Reduce CPAP Machine Noise: Effective Tips & Solutions

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.