How Loud Is a CPAP Machine?
The average CPAP machine produces a noise level of 30 decibels. In comparison, whispering produces around 25 to 30 decibels and quiet refrigerators produce around 40 to 50 decibels.
The air pressure level of a CPAP machine can impact its noise level, with higher pressure creating a louder sound. Other factors like machine type, mask type, and the surface a CPAP machine sits on may also affect noise levels.
How Do You Make a CPAP Machine Quieter?
If your CPAP machine makes noise that interferes with your sleep, try these strategies:
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Regularly clean accessories: Water and other buildup in your mask or tubing may contribute to noise. Clean and dry these on schedule for optimal noise reduction.
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Replace the filter: Changing out the filter regularly is an important part of CPAP maintenance in general, and it can also help your machine run more quietly. A blocked filter or dirt and dust collecting inside the machine may increase the volume.
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Replace supplies on schedule: In addition to the filter, worn out supplies like masks and tubing may also contribute to a higher noise level. Be sure to replace supplies on the schedule provided to you, or sooner if you notice cracks or discoloration.
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Place something under the device: A CPAP machine placed directly onto a hard surface may seem louder than one placed on something that can absorb sound waves. Consider a nightstand cover or tablecloth, a foam pad, or an anti-vibration pad to place between your device and the surface it sits on.
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Move the machine farther away: Even keeping your CPAP device an extra foot away from your bed may make it feel quieter at night. If you're worried about pulling it off the nightstand, you can invest in longer hosing.
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Talk with your doctor: If your machine seems particularly noisy or has recently become louder, tell your doctor. They can check for broken parts or adjustable settings that may make a difference.
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Try other noise-blocking tools: If there's nothing wrong with your machine and you're both cleaning and replacing accessories on schedule, consider other noise-blocking tools. Ear plugs or a white noise machine can drown out the sound of your device and help prevent sleep disruptions.
How Do You Make a CPAP Mask Quieter?
Sometimes the noise you hear from a CPAP machine stems more from the mask than the device’s motor. There are a few approaches you can try to reduce the volume coming from your CPAP mask:
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Clean your mask on schedule: Well-kept supplies perform better and last longer. Clean and dry your mask, headgear, and any other mask-related parts on the schedule recommended by your CPAP mask manufacturer.
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Make sure your mask fits: Your mask shouldn't be too tight or too loose. Adjust straps as necessary to make sure it's a comfortable fit without extra space around your nose, mouth, or head. Check if the full-face mask or nasal pillow mask itself seems to be the right size for your face. If there's extra space or a leak, ill-fitting masks can create extra noise.
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Check for leaks: An air leak coming from your mask or any part of the machine will instantly raise the noise level. While your machine is running and your mask is on, run your around the machine, tubing, and the mask to feel for leaks. Also, regularly check your device's app to see if it reports air leakage.
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Try other mask types: An ill-fitting mask may play a role in loud CPAP sounds. If you think that's the case in your situation, ask your doctor for their opinion and consider trying out other styles of masks to see if they are quieter for you.
What Else Should You Consider When Buying a CPAP Machine?
A CPAP machine's noise can be disruptive, but shouldn't be the only factor you consider when shopping for a CPAP device. Also consider your budget, the features you need, and the mask type that would work best for you.
CPAP Machine Features
Beyond noise level, the comfort features built into a CPAP machine can make a significant difference in how easily you adjust to therapy. Machines with auto-adjusting air pressure (APAP) adapt to your breathing needs and adjust pressure levels throughout the night. Many devices also include a ramp feature, which starts the pressure at a lower level that gradually increases as you fall asleep.
Other features that improve comfort include heated humidifiers and heated tubing, which both help prevent dryness, congestion, and rainout (condensation in the tubing). Additional considerations may include exhalation pressure relief, mask-fit checks, integrated sleep-tracking data, smartphone apps, and travel-friendly modes.
Mask Type
When picking a mask, have your doctor or sleep specialist weigh in on what might best fit your needs. Important considerations include your face shape, whether you breathe through your nose or mouth at night, your preferred sleeping position, and if you have facial hair. The three most common types of CPAP masks are:
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Nasal mask: A nasal mask covers the bridge of your noise to the upper lip and delivers airflow through the nostrils, making it a good option for people who breathe primarily through their nose.
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Nasal pillow mask: Nasal pillows sit directly at the nostril openings and provide a lightweight, minimal-contact option ideal for people who feel claustrophobic with larger masks.
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Full-face mask: A full-face mask covers both the nose and mouth. This mask type is best for people who mouth-breathe during sleep or need higher pressure settings.
Warranty and Trial Period
Finally, consider the warranty that comes with any CPAP machines you're considering, as well as whether or not they're covered by your health insurance. A warranty can save you money not only upfront, but also in the long-term, if the machine has some sort of defect.
Most CPAP machines don’t come with any sort of trial period, so returns are not allowed after the device has been used. Some authorized CPAP sellers let you return the machine for a refund if it’s still in its original packaging.
References
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39273796/
- https://ehs.yale.edu/sites/default/files/files/decibel-level-chart.pdf
- https://www.chem.purdue.edu/chemsafety/Training/PPETrain/dblevels.htm
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https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0003682X16302304
