Use Any Mask with your AirMini

Oh my! I rented an AirMini for testing last night and it was horrible. I had to take it off and sleep without a machine. The sound coming out of the HumidX was sooo loud -- a perpetual gushing of air, and it was actually really stinky. I heard someone refer to it as like breathing through a stinky sock. Also, having that HumidX component right there in front below the mask touching my chin caused the nasal pillow mask to pull down and leak. Terribly. The mask was fine in the store, but not good actually laying down with that rock pulling it off.

The machine was quiet.

If I get an AirMini later (for travel), I will definitely get the adapter and use a different hose to connect to my regular, top-connecting nasal mask. Just like we are discussing in this thread. For now, for home, I'm sticking with an AirSense 10.

prodigyplace wrote: ↑

Sun Feb 24, 2019 9:46 am

If somebody needs to prove CPAP compliance, the AirMini does not provide that data, AFAIK.

Your provider has access to an application (AirView) which collects and reads the detailed data from the AirMini via the AirMini app on your mobile device.

This can generate compliance reports for insurers (etc), and other clinical reports.

billbolton wrote: ↑

Mon Feb 25, 2019 11:55 pm

prodigyplace wrote: ↑

Sun Feb 24, 2019 9:46 am

If somebody needs to prove CPAP compliance, the AirMini does not provide that data, AFAIK.

Your provider has access to an application (AirView) which collects and reads the detailed data from the AirMini via the AirMini app on your mobile device.

This can generate compliance reports for insurers (etc), and other clinical reports.

If you use the optional smartphone app with Bluetooth, the app can transmit the data to ResMed servers according to the manual.

Do you need to run the app every day or can the AirMini store multiple days of data? Some truck drivers need compliance reports to retain their licenses.

prodigyplace wrote: ↑

Tue Feb 26, 2019 5:28 am

Some truck drivers need compliance reports to retain their licenses.

In that case they would need to be talking to their sleep clinician about providing the reports.

Resurrecting this thread a bit - Anyone have any idea if the new Airfit F30 mask from resmed works with the Airmini? It’s a new enough mask that there’s not much information available. Resmed’s documentation says F20 only but I’m wondering if that just hasn’t been updated.

Jwalther420 wrote: ↑

Mon Mar 04, 2019 12:57 pm

Resurrecting this thread a bit - Anyone have any idea if the new Airfit F30 mask from resmed works with the Airmini? It’s a new enough mask that there’s not much information available. Resmed’s documentation says F20 only but I’m wondering if that just hasn’t been updated.

Nope. It doesn't work with the AirMini. I even wrote them directly and complained about that.

Hi... I am confused, I had a friend of mine with a printer print this and it came out in two pieces... one, the connector that goes into the humidx and the other tube adapter.

did my friend do something wrong when he printer it or are they suppose to be two pieces that I glue together. I do not know anything about 3D printing so sorry if my question is stupid

digitaldog888 wrote: ↑

Sun Jul 22, 2018 6:26 pm

I forgot. In case anyone is interested in the STL files, they could be found here:

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3015572

henryga wrote: ↑

Wed Mar 06, 2019 12:45 pm

Hi... I am confused, I had a friend of mine with a printer print this and it came out in two pieces... one, the connector that goes into the humidx and the other tube adapter.

did my friend do something wrong when he printer it or are they suppose to be two pieces that I glue together. I do not know anything about 3D printing so sorry if my question is stupid

digitaldog888 wrote: ↑

Sun Jul 22, 2018 6:26 pm

I forgot. In case anyone is interested in the STL files, they could be found here:

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3015572

The STL file you reference is printed in two pieces. It's an interference fit but depending on your 3D printer, the tolerance might be off. If the fit is too loose, you may have to glue them together. Just to be clear, this connector is used with the supplied tubing that comes with your Airmini and the purpose of it is to by-pass the HumidX completely. With this connector, you could use any mask with a standard 22mm connection. However, it does not reduce the noise from the Airmini and I personally don't recommend using it.

