I've been looking for a good machine to travel with. After a lot of searching I had decided on the PB 402e but have seen in a few places that there might be a noise problem. Comments that have been made are that the noise seems to be coming from the hose. I'm confused here...would hose noise have to do with the machine?
I'd appreciate any info on the quietness of the machine.
PB 420e noise
I think all APAPs have a little noise .. it all depends on how sensitive your hearing is to it. As far as hose noise, the noise from the machine will resonate through the tube.
I had the Resmed S8 Vantage, and although it's a nice machine with great features, the up and down whirring tone drove me nuts. It was a bit on the loud side. I could not sleep at all with it on.
The 420E is quieter and has a nice "lower" sounding tone that kinda breaths with you. It's rather soothing. I'm a musician and have very sensitive hearing to certain frequencies. The 420E doesn't bother me at all. If you use it for travel, the small size is an extra bonus!
I've heard that the RemStar Auto is the quieter of the top 3 APAPs, but it's not as convenient for travel like the 420E.
Stick with your decision and go for the 420E
I had the Resmed S8 Vantage, and although it's a nice machine with great features, the up and down whirring tone drove me nuts. It was a bit on the loud side. I could not sleep at all with it on.
The 420E is quieter and has a nice "lower" sounding tone that kinda breaths with you. It's rather soothing. I'm a musician and have very sensitive hearing to certain frequencies. The 420E doesn't bother me at all. If you use it for travel, the small size is an extra bonus!
I've heard that the RemStar Auto is the quieter of the top 3 APAPs, but it's not as convenient for travel like the 420E.
Stick with your decision and go for the 420E
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Last edited by jcarn on Fri Jan 13, 2006 6:46 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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rested gal
- Posts: 12880
- Joined: Thu Sep 09, 2004 10:14 pm
- Location: Tennessee
Hi lookingforrest,
Having used several "same models" (two REMstars, two 420E's) I think it's largely a matter of luck of the draw as to whether a particular machine will be quiet or not so quiet.
There can be considerable difference in sound, or type of sound, even in the same models.
My first 420E had a noticeable up/down motor revving sound as I breathed. Easy enough to get used to, but it was there. My second 420E is as close to silent as any of these machines can be. A pleasant surprise.
My first REMstar auto was very quiet. My second REMstar auto wheezed and moaned like a sick cow for about 4 months, then inexplicably quietened down.
Snork1 had a REMstar that he said had a whine that sounded like a giant mosquito loose in the bedroom. The DME kept trying to tell him that was a "normal" sound. hah...isn't that just like a DME who doesn't want to take back a lemon-ish machine? Another REMstar snork got recently doesn't have that whine.
So, just depends on "luck" when you get any of these machines by any manufacturer. Most make no more noise than having a fan going in the bedroom, but there are occasional noisier ones...from any manufacturer.
Having used several "same models" (two REMstars, two 420E's) I think it's largely a matter of luck of the draw as to whether a particular machine will be quiet or not so quiet.
There can be considerable difference in sound, or type of sound, even in the same models.
My first 420E had a noticeable up/down motor revving sound as I breathed. Easy enough to get used to, but it was there. My second 420E is as close to silent as any of these machines can be. A pleasant surprise.
My first REMstar auto was very quiet. My second REMstar auto wheezed and moaned like a sick cow for about 4 months, then inexplicably quietened down.
Snork1 had a REMstar that he said had a whine that sounded like a giant mosquito loose in the bedroom. The DME kept trying to tell him that was a "normal" sound. hah...isn't that just like a DME who doesn't want to take back a lemon-ish machine? Another REMstar snork got recently doesn't have that whine.
So, just depends on "luck" when you get any of these machines by any manufacturer. Most make no more noise than having a fan going in the bedroom, but there are occasional noisier ones...from any manufacturer.
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Guest
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WillSucceed
- Posts: 1031
- Joined: Sun Nov 07, 2004 7:52 am
- Location: Toronto, Ontario
If I use my PB 420E WITHOUT the humidifier, I hear sound zooming its' way up the hose to my face. If I attach the integrated humidifier, even without water in the chamber, the sound is gone.
I have slept with RemStar Auto & Remstar Plus (both with integrated humidifier) as well as ResMed Spirit and ResMed VPAP III. All makes of machine will have variances in the sounds / sound volume that they produce. However, having said all of this, the PB420E, with humidifier attached, is, to my ear, silent, silent, silent. I do hear mask noise upon inhalation (I use a Breeze with nasal pillows) but it is very minor and, was heard using all of the different machines.
Good-luck finding the best machine for you.
I have slept with RemStar Auto & Remstar Plus (both with integrated humidifier) as well as ResMed Spirit and ResMed VPAP III. All makes of machine will have variances in the sounds / sound volume that they produce. However, having said all of this, the PB420E, with humidifier attached, is, to my ear, silent, silent, silent. I do hear mask noise upon inhalation (I use a Breeze with nasal pillows) but it is very minor and, was heard using all of the different machines.
Good-luck finding the best machine for you.
