How do I reduce machine noise with the P30i mask?
I switched from the P10 to the P30i mask a few weeks back, and although I find the P30i to be more comfortable to wear and easier to breathe through, one thing that's been bugging me is the increased machine noise from using this mask. I have my machine on the bottom shelf of an open-back stand next to my bed, and even if I set a couple of pillows in front of the shelf, the noise from the machine is still annoying. I would be fine with it if it was a constant noise, but the noise goes up and down as I inhale and exhale.
I don't think it's a machine problem because the noise goes back down again if I switch back to the P10 mask, and I've only had the machine for about 2 months. I also don't have EPR on, since that makes the noise even worse. Is there something I can tweak with the machine settings to improve the noise?
RE: How do I reduce machine noise with the P30i mask?
@TiredTom111
I use the AS11 and P30i also, I did three things to reduce perceived noise, replaced the humidifier tank with a side cover (thanks Dog Slobber and Red), keep any bedding, headboard, what not at least six inches away from the vent on the elbow of the head frame, keep the frame tube off of the pillow and away from ear when I'm side sleeping (creative folding of pillow edge). I thought the noise was coming from the machine when I first got the set up and asked my wife if the sound was loud enough to bother her. She said she couldn't hear a thing except the light breathing sounds coming from the mask vent at my nose. Most of the sound I was hearing was in the frame and top swivel vent, though to me it sounded like it was coming from farther away in the direction of the machine. Ventriloquist like. That top vent is surprisingly noisy if a sheet, the headboard or a pillow gets near it.
Hope this helps?
RE: How do I reduce machine noise with the P30i mask?
@Sleepy Quixote
I appreciate the feedback. I tried the mask frame on without tightening it much, and it was noticeably quieter. If I put my finger over the top vent for a couple of breaths, it's even quieter. Except for eliminating the humidifier tank (my sinuses would be bone dry without it), I'll give your other suggestions a try. It just seems crazy though that they would make such a noisy mask.
RE: How do I reduce machine noise with the P30i mask?
@TiredTom111
For me the P30i was a game changer. I had a miserable time getting started when it came to finding a mask that didn't drive me crazy, I mean ready to throw the whole kit out the window crazy. DME didn't help by dragging out the mask tryout process, I was literally ready to quit when I purchased the first pillow online outside of DME... the rest as they say is history, lol.
I haven't heard of many people that find the thing noisy, thought I was the only one.
I tend to get more frame noise when I sleep on the right side, haven't figured that one out yet, but it comes and goes. It seems to be a bone conduction thing? can't really put a finger on it, but if I can keep from pinching the frame between the face and bedding it helps.
That top vent is a big offender, as sleep goes along and my head sinks deeper into the pillow, the second anything gets near it you get that hiss. To me it sounds like Darth Vader crawled into bed next to me, my wife looks at me like I'm crazy when I ask yet again "are you sure this thing isn't too noisy?"
Its just so odd as the sound from it seems to come from elsewhere...
As you noted, looser is better, still seals well, just a little more finicky when rolling around.
Remembered another couple of things that help that I pretty much do naturally now and don't even think about, when fitting the thing for sleep just before laying down I grab the junction of the headgear and frame on both sides and pull it equally and firmly forward in a line along the temples and eyes, not so much as to cause leakage but pretty firmly.
Once you get used to situating the thing for less sound be sure to reintegrate EPR into your therapy, its an excellent tool for reducing Flow Limitations, lower flow limits means fewer pressure changes which = better sleep. For me anyway.
Good luck, keep at it, that's how we get good at it!
