[CpapGirlfriendAlso Posted As:(chairmango)(davelikesbeer)(nikhilj)(Oneiros)]

Does anyone have any tips on how to get a good night's rest while sleeping next to someone using a cpap machine? My boyfriend and I would like to avoid sleeping in separate rooms if possible, but I'm a light sleeper and find I wake up a few times during the night from either the cpap whirring noise/air leaks or my boyfriend tossing/turning.

Things I've Tried That Haven't Helped
- Earplugs (These are uncomfortable and create extreme discomfort with overnight wear. I even watched a video on proper earplug usage technique to make sure I was rolling the earplugs right and inserting them correctly.)
- Eyemask (I'm usually able to get a great night's sleep without an eyemask, but I've tried this as well hoping that blocking out additional light would somehow mitigate overall sleep disruption. No noticeable difference in quality of sleep.)

Any suggestions on how we can tackle this challenge are really welcome!

[msradar65]

Try adding white noise to the room. A fan running. That is what I do.

_________________

Machine: S9 AutoSet™ CPAP Machine

Mask: Swift™ LT for Her Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear

Humidifier: S9™ Series H5i™ Heated Humidifier with Climate Control

Additional Comments: Software: Resmed Rescan 3.14 and Sleepyhead Software, Pad-a-cheek Swift Barrel Cozy

[kempo]

My wife is a very light sleeper and we run a fan. She says it completely covers up the noise coming from the machine and mask. If she's happy with it then so am I.

_________________

Machine: S9 AutoSet™ CPAP Machine

Mask: Swift™ FX Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear

Humidifier: S9™ Series H5i™ Heated Humidifier with Climate Control

Additional Comments: ResScan 3.13

[SleepingUgly]

White noise and this is the one you want (I should know, I own 3!):

http://www.marpac.com/sound_cond.asp

Get the dual speed 980A. I think Walmart may even have them. I also have the travel one, and it can go louder, but I prefer the regular one.

_________________

Machine: S9 VPAP™ Auto BiLevel Machine

Mask: Swift™ FX For Her Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear

Humidifier: S9™ Series H5i™ Heated Humidifier with Climate Control

Additional Comments: Rescan 3.10

[JeffH]

Be careful...my girlfriend ended up on the hose herself after several years of sleeping next to me on cpap. It might be catching!

In all seriousness, though, keep after the ear plugs. Like he had to get used to the machine, you will have to go thru a process also. Try putting a pillow between you two at the head of the bed to block the exhaust air from his mask. We both now wear ear plugs at night. It helps.


JeffH

_________________

Mask	Humidifier
Additional Comments: Equipment isn't correct, S9 ASV w/H5i

[snuginarug]

I am with the white noise proponents. I sleep much better with a fan.

_________________

Machine: PR System One REMstar Auto CPAP Machine with A-Flex

Mask: FlexiFit HC432 Full Face CPAP Mask with Headgear

Humidifier: PR System One Heated Humidifier

Additional Comments: CPAP mode, 12 pressure, SleepyHead software, padacheek anti-leak strap, padacheek mask liner

[CpapGirlfriendAlso Posted As:(chairmango)(davelikesbeer)(nikhilj)(Oneiros)]

Thanks for all the recommendations! Can't tell you how much I appreciate them. Last night's sleep was esp. bad and I'm exhausted.
Immediately after I posted my question I actually looked on Amazon for noise machines and saw the Marpac, with 1500+ reviews and 4.5 stars.
I bought it, and am looking forward to trying it out.
Especially after the additional endorsement from SleepingUgly (hehe cute name), I'm really eager to try it out.
Will let everyone know how that goes. Am also open to any other suggestions!

[M.D.Hosehead]

Don't give up.

There are many ear plug designs. The ones that helped my wife most (before cpap when i snored) are the AirSoft small blue silicone ones with four flanges. Get them in the gun department at WalMart. You can decide how far you need to insert them, one to four flanges that create dead air space between them.

But there is an enormous selection. See here:

http://www.walmartsafety.net/store/productList.cfm?catID=7C5746434A157C

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Radians-Custom-Molded-Earplugs/13023898?adid=bzv_fb_revshr_001

Edited once for grammar.