I got the 3D printed adapter referenced above the other day, so hooked it up to an AirMini with the AirMini hose connected to my Dreamwear Nasal mask and, hearing that the AirMini was silent, I put the mask on with great anticipation. Happily, it was quieter than with the freaking loud HumidX, but the air was so loud it was like I was in a tent on Mt. Everest during a snowstorm!!! Or in the middle of a tornado.

How can this be?

How can two silent machines by the same producer -- the AirSense 10 and the AirMini, be so different when it comes to sound in the tubes?

The AirSense 10 with my mask was so silent that I instantly knew when there was a tiny bit of leakage in my nasal cushion. In contrast, with the AirMini, the adapter and the AirMini hose, I had to wear EARPLUGS just to fall asleep and even then wake up with a slight buzz in my head. I'm afraid I would go deaf with long-term use.

I had such hope for the AirMini.

I just don't understand where the noise comes from.

Would the sound go away with a 22 hose and the QTube?

The 3D printed adapter from the stl's provided above is perfect! I had never done anything with a 3D printer before. Found a local one, uploaded the stl file and here after a week. So cool! Here's the stl file for that again: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3049870/files -- I just don't understand why the AirMini can still be so loud in the tube with the exact same mask that is silent with the AirSense.

shlinder wrote: ↑

Mon Mar 11, 2019 5:13 pm

I got the 3D printed adapter referenced above the other day, so hooked it up to an AirMini with the AirMini hose connected to my Dreamwear Nasal mask and, hearing that the AirMini was silent, I put the mask on with great anticipation. Happily, it was quieter than with the freaking loud HumidX, but the air was so loud it was like I was in a tent on Mt. Everest during a snowstorm!!! Or in the middle of a tornado.

How can this be?

How can two silent machines by the same producer -- the AirSense 10 and the AirMini, be so different when it comes to sound in the tubes?

The AirSense 10 with my mask was so silent that I instantly knew when there was a tiny bit of leakage in my nasal cushion. In contrast, with the AirMini, the adapter and the AirMini hose, I had to wear EARPLUGS just to fall asleep and even then wake up with a slight buzz in my head. I'm afraid I would go deaf with long-term use.

I had such hope for the AirMini.

I just don't understand where the noise comes from.

Would the sound go away with a 22 hose and the QTube?

The 3D printed adapter from the stl's provided above is perfect! I had never done anything with a 3D printer before. Found a local one, uploaded the stl file and here after a week. So cool! Here's the stl file for that again: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3049870/files -- I just don't understand why the AirMini can still be so loud in the tube with the exact same mask that is silent with the AirSense.

Here's a reference to a thread I started a while ago that might explain the issues I had with the noise from the Airmini:

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=172660&p=1264551

digitaldog888 wrote: ↑

Mon Mar 11, 2019 6:32 pm

Here's a reference to a thread I started a while ago that might explain the issues I had with the noise from the Airmini:

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=172660&p=1264551

Ah yes, sorry. This is in the wrong thread. I actually got the specs for the 3D adapter from you and that thread. Thank you. Can the moderator move my post to that thread?

Anyhow, I will order the Qtube and see how that works, but my question remains: what is it about the AirMini design that causes this problem? Does it push the air out in a different way? Both machines are quiet when operating. It’s just about sound in the tubing.

It really is strange.

shlinder wrote: ↑

Mon Mar 11, 2019 7:48 pm

digitaldog888 wrote: ↑

Mon Mar 11, 2019 6:32 pm

Here's a reference to a thread I started a while ago that might explain the issues I had with the noise from the Airmini:

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=172660&p=1264551

Ah yes, sorry. This is in the wrong thread. I actually got the specs for the 3D adapter from you and that thread. Thank you. Can the moderator move my post to that thread?

Anyhow, I will order the Qtube and see how that works, but my question remains: what is it about the AirMini design that causes this problem? Does it push the air out in a different way? Both machines are quiet when operating. It’s just about sound in the tubing.

It really is strange.

