Trying to sleep with mask/cpap noise

Miko · Post by **Miko** » Sat Nov 06, 2004 11:28 am

Last night I used cpap again after 9 months. I used the Puritan Bennett 420 E and the Mirage Activa mask. The mask itself wasnt too bad as far as bothering me, but as soon as I put on the cpap the noise the mask generated and machine was loud enough (i am easily bothered by noise anyway) that even though I was very tired, I never reached Rem state and I am stuck in stage 2 of sleep. There were no leaks at all from the mask

The good news is that I didnt experience any swallowing of air, but then again, I only used the machine for a maxium of a few hours as I had to remove the mask because of the noise.

Any ideas on what to do next?

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Sat Nov 06, 2004 3:48 pm

For me the Activa is almost silent...unless the exhaust air hits a pillow, the bedclothes, my arm, or something. As for sounds from a machine (or some masks), I guess the surest solution would be earplugs. We're already wearing so much stuff to bed - I know it's not fun to think about adding yet another accessory.

I've heard of some people placing a pillow over their machines to muffle the sound, or trying to rig up sound dampening boxes to place over the machine. One would have to be extremely careful to not block the air intake though. Also, care would be needed to provide a way for the naturally generated machine motor heat to dissipate. The noise of a fire truck siren would be harder to sleep through.

Miko · Post by **Miko** » Sat Nov 06, 2004 6:14 pm

Yes, the Activa is a quiet mask, especially when I used it with the Resmed, but it is not silent. I think it is a combination of the hose and machine, but when I hide the mask and machne, the machine is quiet. I already wear earplugs and I dont know what else to do because even if i dont use cpap i at least do get some REM as opposed to no Rem.

As far as the siren of a firetruck? Well, yeah, I get that too and I just moved into a concrete building assuming it will be much more quieter. WRONG!

wading thru the muck! · Post by **wading thru the muck!** » Sat Nov 06, 2004 6:34 pm

Hi Miko

Glad to hear you at least had some success with your first night back.

As far as the noise problem one step better than the ear plugs might be to consider noise canceling headphones. They provide "white noise" to block you from hearing anything.

Sounds like you have night time noise issues without regard to the 420E.

The noise you describe is comming from the machine it sometimes sounds like it's the mask but I think the vibrations carry up the hose to the mask.

I don't recall, have you tried any meds that help you to sleep deeper? It may be that the noise only bothers you because you are sleeping lightly.

Either way, keep at it. My guess is you will eventually get used to it. Let's hope