Newbie needs advice about noise

[Sue Dnym]

Hi all, I'm so relieved to have found this forum....It's reassuring to read about other cpap users trials and tribulations.
There's so much information to sift through, so if my problem has already been addressed several times, I apologize for not finding it.

I'm just past my 2nd month of cpap use, using a REMstar Auto A-Flex with a 6 foot hose, heated humidifier (on #4) and a Zest petite nasal mask.

The results of the sleep study showed my ahi to be 18, not bad, but still sleep apnea that needs to be treated.

I've had my machine setting changed by the doctor 3 times since January 28, 2010 (and was told to look at it as starting over from square one with each change).

The current pressure prescribed seems to be working the best:

pressure is set to a constant 10, ramp is 7. On the setup screen of the machine, it says c-flex+ 3 and I can change it to 1 or 2 but I don't understand what it's for or if a change will help with the problem I'm experiencing.

My ahi at the end of March, after being on the current setting for 3 weeks, was 2.3. The nasal mask is working well, no leakage issues.

So, what's the problem?

I've been using a prescription for Ambien, (the type that helps you fall asleep, but not stay asleep) more often than I'd like because of the noise I hear in my ears/head from the machine. It drives me nuts, like I have a cross between Darth Vader and a little old man who smoked one too many Chesterfields rattling around up there.

The nights I use the Ambien (on and off since Jan. 28, bot more on lately than off), I usually have a restful night - the burst of energy I experience the following day is wonderful (and makes me want more, thus turning to the Ambien).

But I don't want to rely on the Ambien. (It's a prescription given by another doctor, but my cpap doctor is aware of it).

With each setting change the doctor has made, I didn't notice the noise so much at first, but then a week or so into it, the honeymoon is over. Darth is driving me up the wall, making it hard to fall asleep, and at times, laying awake until 3am, when I finally just give up and take off the mask.
When that happens, I get so wound up inside I feel like I could have an anxiety/panic attack (not something I've ever been prone to, even with years and years of a sleeping deficit).

Edited to add: I've tried to use the tv/radio as a distraction.

Does everyone start out with this problem? Have I not given myself enough time to adjust?

Could something be wrong with my machine because it gets so loud (not a noise my husband hears, it's just me, in my ears/head)?

Is there a setting I can change that I'm not aware of?

I feel awful complaining when my ahi has dropped to 2.3, but I feel a lot of that is due to using the Ambien.

The respiratory therapist I consult with says the noise is something I have to get used to. Is that true? If so, I guess I need to hear it from people like you, who've actually used a machine. And hopefully hear if there was a way to learned to get past it.

At the end of April, I'll hit the 3 month mark, which is when insurance will purchase the machine for me instead of renting it, so if it could be machine related, then I need to do something about that before the purchase goes through.

I apologize for getting so long winded in my post. It seems the more tired I am, the more I talk.

[cpapernewbie]

you can reduce the noise by changing your C-Flex setting from 3 to 1
Or you can reduce this further by disabling it completely
Your pressure is 10 - some say that C-flex/A-flex is needed only for those whose pressure is above 12
(pls google what C-Flex is - it is just a relief to ease your breathing, will not affect yr therapy)

My personal experience is that disabling A-Flex and C-Flex reduce the DarthVader-like noise in my CPAP

[Madalot]

I went from cpap, bipap, bipap with oxygen and now ventilator with oxygen. All of them have made a certain amount of noise, but that oxygen concentrator -- man, that thing is awful. The first night, I looked at my husband and said "are YOU going to be able to sleep over that????" and he did. A couple nights of it and now we just ignore it. But my bedroom sounds like a hospital room.

[msudawg]

I went from cpap, bipap, bipap with oxygen and now ventilator with oxygen. All of them have made a certain amount of noise, but that oxygen concentrator -- man, that thing is awful. The first night, I looked at my husband and said "are YOU going to be able to sleep over that????" and he did. A couple nights of it and now we just ignore it. But my bedroom sounds like a hospital room.

I use an oxygen concentrator and it's very loud. I had to start using a fan to hide some of its noise.

[Madalot]

I went from cpap, bipap, bipap with oxygen and now ventilator with oxygen. All of them have made a certain amount of noise, but that oxygen concentrator -- man, that thing is awful. The first night, I looked at my husband and said "are YOU going to be able to sleep over that????" and he did. A couple nights of it and now we just ignore it. But my bedroom sounds like a hospital room.

I use an oxygen concentrator and it's very loud. I had to start using a fan to hide some of its noise.

The cpap and bipap made a certain amount of noise, but these oxygen concentrators!! I think it's because of the pump in them. They're just loud!!

