Short answer: No, your sleep apnea machine shouldn’t be loud! As the Mayo Clinic states, “Most new models of CPAP devices are almost silent.” But this doesn’t mean there can’t still be some issues with your machine that keep you from having a restful and quiet night sleep.
The motor of your sleep apnea machine sounds similar to a very quiet vacuum cleaner. Most people can adjust quickly to this white noise because it is consistent. But you can run into problems if there are changes in consistency to the noise or obstructions causing the machine to emit abnormal sounds. (Because white noise is way easier to tune out than an irregularly dripping faucet!)
Read on to find out how to get the best night sleep possible with your sleep apnea machine, even if you are a sound-sensitive, light sleeper!
The Adjustment Period
It’s worth noting that people perceive sound differently. What is imperceptible to one person might keep another up all night. But advancements in technology have brought some super-silent machines on the market that are right around the 26 decibel mark. For comparison, rustling leaves register at 20db.
Even for machines that are slightly louder than these new models, sleeping comfortably with a CPAP machine on is more about adjusting to this new sound and making sure it is consistent in volume than the actual decibel volume. It is usually alterations in noise that wakes us up, not consistent noise.
There is an adjustment period with any new noise introduced into your sleeping habits, so be patient! Soon you’ll forget the CPAP machine is even on because you’ll be so used to its sound.
Adjustable Machines
Some sleep apnea machines adjust pressure based on whether you are inhaling or exhaling. There are trade offs here between comfort and sound. Since the pressure changes, it makes exhaling more comfortable. But at the same time, the noise of your machine will fluctuate along with the pressure. Will the CPAP machine sound like a steady vent or ocean waves? It just depends on the model.
Make sure that these small changes in decibel level based on inhaling/exhaling won’t bother you before making this purchase!
Maintenance
It is important to keep your filters, hose, and all other parts of your machine clean at all times. Usually, when there is an obstruction of dust or grime in the machine, this can cause the machine to run much louder than it was designed to!
Cleaning the machine not only keeps it at that “library whisper” level of quiet, but it keeps those unwanted invaders out of your lungs as well.
Location
If the hose to your sleep apnea machine is long, use that to your advantage! Keeping the entire machine (where the bulk of the noise comes from) right near your head while you sleep doesn’t make sense if you long for more silence.
Stick it in a closet, across the room, or behind a piece of furniture if the sound really bothers you. You can also connect two hoses together in order to keep the machine as far away from your bed as possible!
The bottom line is the CPAP is supposed to make your sleep way better, not way louder.
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