Exhalation Vents in Mask are loud! Help!

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
WNJ
Posts: 264
Joined: Fri Jan 06, 2006 9:35 pm
Location: Southeast Ohio

Re: Exhalation Vents in Mask are loud! Help!

Post by WNJ » Tue Mar 13, 2007 4:00 am

Skodobah wrote:. . .Or should I try an APAP unit? Just wondering if that emits less exhalation noise pressure through the mask. . .
I think that is a possibility.

I too was titrated at 13 cm and I have problems with leakage (not normal exhaust noise) at that pressure. With leakage around the UMFF mask from the higher pressure, I would often be awakened by the disgusting little noises coming from the seal of my mask and my face.

I now use an APAP set at 10 to 14 cm. From reading the smartcard data, I find that I’m spending the majority of the night at 10 with occasional spikes to 13 or so as the machine determines that I need it. I'm rarely awakened by the noises now. And when I am awakened, I just hit the ramp button and it turns the pressure back down to 10 so I can go back to sleep.

It’s remarkable what a difference a slight drop in pressure has (for me at least) in leakage and the resulting noise.

If you are able to adjust your machine, you might want to try an experiment. Set the machine temporarily at 10 or so, lie down with the mask on at that pressure, and see if it significantly reduces the exhaust noise from your mask. If so, APAP may be worth a try. If not, a different mask may be a better choice.

Wayne


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Mask: Ultra Mirage™ Full Face CPAP Mask with Headgear
Additional Comments: APAP w/CFlex @ 10 cm to 14 cm