Partner finds CPAP disturbing

[Charlie241]

Does anyone else find their partner cant sleep well as CPAP disturbs them?

[bv1800]

Mine did when she would get a blast of air to the face, from the Swift FX mask, that I used for the 1st 6 months. Since getting the AirFit P10 there's been no problems. What mask are you using.

[chunkyfrog]

Ah, the suffering of the non-afflicted.
Machine placement: lower than mattress top puts bedding between the machine and sensitive ears.
Hose management: hanging the hose keeps it from contacting hard surfaces/rubbing on others,
and prevents rain out--which can be very noisy.
Exhaust: The P10 is awesome, but if you must use a "draftier" mask,
try scrunching the bedding up to deflect the breeze. (a travel pillow or crib quilt will work, too.)
Sometimes the spouse needs a bit of support and sympathy, too.
(even when you might be tempted to deliver a boot to the head)

[RandyJ]

Charlie241,

Did you mean the noise that the machine makes or the noise or airflow from the mask exhaust?

The newer machines by Philips Respironics and Resmed at least are very quiet, less than 24dB. These machines are quieter than someone whispering at 15 feet away or a tabletop fan running in the same room. Only people with dog hearing might have an issue with machine noise (from one of these brands). Some lesser popular machines might not hold to the 24dB level, though.

One phenomenon I've heard described is that certain masks produce a "Darth Vader" auditory effect; the person's respiration sounds magnified. If this occurs and disturbs, maybe an alternative mask is in order. Ditto if the problem is from loud mask exhaust or mask exhaust blowing directly on partner.

As was said above, the P10 mask line from Resmed almost eliminates the problem of airflow blowing on partner.

Good luck and keep us posted...

[BlackSpinner]

I find it disturbing that a partner is not fully on board with necessary medical treatment. It doesn't say much for the partner or the relationship. If they can't handle this minor inconvenience then what will they do in case of a bigger issue?

[49er]

I find it disturbing that a partner is not fully on board with necessary medical treatment. It doesn't say much for the partner or the relationship. If they can't handle this minor inconvenience then what will they do in case of a bigger issue?

BS,

Where did you read in the initial post that the partner is not fully on board with the necessary medical treatment? Being sensitive to the noise doesn't mean that someone is not support of the partner.

As far as it being a minor inconvenience, I am sure you are well aware that not being able to sleep hardly qualifies as minor. I know you find this hard to believe but as someone who is quite sensitive to noise, some of us do find it hard to sleep unless it is completely quiet. We can't just change our brain wiring although I do realize there are ways of compensating.

Hopefully, we can help the OP troubleshoot what the disturbing noise really is so a good solution is reached. I just think that is more helpful than what you wrote in your post.

49er

[englandsf]

The S9 - P10 combo is pretty much unbeatable noise wise...

[jacobsbd]

A very very cheap hose can be a problem as well.

My previous insurance sent me home for a home study one night with an S8, hose and mask. I could not believe how much louder it was.

Because I got to keep the hose and mask I tried them both with my machine. the hose was a cheap molded plastic thing. It is not made of the soft plastic that absorbs the noise. It has no wires inside

I can't easily hear my machine unless I use this hose

[SleepyEyes21]

I find it disturbing that a partner is not fully on board with necessary medical treatment. It doesn't say much for the partner or the relationship. If they can't handle this minor inconvenience then what will they do in case of a bigger issue?

BS - I have been on both sides of the OSA issue. As a partner to someone diagnosed with it, and now as a PAP'er myself. It is an adjustment for all parties involved, and is not necessarily indicative of 'problems in a relationship.'

What a partner goes through to adapt to the need for CPAP treatment for his/ her significant other, is not the same as the PAP'er - however, it is not necessarily 'less significant' because they are not the patient.

I would think that most of us want a partner to be sensitive to our need for CPAP therapy and to understand how difficult it can be to adjust to all that comes with it. However, in a healthy relationship- the PAP'er and the SO would be sensitive to each other's feelings, as well.

[palerider]

I find it disturbing that a partner is not fully on board with necessary medical treatment. It doesn't say much for the partner or the relationship. If they can't handle this minor inconvenience then what will they do in case of a bigger issue?

I would think that most of us want a partner to be sensitive to our need for CPAP therapy and to understand how difficult it can be to adjust to all that comes with it. However, in a healthy relationship- the PAP'er and the SO would be sensitive to each other's feelings, as well.

well put, the whole point here is getting good sleep... even a non papping partner deserves that

[daytona]

My husband has a the cheapest brick that the DME could push on him. It's very loud and blows air all over me at night. I simply made a barrier with a pillow to protect my face and use ear plugs. I am a very light sleeper and it took a few months to get used to the noise but I never would have thought to bother him about it, it's a medical condition...

Now that I'm getting a machine myself soon, I plan on wow'ing him and maybe he'll be motivated to get a nicer machine!

[SleepyEyes21]

I find it disturbing that a partner is not fully on board with necessary medical treatment. It doesn't say much for the partner or the relationship. If they can't handle this minor inconvenience then what will they do in case of a bigger issue?

I would think that most of us want a partner to be sensitive to our need for CPAP therapy and to understand how difficult it can be to adjust to all that comes with it. However, in a healthy relationship- the PAP'er and the SO would be sensitive to each other's feelings, as well.

well put, the whole point here is getting good sleep... even a non papping partner deserves that

Agreed, PR - sleep can do wonderful things for any relationship

[SleepyEyes21]

My husband has a the cheapest brick that the DME could push on him. It's very loud and blows air all over me at night. I simply made a barrier with a pillow to protect my face and use ear plugs. I am a very light sleeper and it took a few months to get used to the noise but I never would have thought to bother him about it, it's a medical condition...

Now that I'm getting a machine myself soon, I plan on wow'ing him and maybe he'll be motivated to get a nicer machine!

Good going, daytona - ear plugs can be a good solution to the noise. I used them at first also when my SO started treatment. I eventually got used to sleeping without them.

Good luck with your treatment!

[palerider]

My husband has a the cheapest brick that the DME could push on him. It's very loud and blows air all over me at night. I simply made a barrier with a pillow to protect my face and use ear plugs. I am a very light sleeper and it took a few months to get used to the noise but I never would have thought to bother him about it, it's a medical condition...

Now that I'm getting a machine myself soon, I plan on wow'ing him and maybe he'll be motivated to get a nicer machine!

he won't be able to hear yours over the noise his is making *lol*

[daytona]

he won't be able to hear yours over the noise his is making *lol*

Doh! You are right, I may need to get sneaky which is not something I am naturally good at... Maybe my sleepy head graphs will peak his interest.