_________________

Machine: PR System One REMstar BiPAP Auto with Bi-Flex

Mask: Forma Full Face CPAP Mask with Headgear

Humidifier: PR System One Heated Humidifier

Additional Comments: MaxIPAP 15; MinEPAP 10; Also use Optilife nasal pillow mask with tape

[Janknitz]

I don't know that machine and the type of sounds it provides, but beware of any machine offering the gentle sound of a creek or water lapping up against your sailboat. Those make me have to run to the potty all night!

_________________

Machine: PR System One REMstar Auto CPAP Machine with A-Flex

Mask: Swift™ LT for Her Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear

Humidifier: PR System One Heated Humidifier

[physicsbob]

Another way to help cut down on the machine noise if it is on a night stand, is to put the machine on top of a thick rubber pad such as several mouse pads. This isolates the machine and helps prevent the night stand acting like a sound board for the machine. My wife and I also sleep with a pillow between us to help block the noise and air,also I try and sleep with my head lower down in the bed than hers, to prevent my mask blowing air in her face, or down her neck. I go to bed about an hour after she does to allow her to get to sleep before I come in quietly and start my machine

_________________

Machine: IntelliPAP AutoAdjust Travel CPAP Machine with SmartFlex

Mask: Mirage Swift™ II Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear

Humidifier: IntelliPAP Integrated Heated Humidifier

Software: SmartLink Version 2.0 Software

Additional Comments: Thermo controlled Reptile heated hose, Battery powered w Float Charger

[archangle]

How long have you been battling the CPAP noise?

Maybe just putting up with it is the best thing. People get used to sleeping next to train tracks, airports, etc. If you just get used to it, then you don't have to mess with earplugs, noise generators, fans, etc.

Maybe getting a noise generator or fan to start with and gradually turning it down or moving it away until you don't need it would work, too.

_________________

Machine: S9 AutoSet™ CPAP Machine

Mask: Swift™ FX Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear

Humidifier: S9™ Series H5i™ Heated Humidifier with Climate Control

Additional Comments: Also SleepyHead, PRS1 Auto, Respironics Auto M series, Legacy Auto, and Legacy Plus

[SleepingUgly]

The ones that helped my wife most (before cpap when i snored) are the AirSoft small blue silicone ones with four flanges. Get them in the gun department at WalMart.

Are these the ones?

http://www.walmartsafety.net/store/prod ... 44454A197B

Does one have to keep the cords on? I think between the cords and the CPAP hose, the cords on the hose management system, not to mention all the rest of the gear, it's possible to inadvertently hang myself!

Edit: Wait a minute, these ear plugs cost $65?!

_________________

Machine: S9 VPAP™ Auto BiLevel Machine

Mask: Swift™ FX For Her Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear

Humidifier: S9™ Series H5i™ Heated Humidifier with Climate Control

Additional Comments: Rescan 3.10

[Pugsy]

Edit: Wait a minute, these ear plugs cost $65?!

For box of 50 I think

_________________

Machine: PR System One REMstar BiPAP Auto with Bi-Flex

Mask: TAP PAP Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Stability Mouthpiece

Humidifier: PR System One Heated Humidifier

Additional Comments: Also have S9 VPAP Auto, PR S1 BiPap Pro 60 series, pressure EPAP 9 cm & IPAP max 20 cm, software-SleepyHead, ResScan EncoreBasic

[Sireneh]

I try and sleep with my head lower down in the bed than hers, to prevent my mask blowing air in her face, or down her neck. I go to bed about an hour after she does to allow her to get to sleep before I come in quietly and start my machine

Well aren't you a dream!

_________________

Machine: PR System One REMstar Auto CPAP Machine with A-Flex

Mask: Swift™ FX For Her Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear

Humidifier: PR System One Heated Humidifier

[kbell]

OMG,my husband has just started using his this week and it is not the noise that is keeping me awake...generally I can sleep through most noises. It is the hurricane blowing in my face once the machine has reached a higher pressure. It is horrendous, I end up with a freezing face, wind, and also a headache the next day.

Can someone please suggest something other than a pillow between us...

kbelllllll