I’ve been using a CPAP machine for 20 years; until recently, I was using a Philips Respironics Remstar. About a month ago, my doctor prescribed a new machine, and the supplier furnished an AirSense 10 Autoset. I’ve had a few minor mask-fitting issues, but more concerning are my wife’s complaints. She says it’s the noisiest machine she’s heard, and the air blowing from the mask is very annoying.
Does anyone have similar issues, and, more importantly, solutions? Thanks.
Based on my experience it should be hard to hear the AirSense 10. I can hear mine slightly when I first go to bed and my breaths are deeper, and you can hear the machine respond as it tries to keep pressure constant. As I relax the noise pretty much goes away. The machine is on the bedside table right beside my head. I don't hear my wife's machine which is a ResMed S9, but I do hear her mask leaking sometimes if it dislodges. She uses a nasal mask, and I can also hear the air leak out of her mouth if she opens it in the night. I've now got her convinced to do the mouth taping trick like I do and that noise source is gone for both of us.
Do you have an option to locate the machine a bit further away? I would think most noise would come from the air intake which is on the left side. If you could face the machine toward the bed so the air inlet faces the wall it may be a bit quieter. I see from the comparison charts that the AirSense is rated at 27 dB compared to the DreamStation which is 26 dB. However, the human ear usually needs a 3 dB difference minimum to detect a difference. So the noise should be essentially the same.
Did you change mask types when you got the new machine? Some masks are definitely noisier than others. I tried the AirFit F20 for a while, and it was not a real quiet mask. I see now that ResMed has released a different mask elbow for it with what they call a QuietAir vent system. Unfortunately it seems it only fits the two F20 masks though. I use the AirFit P10 nasal pillow mask and find it very quiet. I believe it is rated at 21 dB like this new QuietAir vent. Other masks can be 24 dB or higher...
I would get it switched out. I have the Resmed AirSense 10. I started therapy about 9 weeks ago. I have had a lot of issues with leaks, I went with the REMzees to take care of this after I switched to a Full face mask. That seemed to help for a while. Then last week I had an episode where I actually woke up on the floor, due to the fact I believe that I could not breathe. There was also an instance where I was awake and I could not breathe. That happened more than once. I have been very consistent about using the machine, so I went back to the Medical Equipment company where I got it. They gave me a new machine and so far so good. I also would add it was very noisy, just as you describe. I hope this helps, I spoke with an RT that did not believe me, however the woman working the desk knows me and intervened, turned out well for me. Good luck!