Loud audible breathing when using CPAP

[chris94546]

OK, so last night for the first time I recorded myself sleeping with CPAP. While my breathing was regular and relatively unlabored sounding, it was fairly loud, kind of Darth Vader creepy like. When I have the mask on and awake, I do not hear this sound. It is not a leak or whistling sound, just loud breathing. Is this normal?

[robysue1]

OK, so last night for the first time I recorded myself sleeping with CPAP. While my breathing was regular and relatively unlabored sounding, it was fairly loud, kind of Darth Vader creepy like. When I have the mask on and awake, I do not hear this sound. It is not a leak or whistling sound, just loud breathing. Is this normal?

What was the setup of the recording device?

One common "Darth Vader" breathing is used to describe what happens when the hose is draped across a pillow or your arm or some other surface that can carry sound waves to your ears without those sound waves going through the air. This will seemingly amplify the sound of your own breathing. The fix for this kind of thing is to simply move the hose.

Another thing that can trigger weird loud breathing is when condensed water accumulates in the lowest part of the hose. There is usually a gurgling quality to the sound when this happens. The fix is to raise the lowest part of the hose over the CPAP machine so the water can run back downhill and into the humidifier reservoir. If it happens a lot, there are ways to minimize the water condensation in the hose in the first place.

Another thing that can happen is the hose can rub against the edge of the bed or nightstand. And under some circumstances that can be interpreted as "snoring" by the machine. So it's reasonable to think that may also be able to amplify the sound of the breathing itself.

[chris94546]

I used a micro recorder set on the nightstand next to my bed. It definitely would have sounded the same to anyone in the room.

[robysue1]

I used a micro recorder set on the nightstand next to my bed. It definitely would have sounded the same to anyone in the room.

If the CPAP machine was on the same nightstand as the micro recorder, I'm not sure about that. Particularly if the hose was rubbing against the edge of the table. Or if the was a dip in the hose below machine level and you had some accumulated rain out in the lowest part of the hose.

[Jlfinkels]

This may be one of those things we all experience when new to CPAP. Depending on our hearing sensitivities, it can sound a bit like Darth Vader. I noticed the same thing early on but over time got used to the sounds the little beastie makes. My spouse has asked me more than once if the thing is even on as she can’t hear it on her side of the bed.

If you are concerned you can post a link to a sound file so those experienced can offer advice.

[clownbell]

OP hasn't mentioned what mask is being used. There is another thought using a hose-over-the-head style mask such as ResMed P30i or ResMed F30i. The headgear of that style mask routes the incoming air through tubes that come down by the side of the cheeks. Some users of this style (not all) report they hear air rushing through the tubes. Different users react differently.

[jtravel]

when using the Cpap put the hose close to your ear and see what you hear. I have noticed this when the tube gets close to my ear on my pillow when trying to fall asleep.
I also get a strange whistling sound that comes and goes when the Humidifier tank on my Autoset 10 does not seal properly in the machine.

[chunkyfrog]

Sound can also be transmitted from the base of the machine through the table
to any recording device sitting on the table.
Sound going through air to the ear could be way less.
Edison bit the frame of his phonograph to augment his nearly useless hearing.