[Sue Dnym]

you can reduce the noise by changing your C-Flex setting from 3 to 1
Or you can reduce this further by disabling it completely
Your pressure is 10 - some say that C-flex/A-flex is needed only for those whose pressure is above 12
(pls google what C-Flex is - it is just a relief to ease your breathing, will not affect yr therapy)

My personal experience is that disabling A-Flex and C-Flex reduce the DarthVader-like noise in my CPAP

Thank you for your suggestion of changing the C-Flex setting, cpapernewbie. I had read about C-Flex in the book that came with my machine, but for whatever reason, I wasn't comprehending what it meant. Your brief explanation is a good one and I will take your advice and google to read further on the subject.
I look forward to trying out the change tonight.

And, thank you, too, msudawg and Madalot for your replies. It helps to put my problem into perspective.
The fan suggestion is also a good one that I hadn't considered.

Best wishes to you all for a restful sleep.

[YawnGirl]

Try placing the machine on a "library stool" about 12 inches off the ground beside your bed. You won't believe what a difference getting the sound lower will help. also, purchase a $20 sound machine. I have one on my bedside table on the "rain" setting. I don't hear my machine at all.

[robmax]

My solution to getting rid of Darth Vader was dumping the Remstars (I tried the M-series for 2 months and a System One for one month) and getting a resmed apap see infra. Instant near-silence. What a relief.

Of course, Resmed has doubled their prices since then . . .

Rob

[unadog]

I use silicone "wax" earplugs most nights.

I sometimes listen to relaxation or meditation MP3's when I have trouble falling asleep.

I have used 5 different machines. Three Respironics and two Resmed. They all make slightly different sounds, some more annoying than others. The quietest was one of the Respironcs. The most pleasant was an older Bipap Respironics, I liked the two tone rise and fall of the lower exhaltion and hgher inhalation sound.

It helps a little - sometimes - to just be grateful for the machIne and mask and noise that are helping you get better. And sometimes I just hate the thing.

Good luck.
Michael

[Janknitz]

I have the RS S1 Auto Aflex just as you do, and I have to say it's whisper quiet--as long as you have the humidifier on. I have to check sometimes and see if it's really on. I had to go about a month without a humidifier, and it is MUCH louder without it. One thing you might ask you DME to check that the seal between the humidifier and the hose coupling is in good condition.

The noise you're complaining of may be more of a mask thing--especially because you state you hear the noise in your head and ears. I'm not familiar with your mask, so I can't speak to whether that is a noisy one or not, but I've been through a series of masks and some are definitely noisier than others. Out of those I tried, the Mirage Micro was the quietest and looks similar to the Zest. You should be coming up on a new mask and you might want to give it a try.

"White" noise definitely helps. I have one of the second generation iPod Shuffles. It 's very light and small (1" X 1 1/2" ), clips onto my nighty, and I use one earbud to listen to soothing music or relaxation sounds (or, more often, podcasts ) when I need help sleeping. It gives me something to focus on other than the machine and helps me a lot.

Are you a side sleeper? The mask against certain pillows also intensifies the sound--it seems to vibrate and echo through the pillow and I could hear more of a mechanical sound when that happened.

[Hose_Head]

My experience has been that a lot of the noise that one hears originates right in your mask. Not all masks are equal in this regard. I'm unfamiliar with the Zest mask so cannot advise you on that. Masks are highly personal: what works for one person does not work for others. I suggest you try changing your mask.

Also, I double what YawnGirl wrote. Place your flow generator someplace where it's not in direct, unobstructed line with you when you're sleeping. Placing it on a low stool beside the bed can work wonders. Also suggested by others (in another thread) is to place your machine on sound deadening material; many recommend use of computer mouse pads for this purpose.

[Sue Dnym]

My solution to getting rid of Darth Vader was dumping the Remstars (I tried the M-series for 2 months and a System One for one month) and getting a resmed apap see infra. Instant near-silence. What a relief.

Of course, Resmed has doubled their prices since then . . .

I have used 5 different machines. Three Respironics and two Resmed. They all make slightly different sounds, some more annoying than others. The quietest was one of the Respironcs. The most pleasant was an older Bipap Respironics, I liked the two tone rise and fall of the lower exhaltion and hgher inhalation sound.

It's interesting to read these comments. It never occurred to me, being new to this, that one machine could be so different from another, but then again, I also didn't know there was more than one brand of machine. And, for the most part, it sounds like they all have their own little quirks, which is strangely comforting.

I have one on my bedside table on the "rain" setting. I don't hear my machine at all.

I sometimes listen to relaxation or meditation MP3's when I have trouble falling asleep.

"White" noise definitely helps. I have one of the second generation iPod Shuffles. It 's very light and small (1" X 1 1/2" ), clips onto my nighty, and I use one earbud to listen to soothing music or relaxation sounds (or, more often, podcasts ) when I need help sleeping. It gives me something to focus on other than the machine and helps me a lot.

That's what I need, something to focus on instead of the noise. I love the sound of rain, and I'm sure relaxation or meditation selections would help (I haven't tried that but I will)...all these suggestions are common sense- something I seem to be running in short supply of these days. Instead I turn on the tv and surf, trying to find something that's NOT an infomercial on the 100+ channels available.

