The noise, noise, noise! (Think of the grinch)

[rubatoguy]

I have a resprionics REMstar machine who's noise is keeping me awake. I had the motor replaced because it was failing and you could hear the whirr-whirr of the bearings failing. That solved the motor noise, but there is still a significant noice though the hose and motor. Worse if I do not have the humidifier attached - I think that is because the humidifier acts as a muffler of sorts. The problem is that the noise keeps me awake. That and the hole in the mask that blows air on me in certian positions. This has the effect of trying to sleep with a fly buzzing around in the room. It is just annoying enough to keep you awake. I would prefer not to have to add earplugs to all the rest of the gear that I have to put on before I go to bed, so I was wondering if anyone has found any solutions.

thanks,
Todd

[chunkyfrog]

You are right about the muffling effect of the humidifier. More things you can try:
---A hose hanger can help maintain a consistent exhaust direction.
---The P/R Eson mask is made to be used with an exhaust diffuser.
---I just take my hearing aid out, and lay on my good ear.
---Some use a white noise generator or run a small fan in the room to help with the noise.
I see you've been a member for a while. Have you been off the machine lately?

[decatur11]

I have problems with the noise of the exhaust, too. Am really pleased with the diffuser including a replaceable filter that fits inside the elbow of the FP Eson nasal mask. I saw a post here where someone had taped some HVAC filter onto the elbow of their mask. I'm thinking one could buy a package of FP Eson or Pilario Q filters, they don't cost much, and tape one of those over any number of these noisy vents. I might try that with my Swift FX that blows a strong cold draft on me, the sheet, the pillow, hubby etc enough to make it very unpleasant.

[herefishy]

I run my air through a passover humidifier, no water, just for the baffling effects - they have all sorts of little baffles in them.

[LSAT]

I have a resprionics REMstar machine who's noise is keeping me awake. I had the motor replaced because it was failing and you could hear the whirr-whirr of the bearings failing. That solved the motor noise, but there is still a significant noice though the hose and motor. Worse if I do not have the humidifier attached - I think that is because the humidifier acts as a muffler of sorts. The problem is that the noise keeps me awake. That and the hole in the mask that blows air on me in certian positions. This has the effect of trying to sleep with a fly buzzing around in the room. It is just annoying enough to keep you awake. I would prefer not to have to add earplugs to all the rest of the gear that I have to put on before I go to bed, so I was wondering if anyone has found any solutions.

thanks,
Todd

Put on the humidifier but don't turn it on.

[rubatoguy]

I am using the cpap every night, but often I don't sleep well because of the noise. I have tried using my ipod, but playing music does not let me have a good sleep either (but my dreams have a sound track ) I put the humidifier back on and this quiets things somewhat, and moved the machine onto the floor. I am thinking that adding an air hose extension might help too, because then I could move the machine to under the bed and be able to move more than just the last 1/4 of the bed. It has gotten worse since my provider switched it from auto to a manual setting. I will have to check into the FP Eson nasal mask.

thanks!

[DoriC]

Why did your DME change your settings from auto to manual? Did the RX come from your Dr? Do you sleep better on auto?I'm also wondering if the repair was somehow faulty? Keep us posted.

[RandyJ]

It doesn't seem like you have completed your equipment profile, so I am wondering which Respironics machine you have? (Model number is usually on underside of machine, ie "Ref 450."

The System One line by Philips Respironics has been out for a few years and is extremely quiet.

[decatur11]

I will have to check into the FP Eson nasal mask.

thanks!

I took one of the extra disposable filters that came with my Eson and taped it over the exhaust port on my Swift nasal pillows that blow such a terrible breeze. What a miracle! It totally reduced the breeze to something very similar and barely detectable like the Eson has. I was careful not to cover very much of the filter and, when it seemed my exhale was a little bit inhibited I pulled and fluffed it up a little to reduce its dampening effect just so. I used surgical tape so hope it is not damaging any parts.
I see you can buy these disposable filters on cpap.com or somewhere for a package of 10. It is the only thing that allows me to use the SwiftFX. A world of difference. Of course if your noise is mostly the machine this is no help but the noise from the strong breeze blowing on sheets and pillows is entirely gone and the cold draft, too.

[RandyJ]

I'm not sure that you should ever obstruct the exhaust port on any mask, due to possible CO2 rebreathing.

[rubatoguy]

I have the humidifier attached to mine and that does help. I find the up and down whir of the motor annoying, and the exhaust that blows on you in certain positions is a problem. I am also finding that I am waking up to reposition my mask as it seems that once the headgear heats up, it gets loose and allows the mask to move around - or that is just me turning in my sleep. I am thinking that placing the machine under the bed or in a quiet box and making an extension so I can place two hoses together might be worth a try. The other problem I have is that I can barely make it past halfway across the bed with the standard hose.