Z1 Travel vs. PR System One Auto with A-Flex

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My normal machine is PR System One Auto (it is the only machine I have ever owned). It is extremely quiet - I never had any problem getting used to the noise from day one. I'm currently using it with the Nuance Gel and/or the Aloha. My pressure is 9 which ramps up from 4.

I recently purchased a Z1 Travel Machine (pressure set to 9 ramping up from 4) from Cpap.com. I'm going on some long international flights soon and I wanted the compact size and the battery. The decibal rating was great on the Z1 actually lower than than my current machine. I assumed it would be as quiet if not quieter than my home machine. Wrong.

The Z1 sounds like a jet engine in the room compared to my home machine. I tried it overnight this weekend at a hotel and I couldn't even get to sleep and finally after a couple of hours of trying I had to turn it off. My husband had pillows over his head and he could still hear it - he never even notices my home machine. My daughters could hear it in the next room - it was that loud. What is frustrating is that the reviews at Cpap.com say it is quiet and everyone loves. it.

So I called Cpap.com to ask if I was doing something wrong or if they thought I had a defective machine. They said that since I'm used to an Auto Machine going to a straight pressure machine is going to be much louder and the reviews are probably from people that already use a straight pressure machine at home. I didn't even know this was something to consider when I ordered - my fault I guess.

I'm frustrated because I feel like I threw away $1000. I'm going to Mexico in a couple of weeks and there is no way I'm taking the Z1 machine with me. I can't go a week without sleep and/or without using a machine (because ultimately I feel like I won't use it). I'm not even sure I could get used to it if I used it every night. If it was just a bit louder I could adjust - but this thing is really horrible. I wish I could record it so you all could hear it.

I'm really probably just venting because I'm sure there is no solution (other than maybe selling it at a huge loss) - but if anyone has any ideas I'm willing to listen. Maybe my story will help someone else that is thinking of buying one (if they currently have an Auto machine).