Whistling mask.

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thx997303
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Whistling mask.

Post by thx997303 » Wed Apr 14, 2010 11:40 pm

I have been on CPAP for 50 or so nights now, and my Resmed Ultra Mirage mask whistles when the machine reaches my set pressure.

Also, I tend to sleep 5 hours with the CPAP, then I take the mask off and turn off the machine in my sleep.

I cleaned the mask, and the whistling won't stop, and would love to actually sleep for a full 8 hours with my machine.

Any suggestions?

jules
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Re: Whistling mask.

Post by jules » Wed Apr 14, 2010 11:46 pm

ask your DME for a different mask to try?

where is it whistling? I don't know the mask but if you can determine exactly where it might help -

is there a joint you need to put a piece of either paper tape or teflon plumbers tape on it seal -

don't block exhaust vents or the anti asphyxia valve -

have you checked that valve seal and maybe it doesn't close just right and you need a new "flap"?

have you cleaned the exhaust vents with an old toothbrush?

thx997303
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Re: Whistling mask.

Post by thx997303 » Wed Apr 14, 2010 11:54 pm

It whistles at the exhaust vent, which is a small soft insert.

I guess I should try cleaning it with the toothbrush.

jules
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Re: Whistling mask.

Post by jules » Thu Apr 15, 2010 12:02 am

so you have the FF version - maybe you can get another soft piece - looks like resmed has a part number for them on this

http://www.resmed.com/us/assets/documen ... er_eng.pdf

rbtgjns
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Re: Whistling mask.

Post by rbtgjns » Thu Apr 15, 2010 4:08 am

I have a ResMed mirage MICRO and it whistles. I have use a mirage ultra without whistling. The micro makes noise at the vent and I will tap and rub the port--sometimes this will stop the whistling. I thing it whistles due to moisture collecting at the vent.

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DoriC
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Re: Whistling mask.

Post by DoriC » Thu Apr 15, 2010 9:18 am

thx997303 wrote:It whistles at the exhaust vent, which is a small soft insert.

I guess I should try cleaning it with the toothbrush.
That happened with one of our UMFF. When I looked closely, one of the ends had come loose. I removed the little rubber vent and reinserted it until it sat tightly all the way around the rim. Hope I'm explaining it right. Also if you clean it make sure it is completely dry and the holes are clear of any moisture.

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WindFlyer
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Re: Whistling mask.

Post by WindFlyer » Thu Apr 15, 2010 11:10 am

You could check and see if the exhaust vent was accidentally installed upside-down. I did that by mistake once after a cleaning. The larger surface-area of the silicone should be on the outside of the mask shell.

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reitzell
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Re: Whistling mask.

Post by reitzell » Thu Apr 15, 2010 11:52 am

I have the activa mirage lt mask and it whistles sometimes too.

For me it I think it is moisture in the air collecting on the small vent holes. I notice this does NOT happen when I use my heated hose and it does when I don't.

Robert

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thx997303
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Re: Whistling mask.

Post by thx997303 » Thu Apr 15, 2010 10:34 pm

I will double check everything and see if it helps.

I don't have a heated hose, but I put the hose under the blanket with me at night.

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Captain_Midnight
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Re: Whistling mask.

Post by Captain_Midnight » Fri Apr 16, 2010 12:29 am

THX, I have the ultra-mirage resmed mask, and if yours is anything like mine, I can stop the whistling for you.

The Ultra-mirage mask is connected to an elbow-shaped plastic fitting by a swivel joint; and this swivel attachment is held in place with a small, omega-shaped clip (the smallest piece of the mask apparatus). It is this omega clip that can resonate like a tuning fork (whistling noises as air passes over it.)

The fix? Simple, looking down into the mask (with everything in place) just slide the clip around by pushing on the little "ears" at the open part of the clip. Just as if you were dialing an old-style telephone. 180 degrees of rotation should do it, but experiment.

Of course, the above only applies if there are commonalities between our two mask types. Good luck experimenting with your mask.

.

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thx997303
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Re: Whistling mask.

Post by thx997303 » Fri Apr 16, 2010 11:10 am

Interesting.

I will try rotating the clip tonight.

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GumbyCT
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Re: Whistling mask.

Post by GumbyCT » Fri Apr 16, 2010 11:42 am

Whistling is caused by air moving over or by something. Whether it is a leak or the exhaust vent holes collecting water, gunk, or some other debris. A lot of air exits thru the vent holes which is the likely suspect. It carries with it almost anything it can - esp. for those who tend to drool.

Try squeezing a cotton swab thru 'each hole' in the vent area - I am sure you will hear a different tone.

Look at the swab to see what is coming out of the holes. Make sure it has been assembled correctly if you take it apart for cleaning.

Now get back to sleep.

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