Solution for mask exhaust noise?

[Dannzzigg]

I wear a Quattro full face mask. I have recently changed from CPAP at 13.5 cm to BiPAP at 18I and 14E. The extra pressure is creating much more noise in the mask itself, and it is disturbing to my wife.

Does anyone have any suggestions in quieting the mask? A different mask is not out of the question, but at my titration a week or so ago I tried the following and did not have good results (leak, fit, comfort or a combination of all 3): Fit Life, Comfort Gel Full, and Quattro FX.

I also have a Liberty, which my wife says is even louder than the Quattro.

So... help?

[rested gal]

I don't mean this to sound glib, but... has your wife considering wearing earplugs at night?

Her need for good sleep is important, too. Absolutely. However, it might be easier for her to find comfortable, effective earplugs than it would be for you to find a different mask that is as comfortable and effective as the one you're using.

[Janknitz]

Where is the noise coming from?

Is it conducted noise becasue the mask or the tube are touching your mattress or pillow? Is it the higher pressure exhaust bouncing off the bedding or being forced through the vent holes? Is it leakage? Those will help guide you about how to quiet the mask.

You might try a padacheek liner for the mask and a hose cover--those seem to dampen the sound.

Last night I was REALLY hearing my mask, when I realized it was against the pillow and the pillow (tempurpedic foam) is a surprisingly effective sound conductor. So I just moved my head so that the mask wasn't touching the pillow. Hanging my hose so it's not touching anything helps, too.

[BrianinTN]

My Fisher & Paykel 432, when I have it sitting properly, is almost completely silent.

Be sure that the exhaust isn't coming straight out to your pillow or something. Give the air some room to breathe (no pun intended!). I've found that does make a big difference.

[archangle]

Sometimes cleaning the exhaust port will help on my ComfortGel mask. I think the new ComfortGel Blue mask is a little quieter, but I'm not sure.

The mask seems noisier at some times, even with the same pressure. I'm not quite sure why.

[plr66]

Without knowing what kind of noise you are having, and what part of the mask is producing it, here's another idea that I posted a few weeks ago, worth checking--

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=61744&p=578196#p578196

[Dannzzigg]

My wife has taken to earplugs, which seems to have solved the issue. She's not exactly happy about it though, as she feels with the earplugs she may not hear if something is amiss with our 2 year old son. I'm not sure what exactly she is expecting to hear, but I understand her feelings.

As for where the noise is coming from, I'm not entirely sure. It is not from exhaust blowing on pillows or bedding, though. When that happens it is a clear and distinct sound. I believe it is a combination of the exhaust flowing through the holes and the turbulence inside the mask resonating and conducting to the outside. I clean the mask body weekly, but I will have a look to see if the vent holes are obstructed at all. I tend to think not, as at that pressure, it would take a lot to block them off. I do use a hose cover and in fact, the majority of my hose stays under the covers with me. I guess I am a hose hugger

Thanks for the helpful replies! I just recently found this site and I am quite impressed with how active the community is here.

[DoriC]

by Wulfman on Fri Aug 06, 2010 11:00 pm

Where is it leaking?
Many of the earlier (and later) Quattros leaked out of the front of the mask where the elbow attaches. The quick fix is to pull the elbow out of the front of the mask, wrap the groove in the elbow with about three or four wraps of Teflon plumbers tape. Then shove it back together. That leak should be fixed.

Are you SURE it's the right size?

I found this post from Den, there's lots of discussions on "teflon fix". This was a big problem with the Quattro when it first came out but I thought Resmed had fixed it with newer versions. You may have gotten an older version and the noise may be coming from the elbow.

Oops, Again, I didn't use the "Quote" correctly!