Abstract: A suction muffler for a hermetic sealed reciprocating compressor which comprises (i) a muffling chamber having a body of a synthetic polymeric material and (ii) a synthetic polymeric perforated tube passing through the muffling chamber carrying refrigerant fluid from the suction tube of the compressor to the suction port on the valve plate of a cylinder in which a piston reciprocates. The muffling tube may be made divergent along at least 10% of its length. The muffler is mounted directly in the cylinder head by means of a tongue and slot formation avoiding the need for a suction plenum between the suction muffler and the valve plate inlet.