How to Fix a Noisy CPAP Machine

Key Takeaways

• About 40% of people who use a CPAP machine complain about the noise, which can disrupt sleep and may make people want to quit using it.
• CPAP noise can come from the fan in the machine or air leaks around tubing connections and your mask.
• To quiet a noisy CPAP machine, check your mask fit, replace any worn or dirty parts, and place your machine on a CPAP mat or under your bed.

Common Causes of a Noisy CPAP Machine

A CPAP has several connected parts, all of which can make extra noise when not working properly.

Air Leaks

Air leaks typically happen around a CPAP’s mask or tubing connections. Air can escape in places your CPAP mask comes into contact with your skin, and this can make noise comparable to a strong wind blowing through an almost-closed window. It can also create a vibration. Mask leaks can also happen because of a poor fit or worn cushions, which should be replaced every 2 to 4 weeks.

If you hear a whistling sound, it may point to an air movement issue in other areas of your CPAP machine:

• Blocked air inlet
• Poor tubing connection
• Crooked or missing humidifier seals
• Missing or dislodged humidifier or humidifier lid

Machine Placement Issues

Sound bounces off hard surfaces, which can increase the volume of CPAP noise. If your CPAP machine rests on a firm end table or hard flooring, its noise and vibrations can reverberate from those surfaces, as well as nearby items like bed frames or walls. It also makes a difference how far away you keep your CPAP. If you place the device right next to your face, the sound may get distracting. However, this doesn’t mean you should place your CPAP on a pillow or comforter — these materials are flammable and pose a safety risk when used to support a CPAP machine.

Dirty or Worn Components

Several components make up a CPAP system, including the mask, tubing, motor, air filter, and humidifier. If any of these parts become dirty or worn down, they can make noise. For example, your CPAP manual may tell you to check for clogged filters, a crack in the humidifier tub, or moisture buildup in your tubing. 

Besides these components, the CPAP machine elements themselves, like ducts, fans, and blowers, can get old and start making noise. CPAP machines can last a long time (up to a decade or more) if properly maintained, but insurance companies typically cover a replacement every 5 years.

Pressure-Related Noise

Air moving through a small space with force makes noise, like when you whistle a tune. As a CPAP machine pushes pressurized air through tubing, it can sometimes make whistling or rushing sounds, especially when air leaks. Higher pressures may create more noise.

Bilevel devices (BiPAP) can create more noise as the pressure changes from inhalation to exhalation. If you use an APAP machine, which adjusts air pressure throughout the night, you may actually notice less noise unless you have an air leak.

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How to Fix a Noisy CPAP Machine

If your CPAP makes too much noise and prevents you from sleeping well, you have some options.

Check and Improve Mask Fit

First, check to make sure your mask fits well against your face. If your tubing pulls on the mask and creates a leak, you can purchase a CPAP tubing holder, or try a DIY solution: lay your tubing on your chest and place a blanket over it to keep it in place. 

Sometimes sleeping propped up on more pillows can also prevent leaks. Air can sometimes escape through worn mask cushions, so be sure to replace them as instructed per your manual — typically every 2 weeks.

If nothing seems to fix that noisy air leak around your mask, you can talk to your doctor about sizing, mask adjustments, or changing your mask type. They can ensure you have the right size, help readjust your straps, or recommend an alternative mask if needed, like a nasal mask that fits over the nose without covering the mouth or a nasal pillow mask that fits in your nostrils.

In some cases, noise occurs because part of the mask (often a filter or connection joint) has fallen off or not been properly replaced after cleaning.

Inspect and Replace Tubing

For CPAP noise that originates from your tubing, first check all tubing connections and conditions. If either the CPAP tubing or humidifier tubes are loose, tightening them should improve sound levels. Replace any tubing that looks cracked or otherwise damaged. As a general rule, the tubing should be replaced every 3 months to ensure proper function.

Another common tubing problem is rainout: the collection of excess condensation inside. This happens when humidified air in the tubing reacts to cool air outside, and can affect how well your CPAP works. If you experience rainout, you can try one of these options:

• Decrease your humidifier setting
• Use heated tubing or increase the tubing temperature setting
• Increase the temperature of your bedroom
• Insulate your tubing with a tubing cover or blanket  

Clean and Maintain Your CPAP Equipment

Keeping your CPAP equipment clean and up-to-date can help it run more smoothly with less noise. Most CPAP providers recommend changing out your mask every 3 months and cleaning your mask, tubing, and headgear at least once a week. You can usually clean hoses, masks, and humidifier tanks with mild soap and water by submerging them, but always follow your manufacturer’s instructions.

Each supplier may recommend a slightly different schedule, but Medicare offers replacement parts on this timeline:

Dirty CPAP equipment can also introduce bacteria into your airways. Although no research shows this affects noise, it may rarely cause illness. When you order your CPAP through Sleep Doctor, our experts can guide you on the right time to replace your supplies and help you order more with ease.

Reduce Vibration and Sound

Manufacturer manuals typically recommend setting your CPAP onto a firm, flat surface away from anything too hot or cold. For CPAPs that vibrate and reverberate off hard surfaces by your bed, you can purchase a CPAP mat to muffle machine noise at night. Be sure to avoid placing your CPAP machine onto carpet, fabric, or anything flammable. Experts also recommend placing your CPAP under your bed to dull noise, if needed.

When CPAP Noise May Signal a Bigger Problem

No CPAP is silent. Even in their quietest modes, CPAP machines produce about 25 to 30 dB of sound. For reference, a normal conversation runs at about 60 dB. If a noisy CPAP prevents good sleep for you or your bed partner, you may need to get your unit checked out. You may just need a new piece of equipment, but in some cases, the full machine may need to be replaced. 

A durable medical equipment provider or manufacturer’s customer service representative can help you figure out if the sound is coming from the escape of airflow or a mechanical problem. For example, a whistle may point to an airflow issue at your tubing connections or around the humidifier chamber. 

These individuals can also let you know about any device recalls on your equipment. For example, in June 2021 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recalled select Philips Respironics CPAP devices because noise-reducing foam along the air pathway was potentially breaking loose, traveling into the tubing, and users could be breathing it in or swallowing it. To stay safe with your CPAP, let your doctor know about any sudden or worsening noises coming from your machine.

When to Talk to Your Doctor or Equipment Provider

If you have tried the tips above and worked through the troubleshooting steps in your manual, but the noise still persists, it’s time to call your doctor or equipment provider. A noisy CPAP machine can make you want to quit your therapy. If you take breaks to escape the disruptive sounds, your therapy may not work as well. Your provider can recommend a fix, replacement, or upgrade based on your device’s specific issue.