Mask suggestions? current one makes noise when I inhale

Hi folks,

I am using a Fisher-Paykel Zest Petite mask. The mask fits well and does not leak around the edges. However, I am hearing air rushing noise when I inhale. My Respironics machine is very quiet and I'm sure the noise is coming from the mask itself.

Does anyone have a suggestion for a mask that doesn't make noise when I breathe in? Comments and suggestions much appreciated!

Don't be so sure that the inhale noise is not related to the machine. Respironics machines are known to be noisier on inhale than exhale.
What pressure do you use? Pressure used will impact noise level.

But you might try a different mask and it might help.
One of the newer models with the diffused venting system might help.
AirFit P10 by Resmed...nasal pillow mask.
Pilairo Q by F& P...nasal pillow mask.
ESON by F & P...nasal cushion mask and it offers a diffuser that can be place over the vent holes to help with noise reduction

Otherwise...some masks are simply noisier than others and it's a trial and error process to figure out which ones are the least noisy.

Is it always noisy, or just some of the time?

I ask because early on, I often heard a whooshing sound that turned out to be an inadvertent blocking of the vent on my mask through which air is expelled. Anything close enough to the vent to interfere with the outflowing of air -- a blanket, my arm, a cat -- can produce a small amount of noise until it is adjusted.

I find the combination of my machine and mask so quiet that I occasionally have to move my hand in front of the vent to reassure me that the thing is actually on.

I know my Quattro FFM was a lot noiser than the Airfit P10 I now wear - I thought it was my cpap machine, which is a respironics, but it wasn't. That mask sounded like I had become Darth Vader. The Airfit P10, which is a nasal pillow type mask, is much quieter - I can still hear the inhale/exhale every so slightly that the machine makes, but it's hands down much quieter now.

Thanks, everyone, for your suggestions. To answer your questions so far:

Pugsy: I'm sure it's not the machine. I thought that might be the case at first but the noise is definitely coming from the air vents on the mask. The funny thing is that I don't remember having this problem until a few months ago. As I said, I've tried changing out the entire mask, hose, etc. and it continues to have a problem.

In looking around, I see that F&P now makes a "Q" version of this mask and I'll try that. I'll also try the ESON nasal cushion mask, great suggestion!

KylaManhattan: Yes, it's always noisy. I tried moving the hose around and that didn't make any difference. No cats to try it out with, though.

Scootergirl: I'll try the AirFit nasal pillow also. I tried nasal pillows when I was going through getting back on CPAP a few years ago and found that they tended to shift when I slept on my side, but I know the manufacturers are always improving their products so it's time to try another round of options.

Again, thanks everyone for your suggestions!

I haven't tried the Pilairo Q but did try the original version. It's a nice enough mask but the general size of the nasal pillow was a bit of a turn off for me. I like the least amount of stuff as possible.
I am currently using the AirFit P10...it's pretty much totally silent in terms of vent noise and I have to put my hand about 1 inch from the holes to even feel the air moving.
Anyone having issues with vent noise or spouses complaining about air blowing on them...and if they can use nasal pillow mask need to try this mask.

Pugsy wrote:I haven't tried the Pilairo Q but did try the original version. It's a nice enough mask but the general size of the nasal pillow was a bit of a turn off for me. I like the least amount of stuff as possible.
I am currently using the AirFit P10...it's pretty much totally silent in terms of vent noise and I have to put my hand about 1 inch from the holes to even feel the air moving.
Anyone having issues with vent noise or spouses complaining about air blowing on them...and if they can use nasal pillow mask need to try this mask.

Pugsy,
How does the AirFit P10 compare to the Tap Pap?

I'm a newby and seem to be having good like with my first mask (AirFit P10). The Tap Pap looks like it gives more freedom from the hose for rolling over and not having to situate the hose.

JCWarrior wrote:Pugsy,
How does the AirFit P10 compare to the Tap Pap?

I'm a newby and seem to be having good like with my first mask (AirFit P10). The Tap Pap looks like it gives more freedom from the hose for rolling over and not having to situate the hose.

The AirFit comes in a real close second to my Tap Pap in my personal preference list.
The freedom of the Tap Pap with the hose routing over head works great for me. While I don't normally have any issues with the AirFit hose...my husband reports to me this morning that I was on my side and had the hose all wrapped around my head/neck and I was snoring so I guess I crimped the hose and never knew it. He didn't wake me and I didn't wake up myself. No time right now to look on the reports to see if I spot anything.

There's always a trade off with masks...pros and cons to all of them. My pros might be someone else's cons and their pros might be cons for me.
If you are interested in trying the Tap Pap you might want to take some time and read the long review thread.
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=87232&st=0&sk=t&sd= ... Pap+review

Right now I am using the AirFit P10 because of a problem with one of my lower molars...unrelated to the mouth guard itself. Just an old crown that is leaking and I need to have it all redone...it hurts sometimes and the mouth guard adds a bit of unwanted pressure when I tend to clench my teeth.

All I can say is if a mask looks interesting to you then try it if you can. That's what I do. If it looks interesting then I try it.
Sometimes it is a disaster but sometimes I am surprised and things go well when I had my doubts (that's what happened with the Swift FX Nano). That's how we learn what our own personal preferences are...by trying different stuff.
I always tell people that I always learn something from an experiment...sometimes it is limited to "I hate it"... but I always learn something.
I don't normally try masks that don't interest me at all because I have tried enough masks to know my own personal preferences. I occasionally will make an exception if I can try it for free. Since I have to pay for my experiments 99% of the time out of pocket I don't spend my money on things that don't interest me. I can actually successfully use any number of nasal pillow models and also the Nano...meaning I do well with them but I still have my own personal preferences that creating a preferential listing.

You are new to therapy. Doing well with the AirFit....no urgent need to try something new tonight but in a week or so if you still find the Tap Pap interesting and wondering if you will like the hose routing better with it...then try it if you can.
Comes with free return insurance from cpap.com...so if you hate it you don't lose any money.

Excellent advice Pugsy. Thank you for resppnding!