Buy a new hat, drink a good wine, treat yourself, and someone you love, to a new bauble, live while you are alive... you never know when the mid-town bus is going to have your name written across its front bumper!
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UKnowWhatInSeattle
- Posts: 148
- Joined: Tue Nov 16, 2004 7:20 pm
- Location: Seattle, Merica, Earth...
I'm proud to be one of the loudest complainers about noise.
As RestedGal sez, there seems to be quite a bit of variation even among individual machines of the same model. My PB420e (I use primarily for travel) is noisier than my Remstar/Pro. I can only tolerate either with the humidifier.
I love to ramble on about noise, so if you're interested in my quackery and have nothing better to do, please read on.
Here's my theory. Noise comes to your audio input system from several sources:
1) The noise the machine makes that travels from machine directly to your (and your bedmate's) ears
2) The noise that the machine makes that travels through the air column of the hose to your sinus cavities.
3) Ths noise that the mask makes that travels to your (and your bedmate's) ears to exhaust CO2
4) The noise that the mask makes via your sinus cavities.
*) The noise the cat makes (not applicable to everyone).
I suspect that any measurements that the manufacturers make only address 1) and 3) since you can directly measure those with a sound meter.
To protect against 1), I have my machine on the floor and put a pillow over it, being VERY careful not to interfere with the machine's intake. I also wear earplugs every night.
For 2), the only way I've found to tolerate this is to make sure the humidifier is in-line. I have both a 420E and a Remstar/Pro and I can't use either without the sound-baffling benefits of the humidifier. I don't really care about the moisture and I never turn the heat on.
For 3) and 4), you just need to find a mask whose noise you can tolerate. I've found Respironics masks to be way too noisy for me. The Fisher & Paykel 407 is the quietest I've tried, but I can't keep it from leaking. My best tradeoff between quiet and seal has been the Resmed UltraMirage nasal mask. Nasal pillows (I use Breeze and Swift) are generally noisier than most nasal masks at least as far as item 4) is concerned. I like the Swift because it don't smash the mustache.
MY BIG WISH: I would like somebody smart to come up with an inline noise supression device that is as effective as the humidifier, but is no larger than, say, a Respironics inline HEPA filter. I love my 1 1/2 lb PB 420e, but I can't use it without dragging the humidifier along!
As RestedGal sez, there seems to be quite a bit of variation even among individual machines of the same model. My PB420e (I use primarily for travel) is noisier than my Remstar/Pro. I can only tolerate either with the humidifier.
I love to ramble on about noise, so if you're interested in my quackery and have nothing better to do, please read on.
Here's my theory. Noise comes to your audio input system from several sources:
1) The noise the machine makes that travels from machine directly to your (and your bedmate's) ears
2) The noise that the machine makes that travels through the air column of the hose to your sinus cavities.
3) Ths noise that the mask makes that travels to your (and your bedmate's) ears to exhaust CO2
4) The noise that the mask makes via your sinus cavities.
*) The noise the cat makes (not applicable to everyone).
I suspect that any measurements that the manufacturers make only address 1) and 3) since you can directly measure those with a sound meter.
To protect against 1), I have my machine on the floor and put a pillow over it, being VERY careful not to interfere with the machine's intake. I also wear earplugs every night.
For 2), the only way I've found to tolerate this is to make sure the humidifier is in-line. I have both a 420E and a Remstar/Pro and I can't use either without the sound-baffling benefits of the humidifier. I don't really care about the moisture and I never turn the heat on.
For 3) and 4), you just need to find a mask whose noise you can tolerate. I've found Respironics masks to be way too noisy for me. The Fisher & Paykel 407 is the quietest I've tried, but I can't keep it from leaking. My best tradeoff between quiet and seal has been the Resmed UltraMirage nasal mask. Nasal pillows (I use Breeze and Swift) are generally noisier than most nasal masks at least as far as item 4) is concerned. I like the Swift because it don't smash the mustache.
MY BIG WISH: I would like somebody smart to come up with an inline noise supression device that is as effective as the humidifier, but is no larger than, say, a Respironics inline HEPA filter. I love my 1 1/2 lb PB 420e, but I can't use it without dragging the humidifier along!
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Huck Finn
MY BIG WISH: I would like somebody smart to come up with an inline noise supression device...
Well, I ain't all that smart! But I do wonder if wrapping a CPAP hose with sound deadening cloth might help. Maybe not! I guess it just may depend on whether your CPAP hose happens to be acoustically resonating or simply guiding those machine generated sound waves along. If an insulating cloth wrap does happen help, then it's easy enough to travel with.
My country bumpkin hunch is this one's really a long shot, though!
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lookingforrest
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Janelle
I've had 3 420es, actually. The first one was ultra quiet but it had to be replaced because of doing weird things. Second one from CPAP.com is also ultra quiet, but has started making the whining sound, although not right away, but several hours into the night. Turning it off and waiting before turning it back on worked for a while but doesn't anymore, so I'm using my backup machine -the replacement for the original one from the DME. It is definintely noiser than the others, and makes that loud breathing sound, but it goes away after a few hours, but returns each time I turn it on during the night, if I've had to turn it off to get up.
