Whistling CPAP

[NannyRobina]

I have been using a CPAP (auto pap) with great success for 8 years. I still have the same machine but, lately, I have been awakened by a whistle that doesn’t start until I place the mask on my face. My mask (nasal mask) is not leaking, my hoses are in good shape, and I am not wheezing. Is it time for a new machine? 

[Sleepster]

Which CPAP machine do you have? There is no such thing as a Phillips Resmed. There's are Phillips Respironics Dream Stations and there's are ResMeds. Two different manufacturers.

My ResMed was whistling the other night and to fix it I removed the water tank and re-inserted it. I think it was leaking around the water tank seals.

[NannyRobina]

You’re absolutely right. It is a Phillips Respironics Dream Station. I’ve used it for about 7-8 years. This started 2 nights ago. I have reseated the water tank and it still whistles. If, after checking everything including mask fit (fine), hosed and fittings, it still whistles, I’m calling my pulmonologist for a prescription. Right now, everything is drying after being washed. 

[Geer1]

Does the whistle occur during inhalation? Could be motor whine (bad bearing or something), had that occur with my first Resmed Autoset (different machine) and at 8 years you may be approaching end of life.

[Big Guy]

I've begun to notice that my CPAP machine will begin to "wheeze" when it's water reservoir gets low. It's never done that in the past. 

I thought that maybe it was my mask, and I tried to reposition it and ends up being of no help. One night, not too long ago, my wife thought the noise was coming from outside the house, and to her, it sounded like an animal crying out. 

The water reservoir has only run dry a few times since I started therapy.

[Cpapian]

Quite a few people have reported a whistling sound. Look down a bit for the "possibly related threads"

[NannyRobina]

Yes! It is worse when I inhale. Guess my Medicare Advantage plan better get ready to spend some money. 

[Geer1]

When you inhale the blower turns faster and there is more flow. Hard to say without hearing it but could be motor whine or some other whistle that gets amplified by more flow. If it is not the motor it is probably a hole or failed seal somewhere.

[NannyRobina]

Thanks for the suggestions. I have checked all hoses and fittings, checked my mask for leaks, checked the water tank chamber and even changed out the hoses. I can lean over the machine when it’s running and hear that squeal inside the body of the CPAP, itself. I am due a new one.

[staceyburke]

If they are going to issue a new Cpap I would suggest a ResMed S10 autoset.  I owned a dreamstation for 5 years and the ResMed made a very positive therapy.