Noisy Vent!

[huwbob]

Hi there,

Have been using a CPAP for some years now. All well and good for me, but for my partner sometimes a nightmare. The big issue is the noise from the vent hole on the mask. I've recently changed to a nasal type mask (an opus if I remember correctly?), which to be honest I prefer to the others I've used. The noise from the vent goes through the roof when it's got something near to it, like a pillow, my hand, the hammer she's brandishing to smash it to bits when it gets too noisy! So, my questions are these, is there a system where the vent is not on the mask, or would a different machine help (I currently have the NHS supplied Remstar, previously a Devilbiss which I'm sure overall was a quieter machine)?

All suggestions gratefully accepted!

[Fredxx]

My sleep clinic supplied me with Fischer and Paykel equipment including masks. I found their mask vents so bad and noisy I started to source my own, and have never looked back. The noisy vent seems to be a real problem for F&P; see if your clinic can offer an alternative.

[huwbob]

Thanks for your reply. What would a be a nice quiet mask, if there is such a thing!

[Fredxx]

Most masks are pretty quiet - the F&P one seemed to be the exception rather than the rule. I use a Phillips Comfortgel nasal mask, which runs very quietly, even though my machine runs at 16

[symmit]

I have a small collection of masks, fisher and paykel make a range that have a diffuser, they are the Q masks, and also the Eson. These are close to silent and have no direct jet effect. Search the forums for Eson for my review and you will find why i comsider it great.

Also the sleepweaver masks are very very quiet too from the vent.

[tallishbloke]

noise

Hi

The Opus nasal pillows mask can be noisy at times. If your Trust is sticking with F+P then the Zest Q range of nasal masks are supposedly much quieter (Q being short for Quiet apparently). Also, as the previous person suggested, they have the new Eson which should be quite quiet, as well as the brand new Pilairo which also has a niced design to it.
Long term masks of all forms tend to have the exhaust vent built into the mask rather than anywhere else, and it is usually only on acute hospital inpatient settings, or some more complex ventilation settings where you may find vents in the pipework etc.
good luck
TB

[Grumpy]

vents on full-face masks

The best vent design is on the Mirage Liberty which has groups of holes above your cheeks. I don't know why Resmed haven't used similar designs on other masks such as the Quattro which seems to have a turbo-fan on the nosepiece!

[Aspasia]

Tallishbloke, I find the Pilairio is pretty noisy compared with my other mask, and people on this and other CPAP sites have also said they find it noisy compared with their other masks (not the same masks as mine). It's a great mask in many ways, and I use it in preference to the one supplied by my hospital. But it is noisy. I would not recommend it to someone who is looking for a quiet mask.

The Respironics profile lite mask the hospital supplied is whisper-quiet.