Ultra Mirage ResMed mask whistles-how do I make it stop?

sleepsearcher · Post by **sleepsearcher** » Wed Apr 05, 2006 8:18 am

I have an Ultra Mirage ResMed mask and I can't figure out why it's making a whistling noise. It was doing this a while back and I thought I fixed it by changing the nose position but now the noise is back no matter what I do. I do have another mask, a Respironics, but I like the ResMed mask better. I've been sized by a respiratory therapist and she said small was the correct size for both masks.

Has anyone had a problem like this?

krousseau · Post by **krousseau** » Wed Apr 05, 2006 9:17 am

According to my very favorite RT of all time-If the whistling has a somewhat harmonic/musical/halloween quality, it most likely has to do with condensation. Even a very tiny amount in the exhalation port can cause noise in mine. Pressure also plays a part as it is silent during the beginning of my ramp period. The exhalation port is the most likely suspect as it gets both moisture from the tube and your exhalations. If you have a humidifier keep our tubing warmer with a cover. if you already have a cover can you run the tubing under your blankets. Maybe keep your sleeping area warmer. One of the biggest problems is that you can't wrap the connector/exhalation port area of the mask or you risk rebreathing your own CO2. So next invention is a heated hose & mask system. I never had a rainout problem so didn't think my whistle was due to condensation-wrong.

twillson · Post by **twillson** » Wed Apr 05, 2006 9:23 am

I don't know whether this is what you have or not, but I encountered a strange whistling on my UMII the other night and discovered that the source was the little plastic cover over the exhaust outlet. (This is the part that deflects the air so that it exits in the direction of the tube.)

It turned out that one side of the cover had slipped almost imperceptibly out of its groove. I put some pressure on it, is snapped back into place, and the sound disappeared. You will probably want to try this with the air flow on.

Let me know if that works. If not I may have other suggestions.

Grant I · Post by **Grant I** » Wed Apr 05, 2006 1:17 pm

I agree about the exhaust port cover. Having used the UM FF for 3 years, I can tell you that some exhaust port covers whistle even when properly seated, while others don't. I keep recycling my "quiet" cover--placing it on noisy new masks after I get them. The other common noisemaker people have reported is the membrane in the discharge elbow.

Grant

sleepsearcher · Post by **sleepsearcher** » Wed Apr 05, 2006 2:41 pm

In my case it isn't condensation. I will look further into the plastic cover over the exhaust and find out where the discharge elbow is and check that out too.

Thanks.

Goofproof · Post by **Goofproof** » Wed Apr 05, 2006 5:09 pm

Teach it the words to the tune, then it can sing instead of whistle.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Apr 05, 2006 7:57 pm

I have the exact same problem and have had it from day one. I had to go back to the Comfortfull but I will try these fixes others have suggested.
Thanks,

krousseau · Post by **krousseau** » Wed Apr 05, 2006 8:35 pm

The RT who told me about condensation also showed me about the gasket/diaphram thing in the exhalation port-it was very hard to see whether or not it was seated properly. I ended up not getting the UM so "forgot" about that demo.

Ellen · Post by **Ellen** » Wed Apr 05, 2006 9:24 pm

My mask and unit are so quiet I can still hear my husband snore - prior to last night (1st night ever) I always used earplugs to block out his snoring - are they okay to use with APAP and full face mask - I didn't try them last night as was fearful the pressurized air would be a problem. I sleep flat on my back due to back injuries and in no other position - can hear the flutter in mask and definitely feel the pressure go up as soon as I start to relax and tongue relaxes - didn't get up to look in middle of the night to see how hight pressure goes (plus would change as soon as I woke up), but there definitely was some major pressure during the night . Woke up 6.29 hours after 1st APAP session and I feel like crap!!! Now today my ears and throat are very sore - I assume from pressure -

PLEASE - SOME EARPLUG ADVICE TO THE WHINING NEWBIE!!!!

Whining in Wyoming

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Apr 06, 2006 8:03 am

Forget the earplugs. Get him to a doc to set up a sleep study so he can be properly diagnosed and put on CPAP. Voila! No more snoring. No sense just one of you doing good things for your health and long happy future. Together.

sleepyred · Post by **sleepyred** » Thu Apr 06, 2006 9:14 am

I have had the same problem - usually in the early morning. I just cover up the exhaust holes for a moment and it stops. I agree that it is condensation in the port and I just shush it with my finger!

Grumpy · Post by **Grumpy** » Thu Apr 06, 2006 10:25 am

I am new to CPAP, but when I went for my sleep study I got an Ultra Mirage FF mask. It whistled from the start. Couldn't have been water in it since it was brand new.
Finally after the sleep tech unsuccessfully fiddled with it for 15 minutes, I suggested maybe vibration and to tap it together t ightly. Of course didn't want to cover the holes (in the little clear piece up near the bridge of the nose (don't know what to call it), but that did it. I think it was vibrating. I don't know if this might be the problem you are having. Maybe a change of the little plastic insert (2 came with the mask) might help. I haven't done that yet since my tape is working and I hate to mess with a good thing.

Ultra Mirage ResMed mask whistles-how do I make it stop?

Ultra Mirage ResMed mask whistles-how do I make it stop?

Noisy UM

same problem

earplugs with APAP

Same problem

whistling mask

Mask

Additional Comments: Aussie Heated hose for rain out/PapCap Headgear and chin strap