Continuing Saga of Honking S9 Autoset

[SMenasco]

As posted previously, I received a new S9 Autoset that, from the start, emitted an irritating sound at the end of each exhalation. The DME replaced the machine under warranty. The replacement made the same noise. I called the DME back. They had the ResMed representative call me. I received a loaner UltraMirage nasal mask, suggested by the ResMed representative, to see if the larger tubing (Swift II has small supply tubing to the pillows) would eliminate exhalation noise. They also sent a hose wrap. Why, I do not know. I have never had a rain out nor any noises from humidifier or tubing. I tried it with no operational differences. With the nasal mask, the noise changed from an elongated bleep to a shorter bleep at the end of the exhalation. Based on all the different settings and things I have tried, I am now pretty well convinced this is an unintended consequence of the engineering design of the turbine/impeller system; especially since this replacement for the first S9 machine did the same exact thing. The S9 Autoset is a great machine. The auto function is really comfortable and has enhanced my rest, compared to my old S8 Lightweight cpap. However, as punishment for honking at me with every breath, it is now relegated from the nightstand back to the short penalty stool between the bed and nightstand, out of earshot, with a pillow on top of it. The noise is masked to the point where it at least doesn't wake me up three or more times a night. It's a shame that an attractive, extremely quiet (except for the obnoxious bleep) machine will spend its life almost on the floor covered up with a pillow. I'm really disappointed. At this stage, this is my fifth and possibly the final RedMed machine. We'll see.

[The Choker]

ResMed is now providing a free fix for the problem:

Free ResMed Fix

[Pugsy]

You know I am currently trialing a ResMed S9 VPAP in Auto mode. It is darn near silent. I do hear some inhale and exhale noises (in my head) but my husband says he doesn't hear a thing. I know these sounds are in my head because I still hear them with fingers in my ears. A couple of times I have thought I have heard a little wheeze on exhale from the machine but it is so faint I can't be sure of what I heard because it doesn't happen all the time. I hear the inhale & exhale noises in my head pretty much the same with either machine.

We specifically compared the VPAP to Respironics BiPap this past weekend just to see how they compared in regards to machine noise. Other than my normal inhale and exhale sounds..I heard nothing and husband says he didn't even hear those.
Husband says both are so quiet he sometimes has to reach over and check for vented air to make sure the machine is on.

I have no idea why you are having these issues. Other S9 Autoset users haven't mentioned it that I have seen.

[Randyp1234]

The one I have does that a little bit too. I just turned on a small fan to mask the noise and will probably get a white noise machine after Christmas.

Randy

[ywp]

mine started to do it after 6 months. Not sure what to do about It?

[Perrybucsdad]

What you talkin' bout Willis? Mine doesn't honk?

[Lizistired]

Do you have water in the humidifier? Just wondering if a dry tank might move a little and maybe cause a noise.

Have you tried taking the humidifier off and running your hose straight off the S9?

Maybe we are all deaf.

[SMenasco]

I have tried every variation offered on the clinical menu; cpap, auto, epr, also with and without ClimateLine, water, tank, not rain out, etc. It is an internal sound from the turbine as a result of back pressure.

[idamtnboy]

Based on all the different settings and things I have tried, I am now pretty well convinced this is an unintended consequence of the engineering design of the turbine/impeller system; especially since this replacement for the first S9 machine did the same exact thing.

It's impossible to move pressurized air silently. Very few, if any, noise muzzling systems will eliminate 100% of the noise. After this many machines I believe it's time for you to ask, "You suppose maybe it's me, and not the machine?"

I think you are being overly sensitive, overly concerned, overly intolerant, overly impatient, and overly unwilling to allow your body to learn to accommodate itself to the sound of life.

[RandyJ]

My S9 is almost 5 months old and doesn't make a sound...

[LSAT]

You seem to have had this problem since you got this machine. Back on Oct 28th you described it as a "popping" noise that you felt came from the valve in the mask.

[Perrybucsdad]

Although I don't have this Honking or popping sound on mine, it would seem sensible to me that you could create harmonics in the tube. I tried this today and if I exhale extremely forcefully, I can generate a harmonic that I guess hould be called honking, but it's not that loud. I presume it's even softer in sound than I think because the mask is attached to our skulls and magnified the sound waves.

When I breath normally (for me) though I don't have this sound. I wonder if this is what you are talking about.

John

[Samaniego]

They also sent a hose wrap. Why, I do not know.

Problem part is this. Know you sound muffling not? Failure understand.

Cover of hose not all rainout solve. Also condition sound to low level.

[SMenasco]

idamtnboy, you and others don't read very well and if you're an engineer, it's doubtful you've ever driven a train in your life. The noise has been explained thoroughly. It is not a noise based on moving pressurized air, It's an abberation. You have misinterpreted the entire scenario. I think you're being overly obtuse, overly ignorant, overly obnoxious, overly arrogant, overly stupid, and a real smart ass. I am searching for suggestions and was hoping for intelligent feedback, not your condescending opinion. According to your post, I should just accept something because you say so. Your post was agressive, disrespectful and out of place. This ain't my first encounter with a spoiled brat seeking notoriety. I'm three score and ten, been to town and back a few times, rode the buckin' bronk and have been on cpap machines for 17 years and understand what I hear. It appears you're trying to prove to yourself your worth at my expense. I am not interested in helping you search for attention and establish your dominance. So, your opinion to me is worth what I paid for it. I've contacted Santa and told him what a naughty boy you've been. He has assured me he will definitely take a dump in your fireplace.

[idamtnboy]

My opinion is based on a personal experience about 35 years ago. I had just started work for a fertilizer factory. This was my fourth employer and seventh job position in 8 years after college. The office was in a mobile home stripped of all the usual household appliances and carpet. The pad was still on the floor. The pad was soaked with dirt, the drapes were saturated with dust, and the window sills had a 2" high pile of dust on them. I was unhappy. I then got to thinking, "This is the seventh job position I have held in the eight years since college, and I've been unhappy with every one of them. Maybe, just maybe, the problem is me, not the companies, not the bosses, not the jobs." That's when things started to turn around and life began to become a lot more enjoyable. Abe Lincoln said a man is about as happy as he makes up his mind to be. Happiness is determined by attitude, not situation.

You came here ranting and raving about how much noise your S9 makes, but you admitted that at least two of them were identical. Several here have commented that yes, it does make some noise, and a bit more noise when you exhale, but none of us has found it to be intolerable. You're the outlier. That says something. Your current solution of putting it down and away from the bed and covered with a pillow may be the best solution there is.

I'm sorry I insulted you. That was not my intent. But, I don't think you can blame the machine for your unhappiness.