The truth is nothing is worse than a noisy Continuous Positive Air Pressure (CPAP) machine. In this article, we’ll go over the following topics.
- Are Cpap machines loud?
- Cpap Machine Making High Pitched Noise
- Quiet Cpap machine
- How to make a Cpap machine quieter
Let’s dive right in!
While a CPAP machine is supposed to improve the quality of your sleep, the noise generated by these machines can make it impossible for you to get a good night’s sleep.
But because everyone perceives sound differently, what could be considered quiet by another person can be loud for you. When finding the most silent machine for a good night of rest and quiet therapy, here are some tips to keep in mind.
Are Cpap Machines Loud?
CPAP machines come with a sound decibel (dB) rating specified by the manufacturer. 90% CPAP machines are rated 30 decibels, which can be compared to the sound of raindrops. For better understanding:
- 20dB is like soft rustling leaves or whisper
- 40dB the sound of a humming refrigerator
- Snoring can be as loud as 60-90 decibels
Did you know what can be louder than snoring?
- Chainsaws (100 decibels)
- Vacuum cleaners (70 decibels)
Sometimes snoring can be as loud as household chores, i.e., laundry. However your perception of sound and the conditions in the room where you sleep can make it hard for you to gauge.
When a person switches to a new machine, it often sounds louder even when it’s not. Every CPAP machine has its unique sonic quality, even when having the same decibel rating.
Cpap Machine Making High Pitched Noise
While two different machines may have the same decibel rating, the sonic quality (sound pitch) may make some users perceive the sound as loud.
For example, Transcend and DreamStation Go.
While rated at only 26 decibels, some people don’t like the high pitched sounds the Transcend makes. But that varies from person to person.
DreamStation Go is rated 30 decibels (louder than most other machines, but some people will be comfortable while others won’t.
Sometimes, it takes time to get used to the new sound.
Sometimes background noise doesn’t have to be bad. For example, some people are productive in a moderately noisy environment, and those same people can fall asleep with a little noise.
A List of 6 Quiet Cpap machine
The quietest CPAP machines on the market today have less than 30 decibels. Here is a list of the quiet CPAP machines and in no particular order.
1. AirSense 10 AutoSet
Designed and manufactured by ResMed, the AirSense 10 is rated 26.6 dBA and gets positive reviews from different users for its quiet operation.
Not only is it quiet, but it’s also one of the best CPAP machines you can get today. It may help reduce the number of doctor visits. Some of its unique features include:
- Automatic pressure adjustments
- Built-in real water humidifier
- Optional ClimateLineAir Heated tube
- Expiratory Pressure Relief (EPR)
- Advanced-Data options, My Options Color LCD Display, and an AutoSet Algorithm, it’s easy to see why this machine is highly recommended.
2. DreamStation Auto CPAP Machine
The DreamStation by Philips Respironics boasts a sleek user-friendly design. It has multiple advanced features such as SmartRamp, Bluetooth connectivity, and OptiStart.
An optional DreamStation Heated Humidifier is available to help increase comfort by adding moisture and heat to the therapy air.
The machine is only rated 25.8 decibels and hence considered almost whisper quiet. Some of the features of this machine include:
- 5 dBA, thus considered whisper quiet.
- OptionStart Technology
- Optional heated humidifier
- Simple controls
- 45-Minute Ramp
If your bed partner is easily annoyed by a noisy CPAP machine, the DreamStation may be the answer. It’s quieter than most leading CPAP machines today.
3. Z1 Auto Travel CPAP Machine
The Z1 CPAP is one of the quietest travel CPAP machines on the market today with a noise rating of 26 dBA.
Because it’s designed for traveling, it’s also the lightest CPAP available. It boasts advanced features such as Z-Breath exhalation relief and Nitelog data viewable on mobile devices. Such features make the Z1 Auto an excellent option for home use and travel use.
However, user reviews vary on the sound levels, with some users reporting they found it loud while others claiming that their partner found the machine noise a bit noisy.
It’s a compact design for traveling, and affordability still makes the Z1 auto a great choice.
4. Transcend Auto Mini CPAP Machine
If you’re looking for something small you can use at home or when traveling while offering a whisper-quiet operation, this Transcend mini CPAP will provide you with precisely that and much more.
The unit has a sound rating of 26.6 dB, and it’s one of the smallest Auto CPAP machines on the market today.
While it’s not commonly used as the first choice for regular use, this is what you’ll need when you need a machine that you can stash in your backpack without weighing you down.
Some of the unique features with this unit include Auto-Adjusting Technology and EZEX Pressure Relief.
5. IntelliPAP AutoAdjust CPAP Machine
The IntelliPAP is a silent machine backed by a five-year warranty. It’s designed for use at home and when traveling.
The AutoAdjust and SmartFlex feature provide exhalation relief with smooth, transitioning pressure when required.
Some of its top features include backlit LCD screen, easy to follow user menu, an optional integrated heated humidifier, and SmartCode compliance tracking.
How to Make a Cpap Machine Quieter
Different factors can influence how loud or quiet your CPAP machine is to you. Below are some of the things you can do to quiet your CPAP machine.
a) Replace filter regularly
It’s important to replace the filter unit frequently. This not only helps reduce noise levels but also helps improve the performance of your machine.
Additionally, the filter also keeps dust and dirt out of your device motor hence prolonging the lifespan of your machine too.
b) Keep the CPAP away from your ears
In most cases, placing the machine below the ear level can significantly reduce the noise.
Place it below your bed, and you’ll notice significant reduction in noise and vibrations. You can also opt for a CPAP machine with a longer hose so that your machine can be placed under and fat away from your bed.
However, remember that a longer hose increases the chances of a rainout when using a humidifier with your machine.
c) Use a CPAP with an integrated Humidifier
According to user reviews collected online, machines that have optional humidifier are reviewed as loud.
As a result, some users resolve in using machines with standalone humidifiers that can be placed far from the device itself.
A quieter option can be a CPAP with an integrated humidifier because the sound is condensed significantly when the humidifier is attached.
d) Use a Quiet Mask
You’ll be surprised to learn that the noise you hear at night is as a result of air traveling through the hose into your mask.
Your CPAP might be quiet, but your mask could be the culprit. Opt for quiet mask for quieter therapy sessions.
e) Place the machine on a soft machine
At times the pressure settings or your breathing patterns may result in a louder machine.
Lower the noise problems and intensity of vibrations by placing it on a thick towel or foam pad to reduce the noise.
f) Try a CPAP muffler
Just like a performance muffler for your car, the Q-Tube Inline CPAP Muffler Kit will help dramatically dampen the sound produced by air as it moves through the hose to the mask.
This helps reduce noise, and your machine becomes quieter than you ever thought.
Final Thoughts on Making A CPAP Machine Quieter
Although we all have a different perception of sound, it’s possible to find a quieter CPAP machine or make one truly silent to allow your partner enjoy some good night rest.
Try the tips given above for a quieter therapy session or consider upgrading your noise machine with one of the most silent CPAP machines.