The AirMini uses a high speed smaller fan to achieve the same pressures as an AirSense 10. The problem with this
is that the fan generates more noise and combined with the airflow, increased noise is generated in the pipe
(put the pipe to your ear to hear). This noise also exits from any vents (but it's not the humidifier chamber generating it).
Using the Q-Tube muffler results in a 10db improvement which is about 1/2 the noise level.
In comparison to a standard AirSense 10 with a P10 mask, it is about 1/2 again, so for Noise levels:
AirSense 10 with P10: 1X (using this as the baseline)
AirMini with AirMiniP10 and Muffler: 2X
AirMini with AirMiniP10: 4X
Having the humidifier in the AirMiniP10 mask or not made little difference.
Credit for the original idea this is based on Q-Tube Muffler / Adapter however this design is completely from scratch.
The differences between the original idea and this is:
- It allows the masks that come with the AirMini to work with the Q-Tube Muffler
- Male AND Female to 22mm Male Adapters
- Female Coupler for 22mm to 22mm
- Rubber gasket for Female Adapter (i.e. same approach as airmini to get a good seal)
- Rubber gasket to prevent the clips breaking on the Male Adapter and provide retention
- It's a parametric design using OpenScad, i.e. you can change it if you need different tolerances or adapters
Future improvements.... I plan on designing a 3D printed muffler to improve noise reduction further if there's interest.
The intention of this is to allow the use of the standard AirMini masks with the muffler. However it will also allow the
use of other masks (unintentionally). Warning: Other masks may not have the required Carbon Dioxide exhaust or produce the same throughput/pressure with the AirMini's high velocity fan. The AirMini has a small high velocity fan, which is why it only works with certain masks. I.E. You use this design completely at your own risk and you could suffocate or not get your prescribed therapy. Consult your DME.
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