TWO AirSense 10s whining

[recipefordisaster]

This is what it seems like to me. The humidifier seems to seat 2 different ways, which I don’t like. Noise on these units is not an uncommon problem. But how do I deal with it?

I've read repeated comments about noises from air10 units that were finally tracked down to problems with the humidifier, either a bad seal on the tank, or a bad seal/misalignment on the silicone 'boots' that the humidifier seats into int the machine.

[recipefordisaster]

I have awful luck, and I’m on my machine a long time. I have terrible sleep quality because I’m not well otherwise (not sleep apnea related) so I probably average 11 hours a day, trying to get 3-4 hours of decent sleep.

I’m not near the ocean and rarely have my windows open, don’t use an external humidifier or anything. My husband used the same machine for 9 years, since the house was built. That one is still fine, I just upgraded him to my old one so he’d have APAP.

There’s really nothing unusual here - I have much more sensitive electronics that are doing fine. No smoking, no chemicals, air purifiers (not the ozone kind!) , cats aren’t in the room, new house with wood floors... the machines all still work, they are just noisy or the humidifier is mad.

...
I contacted ACBio and am waiting to hear back (can’t call during my workday). I just bought this new machine a month ago, and this is 3 in 5 years or so. Ugh.
...

Just curious -- three machines in five years, all with the same whine -- is it possible there's an environmental cause to this?
Do you live close to an ocean? Maybe with windows open and lots of salt spray? Are you a liveaboarder?

Do you use an ultrasonic mist humidifier? I had one that, when I used it with water from a brita water filter by mistake in the humidifier, it pushed out a fine white mineral ash that settled on my cpap's filter. It also settled all over every piece of furniture in the room. It was like snow indoors, but... mineral ash. Needless to say, I stopped that immediately. Vacuumed and wiped everything. If you're using an ultrasonic humidifier that's putting out a nearly undetectable amount of mineral ash, that could also be the culprit.

Are there other possible air pollutants that may be affecting your blower?

I have no experience with this. I'm just saying three machines in three years... It sounds too coincidental not to be at least considering something specific to your environment.

Chris

[palerider]

This is what it seems like to me. The humidifier seems to seat 2 different ways, which I don’t like. Noise on these units is not an uncommon problem. But how do I deal with it?

I've read repeated comments about noises from air10 units that were finally tracked down to problems with the humidifier, either a bad seal on the tank, or a bad seal/misalignment on the silicone 'boots' that the humidifier seats into int the machine.

The humidifier shouldn't seat two different ways, what do you mean by that?

One person suggested a touch of water based lube on the seals that the humidifier slides into. Check first that they're properly in place.

[recipefordisaster]

I’ll try the lube. The sound is coming from the other side (unfortunately, I have really good hearing) and when I’ve had issues with the humidifier, I usually show a leak.

What I mean by different ways to seat is that if you squeeze the tank vertically it "clicks" into the machine 2 different ways - a thicker and a thinner. It might be hard to explain. All 3 of my machines have been like this, though. It’s a subtle difference of maybe 1mm or less.

This is what it seems like to me. The humidifier seems to seat 2 different ways, which I don’t like. Noise on these units is not an uncommon problem. But how do I deal with it?

I've read repeated comments about noises from air10 units that were finally tracked down to problems with the humidifier, either a bad seal on the tank, or a bad seal/misalignment on the silicone 'boots' that the humidifier seats into int the machine.

The humidifier shouldn't seat two different ways, what do you mean by that?

One person suggested a touch of water based lube on the seals that the humidifier slides into. Check first that they're properly in place.

[recipefordisaster]

My follow up:

I tried different power supplies on both machines and different outlets on different circuits. I changed hoses and masks again. No benefit.

AC Bio never answered my online contact form from weeks ago, so I called. They were uninterested in any troubleshooting and didn’t even ask if I have the filter door shut, ask to hear the noise, etc.

I agreed to send them the noisier one which is the older one. They think it will be worth fixing. Fingers crossed-if I decide not to fix it, I’ll be out $65. I’m hopeful, but I do wish we could have done a bit more digging before I ship it.

Any other ideas? I will still have the newer, quieter machine, but no spare until I get the older one back. That one is so loud I really can’t use it, though.