The ResMed AirSense 11 CPAP Machine Latest Product Review & User Guide

ResMed took the world’s most popular CPAP machine and turned it up to eleven; pun intended! If you’ve recently been searching for a CPAP machine, you’ve probably noticed the hype online around the ResMed AirSense 11, but does it live up to the excitement? How is it different from the AirSense 10? And, is it really worth the upgrade compared to something tried and true?

Before you buy your next CPAP machine (or order through insurance with Aeroflow Sleep,) check out our comprehensive product review and guide. We’re comparing each AirSense 11 medical device, plus we had experts weigh in on some common FAQs; Michelle Worley, Registered Nurse and Director of Clinical Operations at Aeroflow Sleep, shares her insight specifically for you.

Before we dive too deep into the product review, it’s our duty as healthcare professionals to be upfront about what people are calling “the ResMed controversy” due to recent recalls. Rest assured, the controversy isn’t warranted where ResMed CPAP machines are concerned, and the ResMed AirSense 11 CPAP Machine has not been recalled. However, a competing manufacturer, Philips Respironics did have machines recalled.

The Philips recall has raised a lot of questions and concerns about the safe practices of CPAP therapy in general, and while the AirSense 11 is not concerning, what you may want to take away from the recalls, regarding ResMed, is with its CPAP masks. ResMed issued a voluntary recall and statement through the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) that said you should replace your CPAP mask(s) with magnetic clips if you, or a person near you, have certain medical devices that can interfere with magnets; such as pacemakers, metallic stents, cardiovascular defibrillators, etc.

That’s where ResMed’s name has recently fallen into a recall; not with machines and certainly not with the ResMed AirSense 11, so there’s no controversy here. Nevertheless, reach out to your sleep doctor or dedicated Aeroflow Sleep Specialist if you have any questions regarding the conditions of your sleep apnea treatment.

Having (hopefully) alleviated any worries you may have had about the ResMed AirSense 11, let’s start this product review off with a comparison between the old and the new.

Like the AirSense 10 series, known as Air10, Air11 is a line of products that encompasses several new CPAP machines; including one APAP and two fixed-pressure machines, or traditional CPAPs. Here’s a glimpse at all three…

1. AirSense 11 AutoSet CPAP Machine - The AutoSet CPAP Machine is more commonly called an APAP machine, and model 11 uses the same clinically-proven algorithms as the AirSense 10, monitoring your breathing and adjusting your airflow with as-needed accuracy and precision.
2. AirSense 11 Elite CPAP Machine - The Elite is one of the two fixed-pressure CPAP machines. It comes with Advanced Event Detection (AED) and Sleep Onset Detection, which are both upgrades compared to the “regular” AirSense 11 CPAP. The former enables the machine to detect more advanced breathing problems; like Central Sleep Apnea (CSA) and Cheyne-Stokes Respiration.
   
   Sleep Onset Detection works with the AutoRamp feature, allowing you to begin your sleep apnea therapy at a lower setting; when the machine senses that you’ve fallen asleep, it gradually raises the air pressure increments up to your prescribed level. That’s right; your machine no longer needs a set ramp time and will occur automatically, provided you input your doctor’s set pressure range.
3. AirSense 11 CPAP Machine - The second fixed-pressure CPAP is the affordable cousin, but don’t dismiss it as a budgetary knock-off. This entry-level CPAP still has a lot of the features that made AirSense 10 so popular, which is perfect for sleep apnea patients who may be newly diagnosed. Plus, it still has a few tricks of its own! We’ll talk more about that in the next section.

Sharp-eyed readers will notice that there wasn’t a “For Her” machine this time. That’s because the AirSense 11 AutoSet CPAP Machine in the Air11 line has the ability to set your PAP therapy mode to AutoSet, AutoSet For Her, or even a fixed-pressure CPAP mode without purchasing a separate device.

The best part, of course, is that all of the aforementioned ResMed models—Air 10 and Air11—are covered up to 100% through insurance when you order them from Aeroflow Sleep. If you think you need a new machine, you can go ahead and see if you qualify right now, before the blog’s over.

Not convinced yet? Aside from a modern design and a smaller footprint, the AirSense 11 includes new comfort features, color touchscreens, and a more efficient power supply at every level of the device. There are actually 7 altogether, and yes, we’re going to take a look at each:

1. Personal Therapy Assistant

This offers voice-guided, step-by-step instructions on how to set up your equipment for the first time or troubleshoot common problems. For many CPAP users, this will help make the switch from the AirSense 10 to the Airsense 11 much faster and easier. It also has the potential to be a total game changer for differently-abled patients who may not like written instructions.

Aeroflow Sleep does continue to offer in-home and telehealth clinical appointments for each first-time setup, regardless of machine. Call your Sleep Specialist to schedule one today at 866-616-1687. Our team is standing by to assist you Monday - Friday, 9 AM - 5 PM EST.