It helps a little - sometimes - to just be grateful for the machIne and mask and noise that are helping you get better. And sometimes I just hate the thing.

You hit it out of the ballpark with this comment, Michael. That's just how I feel, I truly am grateful for the machine and all that it has already brought to my life, but sometimes, like last night, I want to stomp on it like a grape. I suppose that's what makes us human.
Your comment reminds me of the old SNL 'Deep Thoughts' by Jack Handy quotes.

I have the RS S1 Auto Aflex just as you do, and I have to say it's whisper quiet--as long as you have the humidifier on. I have to check sometimes and see if it's really on. I had to go about a month without a humidifier, and it is MUCH louder without it. One thing you might ask you DME to check that the seal between the humidifier and the hose coupling is in good condition.
The noise you're complaining of may be more of a mask thing--especially because you state you hear the noise in your head and ears. I'm not familiar with your mask, so I can't speak to whether that is a noisy one or not, but I've been through a series of masks and some are definitely noisier than others. Out of those I tried, the Mirage Micro was the quietest and looks similar to the Zest. You should be coming up on a new mask and you might want to give it a try.
Are you a side sleeper? The mask against certain pillows also intensifies the sound--it seems to vibrate and echo through the pillow and I could hear more of a mechanical sound when that happened.

I'll definitely check into the humidifier/hose coupling seal and the Mirage Micro mask suggestion. I'll be able to replace my mask every 3 months.
I'm a back/side sleeper, but yes, Janknitz, you've validated my thoughts. Like you, I also noticed how the pillow intensified the noise, giving it a more mechanical sound! I end up balling it up into a hard lump, with my head teetering on the edge so my ear doesn't touch it (that sounds rather drama Queen-ish, doesn't it?).

Masks are highly personal: what works for one person does not work for others. I suggest you try changing your mask.

Also, I double what YawnGirl wrote. Place your flow generator someplace where it's not in direct, unobstructed line with you when you're sleeping. Placing it on a low stool beside the bed can work wonders. Also suggested by others (in another thread) is to place your machine on sound deadening material; many recommend use of computer mouse pads for this purpose.

Thanks, Hose_Head (some of these names really crack me up).
The Zest mask is the only one I've used so far. I look forward to trying out a different one, to see if it might just make a difference.
Also, to comment on YawnGirl's and your suggestion, I do use a short rubbermaid step stool, so the machine is sitting lower to the floor (I was afraid of getting 'rained' out if I kept it any higher during the winter weather. Our bedroom is kept on the cold side, so I made a little sweater for the hose using fleece material and snap closures).
BUT, it is rubbermaid, with a bumpy surface. That computer mouse pad idea should help deaden the noise, too!


I have to say, I started out the morning feeling down and out with my little pity party for one, but now, thanks to all these great suggestions, I have renewed hope, realize I'm not alone and my problems could be a lot worse!
I hope everyone who posts with a problem can feel this good about the help/suggestions offered by folks who have firsthand experience.

Thank you, all, for that.

[RLAUREN]

I guess I'll put in my 2 cents worth. I also use an O2 concentrator. I leave it downstairs and run a 50' hose upstairs. Eliminates the noise in the bedroom. The mask makes a big difference. I used 2 different masks with the same machine on the same setting with different noise at my ear. Both machine and air noise. I us an MP3 player to fall a sleep with and but me back to sleep if I awake. This way the TV or noise does not bother my wife. Good luck, it gets better and it is worth it for the way you feel and react to the world around you.

[Hose_Head]

I guess I'll put in my 2 cents worth. I also use an O2 concentrator. I leave it downstairs and run a 50' hose upstairs. Eliminates the noise in the bedroom. The mask makes a big difference. I used 2 different masks with the same machine on the same setting with different noise at my ear. Both machine and air noise. I us an MP3 player to fall a sleep with and but me back to sleep if I awake. This way the TV or noise does not bother my wife. Good luck, it gets better and it is worth it for the way you feel and react to the world around you.

If you can use an MP3 player to deaden the noise, may I suggest that you try noise-cancelling headphones of the ear-bud type? Note that you don't have to plug them into a source such as an MP3 player. Just put them on and turn them on. I wouldn't travel by airplane without mine. They are an excellent way to reduce ambient noise levels. Only downside that I can see is that it might be a little difficult to get them to stay in your ears while you sleep.

[SleepingUgly]

I have this problem with my PR System One Auto, too. Others have complained about the variable noise. I use several white noise machines, and on my side I mold my soft, squishy pillow so that my ear is a little bit away from the pillow. It does drive me nuts at times. I actually thought that the sound improved a bit when I changed to C-flex + 3 (not regular C-flex, but the +). That's the opposite of what someone else said, so you may have to try both and see what you think.