I believe you're correct that the Airmini pushes the air differently from the AirSense 10. The airflow from the Airmini seems a lot more turbulent. The QTube doesn't eliminate the noise completely but enough that I could use it during travels. I also use the Z1 HME as part of my setup and in some ways, besides providing humidification, helps to further reduce the noise.

digitaldog888 wrote: ↑

Mon Mar 11, 2019 8:04 pm

I believe you're correct that the Airmini pushes the air differently from the AirSense 10. The airflow from the Airmini seems a lot more turbulent. The QTube doesn't eliminate the noise completely but enough that I could use it during travels. I also use the Z1 HME as part of my setup and in some ways, besides providing humidification, helps to further reduce the noise.

Thanks for that insight: "more turbulent". Must be a consequence of the compact design. Very helpful.

Do you use the original AirMini tube or a standard 22mm tube? Do you notice a difference between the different sized tubes?

I've spent hours reading posts about the airmini as well as use of HME with xCPAP. My summary and first attempt with an alteration follows.

The excessive noise is from the poorly designed Humidx capsule. It is NOT from the airmini itself. HME of any type needs to be near the mask to capture your moist exhaled breath. You MUST must must have an exhalation port to release CO2. So what to do? I've attached a photo of my 2nd attempt.

This option uses the full face Resmed F30, Airmini tubing for the Resmed N20 and Humidx with capsule installed. After carefully sealing off all holes and joints surrounding the Humidx, the unacceptable noise is gone. As it is essential to have CO2 exhaled, this setup uses the standard vented elbow that comes with the F30. A rubber cuff cut from an old standard size hose fits naturally over the F30 connector, and tightly covers the Airmini hose connector that is meant for the Resmed N20 mask. This is the only connection that could come apart but it's in there tightly. Should I note any air leaks I'll just use another piece of tape (details below). I can also swap i my N20 nasal mask with the vented elbow with this setup.

Tape to seal holes around Humidx is the 3M product Nexcare waterproof tape. It is sold in most drug stores and is clinically safe to use and has no odor. It is slightly cushioned and stretchy, thus really easy to use for this purpose. It is not sticky enough to be a substitute for duct tape but works perfectly here. Noise level of exhaled breath is slightly increased over my S10. I doubt I'll notice it and I certainly have years of xPAP use with older noisy machines to remember. I use white noise at night and that's louder than this mask. Before when I tried the standard setup with the Humidx, I did not think I could keep using the machine due to the noise.

I believe I have this setup vented properly to make It safe. I've no specific idea if I've altered the treatment pressure.

Followup notes after use:
I still find posts that state the Humidx HME only makes unacceptable noise when it is not inserted properly. The connection I made felt firm so I don't know what I did incorrectly, if anything. I ended up returning my Airmini. While I got the noise to an acceptable level for me. I felt this setup was too fiddly to use on a frequent basis. Mostly the issue I felt would be ease of cleaning the tubes and connections. Had I kept the Airmini I would have experimented with cutting and splicing one or two tubes and connected them with a safe tape such as Nexcare or rubber cuffs if I can find them small enough. Part of my decision to return the Airmini was an unboxing video produced by Resmed. The guy stated that it's packaged just like Apple. Well, I love my Apple products and will continue to use them. But that made me really understand the non interchangeable parts of the Airmini with other xPAP products was an intentional design change, and would be at an expense I did not feel added to my OSA treatment.

TangledHose wrote: ↑

Wed Jul 05, 2017 1:47 pm

GE Silicone II clear premium silicone glue -- after its cured it does not give off any fumes, you can get it at any hardware store or probably even Walgreens or supermarket.

The F20 AirMini hose does not have the humidifier apparatus to begin with, so no change in noise level or what I refer to as the Darth Vader breathing noise. Most people think the noise is caused by humidifier but it's really the result of the small high speed turbines that all these small machines use.......of the three brands, AirMini, Transcend, and Z1 -- I personally rate them

1. AirMini

2. Transcend

3. Z1

As best to worst in the breathing noise issue........AirMini best to Z1 as by far the loudest, most annoying.

So are you saying adapting the short humidifier hose to the Airmini with the older P10 mask WON'T stop that 'darth vader' breathing sound?