Frustrated CPAP user needs help with strange noise

[johall15]

I've been using my CPAP for over 2 years now quite successully, until 2 weks ago. I ordered a new mask, tubing, and filters per my normal schedule. I did not change models, I'm using the same model mask that I have been using the entire time.

After a couple of days with my new mask, I was awoken in the middle of the night with a high pitch squealing noise. This was something very unusual to me. I adjusted my mask and went back to sleep only to be awoken a few hours later by the same noise. Frustrated, I switched back to my old mask and went back to sleep.

I thought it must have been a manufacturing defect with the new mask since I had never heard this sound before and it was the same model of mask I had used without problem for 2 years.

Before I called my DME company to order a replacement to the defedctive mask, I decided to give my old mask a try for a couple of nights. Tonight my old mask started to do the same thing. About an hour after going to bed I was awoken by a high-pitch squeal. I turned off my machine, made sure everything was connected and working properly, turned it back on and went back to sleep. About an hour later, I get awoken again by the same high pitch squeal.

I'm using a Flexifit 431 full-face mask. Like I said, I am an experienced cpap user, being on it for over 2 years with no major issues. My wife and I are at our wits end though with this new sound that is disturbing both our rest.

Any thoughs or feedback on what this sound may be and how to fix it?

Thanks!!!

[boston]

my first thought, are the masks assembled correctly??

[dsm]

I have had this type of effect when the temperature (weather) changed & more moisture than normal was getting into the mask & causing whistling at the air vent holes.

Might be your issue but might not, but worth saying

Good luck

DSM

[ozij]

I had a high pitched noise when there was too much moisture in the mask, like DSM. I wouldn't call it squealing though.
I also had high pitched noises for a while when the replacement filters I got were too thick, despite their being supposedly right for the machine. Here again, I would not call that squealing, but my pressure is on the low side - it was 7 or less during that time, and I suppose both kinds of squealing can be worse when pressure is higher.

Do your replacement filter look exactly like the ones you had?

You're not an automatic machine, and your pressure does not vary, so it would make more sense to assume its humidity.

It may also be the machine itself of course


O.

[GumbyCT]

When posting questions it is often helpful to include things like mask, machine, pressure and leak rate, even tho you may not think those things can help. I was on the edge of my seat waiting to find out which mask, now I wonder what the pressure and leak are.

As Ozi indicated pressure can make a difference in noises. While you're at it change the equip icons to text, they ALL look the same and I don't go clicking around trying to find things to help someone, if it is not mentioned in the post. If I have to click, I click "Next".

Whistling indicates air; air moving; air moving by something. Could be a leak, could be moisture, or it could be debris collected in the tiny holes of the mask vent. Look in those holes, if you can poke a Q-tip thru the holes to see if it scrapes out anything. You have already checked for water in the hose and mask, right?

[johall15]

I apologize, I thought I had included enough info. Mask is Flexifit 431 full face mask. Machine is Resmed Eliet 8 CPAP machine with humidifier. Pressure setting is 18. Not sure how to check my leak rate....

My filter is the exact same shape/size as the one I replaced.

Maybe it is weather related. I live in Oklahoma, so this time of year weather varies greatly...70 degrees yesterday, 40 degrees today...

The mask is assembled correctly. This is the same model mask I've been wearing for 2 years....so yes, I'm certain that it is assembled correctly. No blockage from the vent holes that I can find.

To clairify the sound, it almost sounds like an old-fashoned teapot boiling water on the stove...the whistle sound when the water is boiling...

No fluid in the tube. I'll try going back over it tonight to make sure it is 100% dry.

I hope this gives enough information.

[Wulfman]

I apologize, I thought I had included enough info. Mask is Flexifit 431 full face mask. Machine is Resmed Eliet 8 CPAP machine with humidifier. Pressure setting is 18. Not sure how to check my leak rate....

My filter is the exact same shape/size as the one I replaced.

Maybe it is weather related. I live in Oklahoma, so this time of year weather varies greatly...70 degrees yesterday, 40 degrees today...

The mask is assembled correctly. This is the same model mask I've been wearing for 2 years....so yes, I'm certain that it is assembled correctly. No blockage from the vent holes that I can find.

To clairify the sound, it almost sounds like an old-fashoned teapot boiling water on the stove...the whistle sound when the water is boiling...

No fluid in the tube. I'll try going back over it tonight to make sure it is 100% dry.

I hope this gives enough information.

I'm not familiar with THAT mask, but on some masks, the anti-asphyxiation valve may be problematic and not sealing just right.

I'll bet if that mask ever learns to whistle "There is no place like Nebraska", you'll be getting rid of it.....

Den

[GumbyCT]

No problem...forums like this are really a great resource - communicating with only words remains a challenge for ALL of us.

The teapot sound does help and hopefully will bring more replies.

To be clear on a couple things -
to check for water in the hose - be sure to lift the hose vertically so any water will run out.

To check the mask vent for debri - you MUST poke something thru the holes - the substance may be almost clear and NOT visible to the naked eye.

GumbyCT - who thinks communication is a lost art in this world - esp. America.

ps. rolfl at Den's comment - there is a one way valve in the HC431.

[Mrt4446]

Did you ever solve this issue? I am having the same problem!

[Mrt4446]

I have the exact same issue with the same mask. It seems to be liquid in the tiny hole vents since when I tap there I can get it to stop for a while. Very annoying! I wish we could come up with a fix since besides this problem I love this mask.