Trouble Sleeping Next to Someone Using CPAP

[CpapGirlfriend]

Does anyone have any tips on how to get a good night's rest while sleeping next to someone using a cpap machine? My boyfriend and I would like to avoid sleeping in separate rooms if possible, but I'm a light sleeper and find I wake up a few times during the night from either the cpap whirring noise/air leaks or my boyfriend tossing/turning.

Things I've Tried That Haven't Helped
- Earplugs (These are uncomfortable and create extreme discomfort with overnight wear. I even watched a video on proper earplug usage technique to make sure I was rolling the earplugs right and inserting them correctly.)
- Eyemask (I'm usually able to get a great night's sleep without an eyemask, but I've tried this as well hoping that blocking out additional light would somehow mitigate overall sleep disruption. No noticeable difference in quality of sleep.)

Any suggestions on how we can tackle this challenge are really welcome!

[msradar65]

Try adding white noise to the room. A fan running. That is what I do.

[kempo]

My wife is a very light sleeper and we run a fan. She says it completely covers up the noise coming from the machine and mask. If she's happy with it then so am I.

[SleepingUgly]

White noise and this is the one you want (I should know, I own 3!):

http://www.marpac.com/sound_cond.asp

Get the dual speed 980A. I think Walmart may even have them. I also have the travel one, and it can go louder, but I prefer the regular one.

[JeffH]

Be careful...my girlfriend ended up on the hose herself after several years of sleeping next to me on cpap. It might be catching!

In all seriousness, though, keep after the ear plugs. Like he had to get used to the machine, you will have to go thru a process also. Try putting a pillow between you two at the head of the bed to block the exhaust air from his mask. We both now wear ear plugs at night. It helps.


JeffH

[snuginarug]

I am with the white noise proponents. I sleep much better with a fan.

[CpapGirlfriend]

Thanks for all the recommendations! Can't tell you how much I appreciate them. Last night's sleep was esp. bad and I'm exhausted.
Immediately after I posted my question I actually looked on Amazon for noise machines and saw the Marpac, with 1500+ reviews and 4.5 stars.
I bought it, and am looking forward to trying it out.
Especially after the additional endorsement from SleepingUgly (hehe cute name), I'm really eager to try it out.
Will let everyone know how that goes. Am also open to any other suggestions!

[M.D.Hosehead]

Don't give up.

There are many ear plug designs. The ones that helped my wife most (before cpap when i snored) are the AirSoft small blue silicone ones with four flanges. Get them in the gun department at WalMart. You can decide how far you need to insert them, one to four flanges that create dead air space between them.

But there is an enormous selection. See here:

http://www.walmartsafety.net/store/prod ... 46434A157C

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Radians-Custo ... revshr_001

Edited once for grammar.

[Janknitz]

I don't know that machine and the type of sounds it provides, but beware of any machine offering the gentle sound of a creek or water lapping up against your sailboat. Those make me have to run to the potty all night!

[physicsbob]

Another way to help cut down on the machine noise if it is on a night stand, is to put the machine on top of a thick rubber pad such as several mouse pads. This isolates the machine and helps prevent the night stand acting like a sound board for the machine. My wife and I also sleep with a pillow between us to help block the noise and air,also I try and sleep with my head lower down in the bed than hers, to prevent my mask blowing air in her face, or down her neck. I go to bed about an hour after she does to allow her to get to sleep before I come in quietly and start my machine

[archangle]

How long have you been battling the CPAP noise?

Maybe just putting up with it is the best thing. People get used to sleeping next to train tracks, airports, etc. If you just get used to it, then you don't have to mess with earplugs, noise generators, fans, etc.

Maybe getting a noise generator or fan to start with and gradually turning it down or moving it away until you don't need it would work, too.

[SleepingUgly]

The ones that helped my wife most (before cpap when i snored) are the AirSoft small blue silicone ones with four flanges. Get them in the gun department at WalMart.

Are these the ones?

http://www.walmartsafety.net/store/prod ... 44454A197B

Does one have to keep the cords on? I think between the cords and the CPAP hose, the cords on the hose management system, not to mention all the rest of the gear, it's possible to inadvertently hang myself!

Edit: Wait a minute, these ear plugs cost $65?!

[Pugsy]

Edit: Wait a minute, these ear plugs cost $65?!

For box of 50 I think

[Sireneh]

I try and sleep with my head lower down in the bed than hers, to prevent my mask blowing air in her face, or down her neck. I go to bed about an hour after she does to allow her to get to sleep before I come in quietly and start my machine

Well aren't you a dream!

[kbell]

OMG,my husband has just started using his this week and it is not the noise that is keeping me awake...generally I can sleep through most noises. It is the hurricane blowing in my face once the machine has reached a higher pressure. It is horrendous, I end up with a freezing face, wind, and also a headache the next day.

Can someone please suggest something other than a pillow between us...

kbelllllll