M-Series noise level

Ric · Post by **Ric** » Mon Jun 26, 2006 8:04 pm

I have found a few posts that address the issue of noise with regards to the new Respironics M-Series, as compared with the previous version of the same. Not much information yet judging by the "field reports' from "we the people". Come to think of it, probably not that many regulars here have reason to rush out and buy the latest and greatest, "just because it's there". With that in mind, here's a poll that hopefully will stay open long enough to accumulate enough data to be meaningful. There have been a few comments to the effect that since it is smaller it has to work harder and faster and might be louder, or different set of frequencies. Now I'm curious.

Goofproof · Post by **Goofproof** » Mon Jun 26, 2006 8:40 pm

I can't comment on the noise but soon I'll be able to check the Auto against the Pro 2. Noise isn't a factor for me neither is size, only Quality. In about five years I can check out it's noise, I may need another one by then.

Jim

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Jun 26, 2006 8:56 pm

I already have 2 of the older Remstar Autos and just ordered 3rd Auto w/C-Flex of the current version before they are all gone. I was going to get a Pro2 but it wasn't that much more money for the Auto, I'll just run it in the CFLE mode and if theres a question on my pressure I'll switch it to AFLE for a few nights to resolve that.

I've owned the tiny 420e in the past, and it was the most noisy machine I've owned to date, so I can't see this new M series being any more quieter than the current model, you can pack a lot more sound foam in the current model than you can in the new model. Weight is really not a factor for me, when I travel I have a seperate machine that stays in the RV, at the same time I don't want the weight of the hose pulling it off the nightstand either, guess that's why they put the hose port on the back.

Ric · Post by **Ric** » Mon Jun 26, 2006 10:32 pm

Anonymous wrote:I already have 2 of the older Remstar Autos and just ordered 3rd Auto w/C-Flex of the current version before they are all gone.

Interesting observation. Is Respironics planning to discontinue making the non-M series auto? Or have they already? I perused their web site and found nothing to confirm that one way or another. Does anyone know? DME_guy? Johnny? Ted? Anybody? That would be good to know.

-Ric

Research_Guy · Post by **Research_Guy** » Tue Jun 27, 2006 9:22 am

"Noise" is a subjective thing!

What sounds like a 'buzz' to someone may sound like a 'hiss' to someone else, etc. A lot of folks also like to go to sleep with music, white noise, earplugs, etc.

Remember, these are machines. They have to emit some type of noise. Also note some folks live near train tracks, inner-cities, have houses near barking dogs....

I guess what I'm asking is why is noise such an issue with certain patients? Shouldn't the more important issue be whether a patient is compliant? I would guess that most reputable brands are what you'd call "quiet." I wonder how much of the noise is from a poorly-fitted mask?

harikarishimari · Post by **harikarishimari** » Tue Jun 27, 2006 12:38 pm

Research_Guy wrote:"Noise" is a subjective thing!

Is "Quiet" also a subjective thing? And suppose it is, how is that relevant?

It seems that Ric is asking a very simple question, "does the new M-series emit more meaningless acoustical energy than the previous". Not complicated. I too would like to know the answer. You seem to be suggesting this is a dumb question. What are you babbling about?

-HKS

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Jun 27, 2006 1:11 pm

harikarishimari wrote:
Research_Guy wrote:"Noise" is a subjective thing!
Is "Quiet" also a subjective thing? And suppose it is, how is that relevant?

It seems that Ric is asking a very simple question, "does the new M-series emit more meaningless acoustical energy than the previous". Not complicated. I too would like to know the answer. You seem to be suggesting this is a dumb question. What are you babbling about?

-HKS

Why the hostility?

Ric · Post by **Ric** » Tue Jun 27, 2006 3:24 pm

Research_Guy wrote:I guess what I'm asking is why is noise such an issue with certain patients? Shouldn't the more important issue be whether a patient is compliant?

Speaking for myself, in an otherwise "quiet" situation the xPAP is the loudest thing around, sometimes it wakes me up, or the wife. I have taken several measures to make it quieter, like used a longer hose to locate the machine in a closet, in a drawer, or pack blankets over it, etc. If the M-Series were noisier that would be an important purchase consideration. Compliance is a separate issue, but if the noise wakes me up then that is defeating the purpose, do you see a connection? I'm sorry for people who must put up with barking dogs and trains and city sirens, I'm sure there are people for whom xPAP noise is not an issue. And for some it is. Noise is also a factor in choosing a mask.

harikarishimari · Post by **harikarishimari** » Tue Jun 27, 2006 3:57 pm

Anonymous wrote:
harikarishimari wrote:
Research_Guy wrote:"Noise" is a subjective thing!
Is "Quiet" also a subjective thing? And suppose it is, how is that relevant?
Why the hostility?

No hostility intended. The post seemed like a complete non-sequitor. That's all.

-HKS

scbackpacker · Post by **scbackpacker** » Tue Jun 27, 2006 7:17 pm

The only cpap I have to compare the M to is a Solo LX that's several years old. The Solo had gotten louder the last 6 months or so. I do hear a small noise when I inhale but it doesn't bother me. I had surgery 20 years ago on my left ear and I can only hear certain frequencies due to having a plastic eardrum. I can hear a ceiling fan running but not an alarm clock with that ear unless I have my hearing aid in which I do not wear when I sleep. With my good ear I don't hear the sound. To me the M is still quieter than the Solo when it was new.

Ric · Post by **Ric** » Sat Jul 01, 2006 11:05 pm

*bump*

So far it's a dead heat. I'm actually surprised there are 7 people who own both machines AND post on this forum. I expect the numbers will increase with time, and as ResMed loses online sales to Respironics. Meanwhile I have seen three orders tipped in favor of the non-M-series, simply over the noise issue (one neighbor, and two co-workers). In one case the need for a new software upgrade and NOT being able to upgrade for free because "we end users are not DMEs", has tipped the sale in favor of not "upgrading" (?) to the new M-series. I am considering getting a "spare" for myself, which is what prompted this thread and poll. Both the noise level AND the software upgrade are issues for me. Will the equipment makers ever regard us as "customers", someone they should be nice to and treat with respect. I at least hope Respironics will get there someday, now that ResMed has officially abandoned their online customer base (assuming the 40% increase is official). To start with, how about letting registered users of EncorePro download an upgrade in the ordinary manner. that would be a nice gesture. And good marketing.

-Ric

Ric · Post by **Ric** » Thu Jul 06, 2006 9:43 am

*bump*

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Jul 06, 2006 11:22 am

yeah, I Hear that the M Series sounds like a tin can with quarters inside it being rattled. <eye roll>

guessed · Post by **guessed** » Thu Jul 06, 2006 2:12 pm

you hear quarters. i hear dollars. .

roadwarrior · Post by **roadwarrior** » Thu Jul 06, 2006 3:03 pm

There's NO question in my mind. My +M model is as quiet as a whisper. A lot quieter than the previous Invacare boat anchor that came before. I love it.

M-Series noise level

The noise level of the REMstar® M Series (compared with the equivalent non-M Series model) is:

M-Series noise level

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quarters?