Breas Z1 noise problems -- two questions

Hello. I am new to the forums but not to using a CPAP (dx 2011). My main machine is currently a Resmed Airsense 10 with a wisp mask, pressure 10. It eliminates my sleep apnea, I generally have no problem with therapy. (I am having a problem with Cigna approving a new machine due to my current one's humidifier being out and intermittent outages, but that's another story.)

I was looking for a travel CPAP to reduce bulk, particularly when camping, so I recently purchased a Breas Z1 travel CPAP new in package (someone had it sitting around) for a fair price.

It fits the smaller size requirement and meets my therapy needs ok, and runs 1 full night on an relatively inxepensive Talentcell 12 V / 38400 mAh battery, however, it is noisy, especially compared to my airsense 10. My battery solution for the Airsense is a 24v lead SLA battery which is heavy and bulky, even for car camping.

The masks I have tried are the Phillips Wisp and F&P Zest.

I have also tried the "Qtube" Breas puts out and it doesn't make a difference.

1) Has anyone used a mask that is less noisy with the Z1 or will it not make a difference?

2) Is there a way to SHUT OFF (not put on lowest setting) the expiatory relief on the Z1? The constant noise is loud, but eventually could be tuned out, perhaps, as it is white noise. The change in volume and tone on the inhale and exhale is proving especially problematic for my tentmates and I.

Thank you for any assistance, especially for someone new to the firum.

C

Is the pandemic over?
Your teammates might insist on you having a separate tent.

The Airsense 10 is larger so it has room for insulation...The Z1 has little if any.

I assume you got the z1 because you are backpacking?
If so, everybody is roughing it--earplugs for the complainers.

LSAT wrote: ↑

Mon Sep 21, 2020 9:43 am

The Airsense 10 is larger so it has room for insulation...The Z1 has little if any.

Thank you, that makes sense. I saw a bunch of reviews on youtube and internet forums saying it was quiet, I guess "quiet" is subjective.

Any idea on if the expiatory relief can be disabled?

You might check to see if the exhale relief thing is addressed in the provider/clinical manual.
If you don't have that manual you can get it here.
https://www.apneaboard.com/adjust-cpap- ... tup-manual

Beware: per reports of paid shills, the online reviews are often fictional.

I know this thread is a bit old, but since I own a Z2 Auto, I will post a couple of tips.

1. You cannot turn off the EPR Z-Breath feature. If you could, that might help, but they have no plans to do that.
2. The biggest factor is the hose. I bought one of the collapsing travel hoses on Amazon. It looks really flimsy, but it worked good, and made a major difference in the noise at the mask.
3. Without blocking the intake, you may be able to position the unit in a nightstand drawer, or place it behind a towel or pillow to muffle the sound. Use common sense for the ventilation.
4. Mask the noise. I had to use my Z2 for months when my Resmed unit was out for repair. Fortunately, is was during the Summer, and we had a portable A/C unit in the bedroom. My wife had been very sensitive to the noise, but while running the A/C , it was not an issue.

All portable units are a bit noisy compared to the best units from Resmed, Respronics, etc...

jsmit86 wrote: ↑

Sun Oct 25, 2020 4:46 pm

I know this thread is a bit old, but since I own a Z2 Auto, I will post a couple of tips.

1. You cannot turn off the EPR Z-Breath feature. If you could, that might help, but they have no plans to do that.
2. The biggest factor is the hose. I bought one of the collapsing travel hoses on Amazon. It looks really flimsy, but it worked good, and made a major difference in the noise at the mask.
3. Without blocking the intake, you may be able to position the unit in a nightstand drawer, or place it behind a towel or pillow to muffle the sound. Use common sense for the ventilation.
4. Mask the noise. I had to use my Z2 for months when my Resmed unit was out for repair. Fortunately, is was during the Summer, and we had a portable A/C unit in the bedroom. My wife had been very sensitive to the noise, but while running the A/C , it was not an issue.

All portable units are a bit noisy compared to the best units from Resmed, Respronics, etc...

Thank you! I really appreciate the helpful respomse. I'm unfamiliar with the collapsible travel hose, can you send me a link? The noise is mainly at the mask I think.

clwstl wrote: ↑

Sun Oct 25, 2020 4:59 pm

I'm unfamiliar with the collapsible travel hose, can you send me a link? The noise is mainly at the mask I think.

I think it is this hose

https://www.cpap.com/productpage/innote ... -cpap-hose

Available also on Amazon at a lower price I think. Probably also can be found on EBay.
I hadn't heard that it helps with noise reduction but that doesn't mean much. I haven't looked or tried it.
Originally designed as a space saver for travel and not just for the tiny travel machines.

I have a Z1 and it is noisier than full-size machine. I find the Q tube does help, And you should experiment with using it at either end of the hose. I also have an antibacterial filter that further drops the noise level. I use it with a Resmed p10, and find it a little noisy but tolerable. Another trick is to get a longer hose so the machine if further away, or tuck the machine behind a pillow (don't block the air intake).

Also, check out this great thread:viewtopic/t173795/HDM-Z1-Auto-Travel-cp ... eview.html

remstarcpap wrote: ↑

Thu Oct 29, 2020 12:31 am

I have a Z1 and it is noisier than full-size machine. I find the Q tube does help, And you should experiment with using it at either end of the hose. I also have an antibacterial filter that further drops the noise level. I use it with a Resmed p10, and find it a little noisy but tolerable. Another trick is to get a longer hose so the machine if further away, or tuck the machine behind a pillow (don't block the air intake).

Also, check out this great thread:viewtopic/t173795/HDM-Z1-Auto-Travel-cp ... eview.html

Thank you for the advice, particularly about the Qtube. I only tried it as recommended. How do you have yours rigged?

ETA: That thread is very helpful, thank you.

I think that I used it close to the machine,, and it does help. But it's not a miracle.. Compared to my ResMed S9 machine the Z1 is definitely quite a bit noisier, but it is truly tiny. And the power adapter is also tiny.. This summer during our California fires we had a lot of power outages, and the power shell battery came in very handy the two nights that we had power outages during the night. I eventually built a battery backup for my main machine but I was appreciative of the Z1 for those first two nights.

But I feel your pain. It would be great if there was actually a tiny machine that was quiet. But that may defy the laws of physics. The truth is that if I split my S9 and remove the humidifier, it's probably only twice the size of the Z1, but infinitely more comfortable and more quiet. Since neither has humidified air, there's no loss there.

Good luck to you!

remstarcpap wrote: ↑

Thu Oct 29, 2020 11:47 am

I think that I used it close to the machine,, and it does help. But it's not a miracle.. Compared to my ResMed S9 machine the Z1 is definitely quite a bit noisier, but it is truly tiny. And the power adapter is also tiny.. This summer during our California fires we had a lot of power outages, and the power shell battery came in very handy the two nights that we had power outages during the night. I eventually built a battery backup for my main machine but I was appreciative of the Z1 for those first two nights.

But I feel your pain. It would be great if there was actually a tiny machine that was quiet. But that may defy the laws of physics. The truth is that if I split my S9 and remove the humidifier, it's probably only twice the size of the Z1, but infinitely more comfortable and more quiet. Since neither has humidified air, there's no loss there.

Good luck to you!

Thank you! I will try adding the Qtube right next to the machine, where should I put the humidifer exchange thing? Right next to the mask?

Yes, next to the mask.