My machine "whistles" on exhalation--makin' me nut

GoodnightHoser · Post by **GoodnightHoser** » Tue May 20, 2008 12:14 pm

I a struggling newbie (about 6 weeks since diagnosis). I am just STARTING to get adjusted but my machine (a ResMed Elite S8?) is making me crazy. It starts out pretty quiet but by the time it ramps up to 10 it lets out this high pitched "whine" every time I exhale. The more I try to ignore it the more it bothers me and I have to either start it over or fling it off. Doesn't seem to bother my poor husband though he is "aware" of it. Am I doing something wrong? Is there anything I can do to stop the whistling?

bearcatx16 · Post by **bearcatx16** » Tue May 20, 2008 1:04 pm

GnH:

I have the same machine(s) and I have not experienced a whine, whistle, burb, etc. from either of my machines. Have your husband check to see if the noise may be coming from a hose connection or small leak in the hose, leaky mask or from what part of the machine the noise is coming from. Is the HH, if used, attached and seated properly w/the lid "clicked" in place. Is the filter in right or something obstructing either the intake or output of the machine. That's all I can think of outside of a defective machine. Hang in there, it'll get resolved.

Good luck,

Fred

Panhandler · Post by **Panhandler** » Tue May 20, 2008 1:08 pm

Can you tell where the whistle is coming from? If you put it on and let it run for a while, will it do it while you're awake?

If you can localize the source of the sound, you can start troubleshooting. Is it a function of pressure, i.e. it sounds when the pressure is at or above a certain level? Or does it start after you've been using it for a certain period of time?

My F&P Infinity 'mask' has a very annoying whistle that drove me crazy for a while. It could do several notes, not in tune. I finally figured out that it was the exhaust vents, which are a bunch of tiny holes that are very quiet when dry, but when moist, they whistle. Turning down the humidifier keeps 'em quiet. I think the surface tension of the water forms a 'bubble' in the vent hole, and the whistling is the sound of that bursting and reforming hundreds of times each second.

You may have a tiny leak that either whistles on it's own, or when it gets damp. I don't know your machine, but if you can narrow down the source of the noise look carefully at any connections in that area.

You might also be hearing fan noise, but I doubt you'd have described that as a whistle.

JeffH · Post by **JeffH** » Tue May 20, 2008 1:27 pm

ear plugs do wonders for the strange sounds of the night. I've used them for years as has my GF.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue May 20, 2008 1:53 pm

Get a fan or a white noise machine so you can focus on that noise, instead of your machine. Helped me get over the noise issue.
B.

alnhwrd · Post by **alnhwrd** » Tue May 20, 2008 2:27 pm

Mine whistles occasionally, like you say on exhale. Like Babette says, a fan or some kind of white noise makes it blend right in. I have used a fan for years and only notice it once in a while.

One night I couldn't sleep and got it to play "Jingle Bells". But I was really bored.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue May 20, 2008 2:29 pm

Jingle bells????? You Hood River folks.... Must be all that good micro brew and wind surfing.

LOL,
Babs

Merilee · Post by **Merilee** » Tue May 20, 2008 2:55 pm

GnH, are you using EPR? I am also a newbie. I've been using the Resmed S8 Elite for 3 1/2 wks at 9 cm pressure. I also noticed a whistling sound that was in sync with my breathing. I am used to having the TV on sleep timer, so I don't need complete silence, but there was something about the whining noise in sync with my breathing which was really annoying to me even with the TV still on. It wasn't bothering my husband at all though. I checked all the connections and then somewhere I read a suggestion that the noise is worse with EPR on because of the changes in motor speed when it changes the pressure or something like that. I gradually reduced the EPR setting until I figured out that I really don't need the EPR at my pressure setting (although I don't think I could do without the ramp feature), and the whining is less noticeable on mine with the EPR off. Of course, if you're already not using EPR or can't do without it, then this may not be the answer for you. I hope you're able to get it resolved.

GoodnightHoser · Post by **GoodnightHoser** » Tue May 20, 2008 3:16 pm

[quote="Merilee"]GnH, are you using EPR? I am also a newbie. I've been using the Resmed S8 Elite for 3 1/2 wks at 9 cm pressure. I also noticed a whistling sound that was in sync with my breathing. I am used to having the TV on sleep timer, so I don't need complete silence, but there was something about the whining noise in sync with my breathing which was really annoying to me even with the TV still on. It wasn't bothering my husband at all though. I checked all the connections and then somewhere I read a suggestion that the noise is worse with EPR on because of the changes in motor speed when it changes the pressure or something like that. I gradually reduced the EPR setting until I figured out that I really don't need the EPR at my pressure setting (although I don't think I could do without the ramp feature), and the whining is less noticeable on mine with the EPR off. Of course, if you're already not using EPR or can't do without it, then this may not be the answer for you. I hope you're able to get it resolved.
Thanks Merilee-my EPR is on 3-I'll try turning it down. I am at a pressure of 10 -twisted the respiratory therapists arm til she turned it down from 12 when I got it. I'm sure glad folks like you are out there for me!

NotthatBob · Post by **NotthatBob** » Tue May 20, 2008 5:01 pm

I had exactly the same problem with the Elite. That's why I had to go back to the Compact which, unfortunately, is not data capable. There is some variance between machines of the same make and model. I tried 3 Compacts before I got one that was quiet.

freepostg · Post by **freepostg** » Tue May 20, 2008 8:43 pm

I find with the swift 2 that if the mask exhaust ports are even slightly blocked by the slider, it will whistle as well. I would bet it's mask related..

Fredman · Post by **Fredman** » Tue May 20, 2008 9:14 pm

Probably still under warranty...return it and ask for a Respironics unit...but then again they have leaky HH tanks!

Oh boy joking aside, it shouldn't make that sound. Why live with it, manufacturers only learn to deal with shoddy performance and workmanship when they get a lot of product returns or the word on the street gets loud enough that they hear it in the boardroom....

But you as the consumer and the patient need not be subject to faulty equipment. Your DME should support you.

Where's Ralph Nader when you need him...is he still credible

dsm · Post by **dsm** » Wed May 21, 2008 3:11 pm

Possibilities

1) If water gathers at the air vent holes (humidity set too high) you will get whistling from them.

2) The S8 is geberally very quiet but if you can hear motor whine then you should take it back under warranty.

Good luck

DSM

j.a.taylor · Post by **j.a.taylor** » Wed May 21, 2008 4:36 pm

freepostg wrote:. . . I would bet it's mask related . . .

Goodnight,

All of the above advice is good, and there could be many reasons for your machine whistle.

I would suggest contacting your DME about a trade in masks. I've noticed a change in whistle just based on the different masks I've used.

If you still notice the whistle after a change in mask, then I'd suggest a swap in machines. Occasionally, even ResMed produces a buggy one .

[Snoredog insert your comment here]

sthnreb · Post by **sthnreb** » Wed May 21, 2008 9:31 pm

You need the problem corrected and not covered up with sound machines or other methods. If it is less than 30 days old, you can return it for a refund and replace it. After 30 days you get a refurbished machine that willd probably be the same problem. Email provider and manufacturer and ask them also. Good luck with the problem. It would keep me awake too.

Mask

Additional Comments: Equipment isn't correct, S9 ASV w/H5i

Machine

Additional Comments: Resmed AirCurve 10 VAuto BiLevel with HumidAir