How to Reduce CPAP Noise

If you have obstructive sleep apnea, your airway collapses and you are deprived of oxygen several times an hour while you sleep. This potentially deadly condition is treated with a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. Newer machines are very quiet (about 30 decibels), but if the noise bothers you, there are steps you can take to reduce it.

Instructions

• 1

  Block or disguise the noise with a fan, white noise machine, relaxing music or foam earplugs.

• 2

  Place your machine below ear level or on the floor. Buy longer tubing and put your CPAP at the foot of the bed, in a cabinet, closet or another room. Allow plenty of ventilation around the machine so it can access fresh air and heat can escape.

• 3

  Put a mouse pad or other foam under a machine that does not have bottom vents. Set a folded towel on top of the machine to block light and noise.

• 4

  Keep your filter clean and prevent dust buildup around it.

• 5

  Hire a medical equipment provider to adjust the machine or suggest a device designed to make it quieter. Ask the tech to alter the settings on a variable pressure machine to change its sound pattern.

• 6

  Try different masks and get a newer, quieter one. If you're a side-sleeper, a nasal pillow mask may stay on, seal better and be less noisy than a regular nasal mask.

• 7

  Replace an old machine with a quieter one. Read online reviews and forums. Ask your DME tech to demonstrate various machines and masks.