My mask is whistling

[iSnooze]

I've been on cpap therapy for 16 months. The first 8 months I used a full face mask and then moved on to a Resmed Mirage Micro nasal mask. For almost 8 months, things were fine. Then about 2 or 3 weeks ago, my mask started to whistle. Someone else on this form said they returned theirs because it whistled. At that time I didn't know what they meant. Now I do.

A few weeks ago my mask started making a whistling sound. I needed to either readjust the mask or move the hose a bit and the sound went away. Not last night. No matter what I did the whistle was there. My hubby told me it was an air leak. I switched hoses and the whistling continued. I ended up sleeping with my old FFM and it felt huge and heavy. It also leaked a lot. But it didn't whistle.

So now I'm on the hunt for a new mask. I can't believe this has happened after 7-8 months of use.

[Bompa]

I've been on cpap therapy for 16 months. The first 8 months I used a full face mask and then moved on to a Resmed Mirage Micro nasal mask. For almost 8 months, things were fine. Then about 2 or 3 weeks ago, my mask started to whistle. Someone else on this form said they returned theirs because it whistled. At that time I didn't know what they meant. Now I do.

A few weeks ago my mask started making a whistling sound. I needed to either readjust the mask or move the hose a bit and the sound went away. Not last night. No matter what I did the whistle was there. My hubby told me it was an air leak. I switched hoses and the whistling continued. I ended up sleeping with my old FFM and it felt huge and heavy. It also leaked a lot. But it didn't whistle.

So now I'm on the hunt for a new mask. I can't believe this has happened after 7-8 months of use.

Maybe if you ask it real nice it might hum for you if it doesn't know the words.
Seriously, I don't know what the problem might be. I had that mask for a while, it didn't whistle, but it was too uncomfortable for me. I have Rosacea, therefor a very large nose.
I never have kept a mask that long, only about 3 - 4 months tops.

Anyway, hang in there and I'm sure someone will have an answer for you.

I just couldn't resist my attempt at humour.

[zonk]

Make sure mask assembled correctly and vents cleaned by toothbrush and not blocked
Sometimes the whistle due to moisture collecting at the vents holes

I use Activa LT nasal mask and doesn't whistle
http://www.resmed.com/us/products/mirage...s&sec=true

Activa LT and SoftGel cushions fit on the same frame
ResMed fitting templates: http://www.resmed.com/us/assets/html/mas...clinicians

Edit: As with any mask, you cannot tell without trying if going to work for you or not

[trish6hundred]

Hi iSnooze,
I don't know if this will work but you could try to wash the vent holes with a small brush, such as a toothbrush.
I hope you can get this straightened out, I know it's maddening to say the least.

[iSnooze]

Maybe if you ask it real nice it might hum for you if it doesn't know the words.

I never have kept a mask that long, only about 3 - 4 months tops.

Humming would be an improvement over the whistling. Some people (or cpap masks) just can't whistle a tune. :grin:

I know that we should replace the cushion every few months but is there a reason besides a broken mask that I should replace my mask every 3-4 months?

Make sure mask assembled correctly and vents cleaned by toothbrush and not blocked
Sometimes the whistle due to moisture collecting at the vents holes

I don't know if this will work but you could try to wash the vent holes with a small brush, such as a toothbrush.

Zonk and Trish, Thanks. I'm off to grab a toothbrush and some vinegar to clean the holes. Looking at them with the naked eye doesn't show any clogged holes but they probably are. I hope this is the solution. I don't want to go through the hassle, time and cost of trying to find another mask.

[cbramsey]

I've been on cpap therapy for 16 months. The first 8 months I used a full face mask and then moved on to a Resmed Mirage Micro nasal mask. For almost 8 months, things were fine. Then about 2 or 3 weeks ago, my mask started to whistle. Someone else on this form said they returned theirs because it whistled. At that time I didn't know what they meant. Now I do.

A few weeks ago my mask started making a whistling sound. I needed to either readjust the mask or move the hose a bit and the sound went away. Not last night. No matter what I did the whistle was there. My hubby told me it was an air leak. I switched hoses and the whistling continued. I ended up sleeping with my old FFM and it felt huge and heavy. It also leaked a lot. But it didn't whistle.

So now I'm on the hunt for a new mask. I can't believe this has happened after 7-8 months of use.

According to this link on the ResMed website, Medicare allows replacement of a nasal mask once every 3 months if I am reading this table correctly. Click HERE

Best of luck to you on your hunt for a replacement mask.

[iSnooze]

According to this link on the ResMed website, Medicare allows replacement of a nasal mask once every 3 months if I am reading this table correctly. Click HERE

My insurance also allows for a new mask every 3 months (minus deductible of course). I was just wondering if the mask doesn't have any broken parts and is still working well with the replacement cushions, is there are a reason why a mask should be replaced every 3 months?

[iSnooze]

I scrubbed the exhale port with a toothbrush dipped in vinegar and then rinsed the mask extremely well to get rid of the vinegar smell. It worked!!!!! Thanks for the help with this problem. I will add a toothbrush scrub to my cleaning ritual once in a while so that I won't be serenaded again.

[Bompa]

I scrubbed the exhale port with a toothbrush dipped in vinegar and then rinsed the mask extremely well to get rid of the vinegar smell. It worked!!!!! Thanks for the help with this problem. I will add a toothbrush scrub to my cleaning ritual once in a while so that I won't be serenaded again.

I wash my stuff weekly with baby Shampoo and won't harm any parts.

[iSnooze]

I wash my stuff weekly with baby Shampoo and won't harm any parts.

I clean my items with an extremely gentle soap. I can't think of the name of it at the moment. I don't know if that was the problem or that the water I use to clean everything in is our treated well water. Regardless, if it happens again, I now have a solution but I'm going to be proactive so it doesn't happen again.

I like the idea of baby shampoo. My bottle of gentle soap is almost gone. I'll add baby shampoo to my shopping list.