Putting the unit on the floor reduces the sound because it is farther away from your ears.
Putting the unit on the floor reduces the sound because it is farther away from your ears.
[quote="Janelle"]I've had 3 420es, actually. The first one was ultra quiet but it had to be replaced because of doing weird things. Second one from CPAP.com is also ultra quiet, but has started making the whining sound, although not right away, but several hours into the night. Turning it off and waiting before turning it back on worked for a while but doesn't anymore, so I'm using my backup machine -the replacement for the original one from the DME. It is definintely noiser than the others, and makes that loud breathing sound, but it goes away after a few hours, but returns each time I turn it on during the night, if I've had to turn it off to get up.
Putting the unit on the floor reduces the sound because it is farther away from your ears.
Putting the unit on the floor reduces the sound because it is farther away from your ears.
Remember:
What you read above is only one data point based on one person's opinion.
I am not a doctor, nor do I even play one on TV.
Your mileage may vary.
Follow ANY advice or opinions at your own risk.
Not everything you read is true.
What you read above is only one data point based on one person's opinion.
I am not a doctor, nor do I even play one on TV.
Your mileage may vary.
Follow ANY advice or opinions at your own risk.
Not everything you read is true.
Tijuana PB products
Maybe this explains it....
I was going to check out Puritan Bennet directly, and did a quick search..
First thing that came up was a nasty recall on one of their products in their "Tijauna Mexico" manufacturing facility.
http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/news/2004/NEW01108.html
Saving a few cents per unit by moving manufacturing to a more than a little shakey manufacturing setting, especially for medical devices is just a bad idea.
It looks like when Tyco bought them out, they did the usual Tyco thing of working on destroying what was a good company by squeezing every last penny out of the cash cow.
I suspect we will be seeing more problems and less quality out of Tijuana PB products......
its sad what is happening to a lot of good companies these days. (I know because I have worked for a few of them.)
I was going to check out Puritan Bennet directly, and did a quick search..
First thing that came up was a nasty recall on one of their products in their "Tijauna Mexico" manufacturing facility.
http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/news/2004/NEW01108.html
Saving a few cents per unit by moving manufacturing to a more than a little shakey manufacturing setting, especially for medical devices is just a bad idea.
It looks like when Tyco bought them out, they did the usual Tyco thing of working on destroying what was a good company by squeezing every last penny out of the cash cow.
I suspect we will be seeing more problems and less quality out of Tijuana PB products......
its sad what is happening to a lot of good companies these days. (I know because I have worked for a few of them.)
Remember:
What you read above is only one data point based on one person's opinion.
I am not a doctor, nor do I even play one on TV.
Your mileage may vary.
Follow ANY advice or opinions at your own risk.
Not everything you read is true.
What you read above is only one data point based on one person's opinion.
I am not a doctor, nor do I even play one on TV.
Your mileage may vary.
Follow ANY advice or opinions at your own risk.
Not everything you read is true.
I find that the noise my 420E makes on inhale is not so bad. However, the noise on exhale is terrible. I cannot find where it comes from or how to remedy it. Sounds just like the ocean roar on a computer or nature sounds generator. I surely hope that it gets better with time. With my luck, ... it won't. And I may never adapt to it if I only use it as a back up. Am trying to use it for awhile every night until I can sleep with it. But starting tonight, I am going to let my son use it for awhile. He says it won't bother him. He keeps a noisy bedroom anyway. Maybe when he finishes with it, the noise will have stopped or worn itself out.
Josie
some assembly required
[quote="elliejose"]I find that the noise my 420E makes on inhale is not so bad. However, the noise on exhale is terrible. I cannot find where it comes from or how to remedy it. Sounds just like the ocean roar on a computer or nature sounds generator. I surely hope that it gets better with time. With my luck, ... it won't. And I may never adapt to it if I only use it as a back up. Am trying to use it for awhile every night until I can sleep with it. But starting tonight, I am going to let my son use it for awhile. He says it won't bother him. He keeps a noisy bedroom anyway. Maybe when he finishes with it, the noise will have stopped or worn itself out.
Remember:
What you read above is only one data point based on one person's opinion.
I am not a doctor, nor do I even play one on TV.
Your mileage may vary.
Follow ANY advice or opinions at your own risk.
Not everything you read is true.
What you read above is only one data point based on one person's opinion.
I am not a doctor, nor do I even play one on TV.
Your mileage may vary.
Follow ANY advice or opinions at your own risk.
Not everything you read is true.
So put it on the humidifier side of the seal? I tried just a wire trash bag tie around it the first night on both sides and also tried repositioning it numerous times the first night, as I thought that this may be the source of the noise, but never got any change in the noise. I'll try the cable tie trick next. Many thanks for the suggestion. Any and all suggestions appreciated. Don't know how I would ever have made it without all the help of all you good folks! Many thanks to Johnny and all the good people at cpap.com!!!! Maybe if I'd had help and support of a group like this years ago when I tried cpap the first time, I would have been able to keep at it and not ended up with all the health problems I have developed since.
Josie