2. Care Check-In

This digital health technology program personally coaches you through your first month of sleep therapy. It uses time-based questions to follow your progress and suggest customized advice that should make your sleep apnea therapy as seamless as possible. From comfort to compliance, you won’t need to wait for a follow-up just to get a little bit of insight into your nightly sleep results.

4. Independent SmartStart & SmartStop

Instead of having SmartStart and SmartStop features combined, you can now toggle between the two, turning either feature on or off independently. This is good news for any sleep apnea patients who found the start/stop button, especially on the AirSense 10, a little too sensitive in its adjustments. Plus, it reduces the power output of the machine, so your CPAP therapy can go further longer.

5. Improved Hose Connection

Improved Hose Connection
ResMed replaced the 90° angled swivel connector on the back of the AirSense 10 CPAP Machine with a straight, non-swiveling connection for the AirSense 11. If this leaves you disappointed, don’t fret; the improvement comes in how effectively it is to maintain consistent and accurate pressure, because the swivel often interferes with the connection between your ResMed Slimline Tubing and the machine, even impacting the climate controls of your integrated heated humidifier should rainout occur.

6. Remote Upgrade

Should new features be made available to A11 users, you can now get the latest software updates remotely without leaving your home. Much like you can update your smartphone or computer, the AirSense 11 CPAP Machine offers the exact same thing, so you can be confident in getting the best performance out of your sleep apnea therapy time and time again.

7. 65-Watt Power Supply

Last but certainly not least, ResMed managed to upgrade the power supply on the Airsense 11, delivering the same effective respiratory care while using less electricity. Previously, the AirSense 10 motor required 90 watts and ran for less time while this device requires only 65 watts, even when using humidification.

Every update comes with a lot of skepticism, so before we wrap this blog up, let’s address a couple of common FAQs patients like you have asked about the ResMed AirSense 11…

Which CPAP Masks Are Compatible With The AirSense 11?

Most (if not all) CPAP masks work with the AirSense 11. It’s even designed to work with competitors’ standard CPAP masks! That means, if you’re upgrading your CPAP machines, you can stick with the CPAP mask you already have, know, and love.

If you’re new to CPAP or ResMed in general, Aeroflow Sleep has a comprehensive ResMed CPAP mask user guide available to you to find the right one. You might like these popular options:

• The ResMed AirFit F30i Full-Face Mask
• The ResMed AirFit N30i Nasal Mask
• The ResMed AirFit P10 For Her Nasal Pillow Mask

NEW to Aeroflow: ResMed AirFit F40 Full-Face Mask!!!

Can I Use The ResMed AirSense 11 For Travel?

If what you’re really wondering is how much water the machine can hold without having to refill while traveling, you’re in luck! Both the AirSense 10 and AirSense 11 hold 380 mL of distilled water, which is plenty for a single night’s use in a plane, train, or automobile. Yes, Air11’s water chambers may look smaller, but it’s the exact same volume; we promise.

We also promise that the ResMed AirSense 11 CPAP Machine is a state-of-the-art medical device capable of tackling your sleep apnea symptoms, and Aeroflow Sleep can ultimately tell you if this is a perfect match. Our team of Sleep Specialists can reach out to your doctor and insurance provider for you!

We’ll discover what prescription, model, and even how your deductible and out-of-pocket maximum will affect the price of an AirSense 11 as it pertains to your health insurance. We can do this for new and existing CPAP users with most primary health insurance providers—Aetna, Blue Cross & Blue Shield, Cigna, Humana, United—Medicare, and Medicaid, even a combination of those via secondary insurance. All of this, while handling the paperwork on your behalf!

So even if the ResMed AirSense 11 isn’t the best fit for you, which we’re sure it may be, you can still get the help you need from Aeroflow Sleep. It only takes 5-7 minutes to take our easy qualifying form below, and then you can get some rest while we take care of the rest.

References

Center for Devices and Radiological Health. “Recalled Philips Ventilators, BIPAP Machines, and CPAP Machines.” U.S. Food and Drug Administration, FDA, 21 Nov. 2023, www.fda.gov/medical-devices/respiratory-devices/recalled-philips-ventilators-bipap-machines-and-cpap-machines#recalled. 

Yumino D, Bradley TD. Central sleep apnea and Cheyne-Stokes respiration. Proc Am Thorac Soc. 2008 Feb 15;5(2):226-36. doi: 10.1513/pats.200708-129MG. PMID: 18250216. 

“AirSense 10 Autoset for Her.” Healthcare Professional, ResMed, 25 Apr. 2023, www.resmed.com/en-us/healthcare-professional/products-and-support/devices/airsense-10-autoset-for-her/.