CPAP Machine Too Noisy

[derrickbrown]

Hi Everyone,

My Mom has Sleep Apnea, and she complains about the noise it makes and how it keeps her up. She had and older one the Remstar/Plus C-Flex and they gave her a new one the Remstar System One and its the System One that makes the elevated noise. Any suggestions on the most quiet CPAP Machine?

[James @ Intus]

Hi Derrick,

Welcome to the forums.

We've not heard of anyone before who found the System One noisier than its predecessors. Did she perhaps also change masks or pressure settings?

Nowadays, all machines are well under 30db, with most modern ones around 26-27db. But it seems as if it's not so much the measurable noise level, but the (change in) type of noise. Like pitch, "whistle" and whether or not it's constant or whining with breathing in and out.

Noise can also come from the mask. Disconnect the mask, put your thumb over the tube end to cover it almost entirely and the noise may be gone. The tube can also be the cause. So rather than switching machines right away, when she has a really nice, modern and geenrally quiet one already, investigate a bit to see if it really is the machine.

It could even be the humidifier if she has one... And what one person finds quiet, another can find noisey. It's one of those difficult subjective matters.

The upcoming Fisher & Paykel Icon is whisper quiet but it won't be available in the UK for a few months still.

[g3az66]

Hi Everyone,

My Mom has Sleep Apnea, and she complains about the noise it makes and how it keeps her up. She had and older one the Remstar/Plus C-Flex and they gave her a new one the Remstar System One and its the System One that makes the elevated noise. Any suggestions on the most quiet CPAP Machine?

Hi Derrick

I have the System One machine and it is virtually silent. The only noise I hear is from the mask and that is just a gentle air swoosh. Quite theraputic actually. If none of James's suggestions don't work then maybe the machine is faulty?

Hope she can get it sorted....

[brianro]

I have the ResMed S9 Autoset and it is amazing quiet (especially when compared with my previous Sandman Intro )

[kuningan]

Four days into CPAP I'm finding my SleepCube very quiet - most noise comes from air escaping round the mask if I shift it.

[tallishbloke]

Hi

It is most unusual for the new generation machine to be noisiier than the older version..... I do know that there is an attenuator that is available for the M-series unit that was supposed to help reduce noise a bit, although I dont know if it fits the new System 1 (or is there is a similar clip-on piece available).
Of none of James' comprehensive suggestions bear any fruit, I would make the additional comment that perhaps hse has changed masks. If there is leak from the mask there will be more machine noise due to the compensation that CPAP machines do. Or if she has a nasal mask, and has started breathing through her mouth on occasions, it will be much like mask leak.

Good luck to your mum