power sourced from an electrical grid;
• a secondary power supply, the secondary power supply comprises a battery mounted inside or on a side of a breathing assistance apparatus, the secondary power supply being a back-up or auxiliary power source to the breathing apparatus when the primary power supply provides insufficient power, the secondary power supply is engaged when the primary power supply is insufficient such that the breathing assistance apparatus operates in an uninterrupted manner;
• and
• the breathing assistance apparatus configured to receive power from the primary power supply or the secondary power supply and provide respiratory therapy, the breathing apparatus comprising a controller, a humidifier, and a blower,
• wherein the controller is configured to monitor at least two different parameters, the controller is further configured to:
• when using the primary power supply, monitor parameter levels of the primary power supply over time and switch from using the primary power supply to the secondary power supply when the primary power supply is unable to supply at least one parameter level greater than a minimum parameter threshold for a predetermined time, the predetermined time based on the parameter being monitored such that the at least two different parameters have different predetermined times;
• when using the secondary power supply, monitor the parameter levels of the primary power supply and switch from using the secondary power supply to the primary power supply when the primary power source provides at least one parameter level above the minimum parameter threshold and less than a maximum parameter threshold;
• monitor power consumption,
• based on monitoring of the power consumption, determine a need for power conservation, and
• reduce a functionality of the humidifier in response to determining the need for power conservation.