Which CPAP machines do not use sound abatement foam?

[flogger]

While the focus now is on PR machines recalled due to hazardous foam in the machine’s airflow path, it’s clear that other major manufacturers also use foam in their CPAP machines.  I’ve pasted ResMed’s recent FAQ on this topic below as an example.  While only Philips’ sound abatement foam is now considered hazardous, one has to wonder if other manufacturers will make similar determinations in the future.  As I look to replace my PR machines, I’d rather stay away from foam altogether.  

Does anyone know which modern, reliable machines do not use sound abatement foam in the machine’s air path?

Thanks to all for sharing their perspectives during a difficult time.

—

-Does ResMed have foam in its devices? How do I know my ResMed PAP device is safe?

ResMed devices use two foam materials that are different than the foam material Philips says are in its recalled machines. ResMed devices use polyETHER-urethane or silicone foams for sound abatement; Philips has said it uses PolyESTER-based polyurethane for sound abatement. The foams used by ResMed in its devices are safe for patients when following the device’s instructions for use. ResMed devices are not subject to Philips’ recall.

-Where is ResMed’s foam located? Is it in the airpath as Philips’ reportedly is?

The sound abatement foam ResMed uses in the airpath of its devices is safe for patients to use. The Philips June 2021 recall* does not change our conclusion that ResMed devices are safe for patients to use, when used as directed in the instructions for use.

-Does the airflow of the ResMed AirSense 10 device flow through the foam?

ResMed’s AirSense 10 device contains foam located within the device airpath to minimize noise produced by the device during therapy. Based on the AirSense 10 device design, air can safely pass around or through the foam during therapy, with the majority of air passing around the foam. We have not observed the issues that Philips is reporting with its devices; ResMed devices are safe for patients to use, and are not subject to the Philips June 2021 recall*.

[Ratchick]

Probably none of them, to be honest. People want their CPAPs to be whisper quiet, and that usually means sound abatement foam.

Each individual has to judge what is the bigger risk to them (in combination with their medical professionals) - stopping the use of a machine that as far as we know is causing no harm but may at some point in the future have an as-yet-undiscovered issue or not treating a sleep disorder that can not only drastically affect your quality of life but cause non-trivial health issues with your cardiovascular system, migraines, weight gain, etc. It's going to depend a lot on the severity of your sleep apnea and the symptoms it causes, and whether it can be managed mostly with other lifestyle changes.

CPAP itself isn't inherently risk-free in the first place, regardless of foam issues. It's an invasive medical procedure (albeit one that is generally safe when used correctly).

[Coffee Man]

The AirSense 10 foam is really easy to remove. Did this myself today. The machine sounds exactly the same after removing the foam, so seems like it doesn’t reduce sound anyway.

[Geer1]

Meh, not worried about this although I might be a bit more concerned if I used an ozone cleaning machine since PR says that ozone causes degradation of the foam.

Note how Resmed says "safe for patients when following the device’s instructions for use"

Resmed very clearly says not to use ozone cleaning devices and refuses to warranty damage caused by them.

"With the increased use of ozone devices, ResMed has observed that prolonged and repeated use of an ozone device may eventually cause internal damage to a ResMed machine."

So the question is if you refuse to follow Resmed's instructions and use an ozone cleaning device is their foam still safe? I don't think it matters that much but I will follow their advice and not use ozone.

[AnnettePK]

Near the beginning of this vid shows how to remove the foam from the Resmed Aircurve 10 series.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdtAVk2R_FY

[blanvill]

Hi, 

ResMed AirMini doesn't have sound abatement foam inside. 

Check CPAP Reviews YouTube channel by Nicko, and look at "ResMed AirMini Teardown & Components - No Foam" video (*).

Cheers,
Christian

--

(*) I'm not allowed to put the link as it's my first message on this forum. It's the one that ends with gbCRm8m_kGE

[Joerichmond]

Near the beginning of this vid shows how to remove the foam from the Resmed Aircurve 10 series.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdtAVk2R_FY

I watched another video of his showing the removal in more detail, amazing the difference between this and dream station 2 which is like a design by evil mad doctor. I took mine apart and it's the stupidest design the air is all forced through this foam, like literally almost though a 8 inches of foam it has to travel, where as in the resmed I dont' think the air really has much contact with the foam and there is only a tiny amount. Also the foam in the dreamstation breaks apart.  I would like to make my provider get me another CPAP as I don't think the sleep clinic I bought from should be selling phillips cpaps as they are proven to be bad. They sold the dreamstation to my provider for 2500$ lol.. they are 599 advertised.

The design is really bizarre most anyone knows foam can be dangerous, it can off gas, yet they have 8 inches of tube stuffed with this crappy foam that falls apart that the air is forced through. Nevermind that the new foam has shown to give of formaldehyde. I don't know why a supposed silicone foam has formaldehyde in it? I read a study that varnish gives off of far more formaldehyde than it has "free formaldehyde " in it. So a low free formaldehyde content doesn't make you safe.

[G. Szabo]

Near the beginning of this vid shows how to remove the foam from the Resmed Aircurve 10 series.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdtAVk2R_FY

Indeed. He dismantles an AirCurve 10 but talks about AirSense 10. Do they have the same design?

[Crimson Nape]

Other than the firmware and plastic housing color, they are the exact same machine.
- Red