ResMed vs. Respironics - Noise Level

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Mar 30, 2007 8:51 am

I just got my first CPAP on Wednesday and after two nights, I have a couple of questions.

The machine that I have is the ResMed S8 Elite set at a pressure of 11 and I'm using it with a Respironics OptiLife mask.

I picked the S8 Elite because I travel frequently and the size seemed convenient but I'm finding it a bit noisy. The noise level changes between inhaling and exhaling significantly and there is a bit of a whistling noise that also changes with my breath. I'm wondering if this is just a function of a CPAP in general or whether this is something the ResMed is known for.

I was also considering a Respironics M Series. Does anyone know if it has the above problems? I'm in my trial period so I think I can still change if I want to.

Thanks!

cpapernewbie · Post by **cpapernewbie** » Fri Mar 30, 2007 10:00 am

the M series with C-Flex is noisy too, saem as your description

I started with the Resp Auto and this was very very quite. No noise at all

Slinky · Post by **Slinky** » Fri Mar 30, 2007 10:09 am

Well, I have the Resmed S8 Elite and love it. (Tho I wish it were an Auto). I had a 3 week loan of a "classic" RemStar Auto w/C-Flex. Frankly, given my own experience and from what I've read in the various apnea forums it seems noise level depends as much on the individual machine as on the brand/manufacturer. I've read of at least one person who has had two of the same brand/model machine w/one much quieter than the other.

I do think the Elite runs quieter w/o the Ramp and/or EPR options turned on. I didn't turn off the C-Flex w/the RemStar so I don't know if that would have quieted it down or not. And I don't remember anything about Ramp on the RemStar at all.

I've seen others comment that their xPAP is noisier when they first turn it on and use it than later in the evening so while it "may" be a matter of just getting used to the sound during the night, I suspect it has more to do w/the Ramp and EPR/C-Flex functions.

Snoredog · Post by **Snoredog** » Fri Mar 30, 2007 10:15 am

all machines even cpap seem to make that same up/down noise as you breathe. I've found Cflex to be no more noisy than a machine without. The early classic autos didn't have Cflex.

The S8 series has been reported louder than the older S7 series. I know when I owned my S7 Spirit it was louder than my non-cflex Remstar Classic Auto.

The newer machines rev the motor up/down to control pressure, pressure changes as you breathe in/out, this why even the cpap makes that noise. You do get used to it. The quietest and smallest I've used to date is the little 420e:

GeneS · Post by **GeneS** » Sat Mar 31, 2007 7:55 pm

I think Respironics etc. are making a mistake changing to all variable speed motors to vary flow. I learned on this forum that the old systems ran at one speed and opened and closed a valve to vary the flow. The valve system maintains a constant noise level which is easier to tolerate even if it is louder than a variable speed motor. I guess we will be the losers because we have to put up with with the new irritating machines. The design engineers should be required to wear the cpap they design for a month before releasing it. I think they would redesign it then.

GeneS

nightingale · Post by **nightingale** » Sat Mar 31, 2007 8:29 pm

I have found the GoodKnight 420E to be the quietest, and I love the machine. Now if I could only find a full face mask that would get me through the night with 6-8 hrs of sleep!!!!

Nightingale

twitch · Post by **twitch** » Mon Apr 02, 2007 8:39 am

Thanks so much for your help!
I think I'll probably stick it out with the S8. Just a matter of getting used to it

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Mon Apr 02, 2007 9:19 am

twitch,

Could some of it be mask noise or are you strictly talking about machine noise?

Den

ebmeyer · Post by **ebmeyer** » Mon Apr 02, 2007 9:47 am

I've only used the Resmed S8 Elite at a pressure of 12 and no ramp and find there is a slight noise level, but I've come to view it as "white noise", so it doesn't bother me. I can still hear the rain outside or if my dog whines to go out, for example.

The whistling sound you describe sounds perhaps like a mask leak?

As Slinky mentioned, it does seem quieter as the night goes on. Some mornings I've woken up, can't hear it at all and forget I have it on.

If it's too bothersome, I'd ask for a different one.

bearcatx16 · Post by **bearcatx16** » Mon Apr 02, 2007 9:58 am

I have the S8 and do not hear the machine at all, set at 11 with no EPR and no RAMP. Thanks to being hard of hearing and the ace bandage chin strap, covers the ears, the only thing I hear is the exhaust on my Activa. If I wake up there are times I am wondering if the machine is still on and have to feel for exhaust from the mask.

I guess 40 years of practicing selective hearing has been benefical after all.

Best regards,

Fred