Your choice of sleep apnea machine can make or break your continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. So if you’re in the market for a quality auto CPAP machine, you’re probably deciding between two of the most popular ones to date: the latest ResMed AirSense 11 AutoSet and the tried-and-tested AirSense 10 AutoSet.
Designed for the convenience of those starting sleep therapy, ResMed released the AirSense 11 AutoSet in 2021. It comes with technological innovations that might make CPAP compliance easier for you.
But is the ResMed 11 AutoSet truly better than the AirSense 10? Or are you better off with a reliable auto CPAP machine that has been well-recommended since 2014?
At the time of publishing, RespShop offers two ResMed AirSense 10 AutoSet models: one without modem (also called the card-to-cloud version and the other with a modem. In this ResMed AirSense 10 vs 11 review, we’ll compare both AirSense 10 models with the newest ResMed auto CPAP machine, the AirSense 11 AutoSet.
Comparison Chart: ResMed AirSense 10 vs AirSense 11 AutoSet
| AirSense 11 AutoSet | AirSense 10 AutoSet | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 9.32″ x 3.72″ x 5.45″ | 8″ x 4.6″ x 5.91″ |
| Weight | 2.5 lb | 2.45 lb |
| Power | 65W | 90W |
| Humidifier Capacity | 380 ml | 380 ml |
| Operation Modes | CPAP, AutoSet/APAP, and AutoSet/APAP For Her | CPAP and AutoSet/APAP |
| Noise Level | 27 dBA (-+ 2 dBA) | 26.6 dBA |
| Controls | Touch screen | Screen and dial |
| AutoSet For Her | Yes | No |
| Humidification | Built-in heated humidifier | Built-in heated humidifier |
| Data Storage | SD card (not included) | SD card included only in modem-free model |
| Bluetooth | Yes | No |
| Cellular Connectivity | Yes. 2G, 3G, 4G, and LTE | Yes. 2G, 3G, and 4G (modem model only) |
| iOS/Android App | myAir | myAir (modem model only) |
| Warranty | 2-year manufacturer warranty | 2-year manufacturer warranty |
| Expected Service Life | 5 years | 5 years |
Similarities Between the AirSense 11 and 10 AutoSet
At first glance, the two ResMed sleep apnea machines seem vastly different. But one thing stays the same: key features that make them top choices among auto CPAP users.
Besides the size and weight, price, warranty, and humidifier capacity, the most notable similarities between the AirSense 10 and 11 include:
AutoRamp
With the ResMed AirSense 10 and 11 AutoSet machines, you can manually set the ramp time or let it automatically increase the ramp pressure once you’re asleep. The AutoRamp technology enables these machines to start at a low pressure to help you fall asleep faster.
SmartStart
No need to press the “start” button to begin your sleep therapy. Just put your mask on, breathe in, and these machines will automatically start.
But that’s not all—the AirSense 10 and 11 will automatically stop whenever you remove your mask. You can also disable the SmartStart feature if you prefer to go about your therapy manually.
EPR Adjustments
A standard feature on all ResMed auto CPAP machines, the Expiratory Pressure Relief (EPR) technology lowers the air pressure as you exhale, allowing for a more natural breathing pattern.
HumidAir
Preventing dry airways shouldn’t have to involve complicated humidification adjustments. That’s why these two ResMed auto CPAP machines have HumidAir, an integrated heated humidifier, and the Climate Control feature to maintain a comfortable relative humidity level.
Quiet Easy-Breathe Motor
Producing sound at around 27 dBA, the AirSense 10 and 11 truly are whisper-quiet, promoting a more peaceful and restful environment.
Remote Monitoring
Both the AirSense 11 and AirSense 10 (with modem) support remote monitoring, which lets your provider check your sleep therapy data and change settings remotely. You can also view important sleep data such as CPAP AHI, mask seal and usage hours if you download the ResMed myAir app. The app is easy to navigate and very intuitive, although it doesn’t show more detailed information such as the different types of breathing events you have. AirSense 11 users have access to bonus features that we’ll go over later in this comparison review.
If you’re not interested in letting your provide access your CPAP data remotely, the AirSense 10 card-to-cloud version may be a better choice. Its lack of a cellular modem prevents it from transmitting your information. But, it’s also not compatible with the myAir app, so you lose out on the ability to track your sleep metrics on your phone. Luckily, you can still view your sleep data on the machine or by using a third-party software.
Our video below guides you through how to set up your CPAP machine on OSCAR, a free CPAP data analysis software. OSCAR reads data from your SD card and generates detailed compliance reports, complete with waveforms and graphs. It’s compatible with both the AirSense 10 and 11.
Event Detection
This feature informs your sleep therapist of any abnormal breathing patterns, like Cheyne-Stokes respirations. It also breaks down your apneas into obstructive or central, for a deeper understanding of your breathing events.
Data Storage
Both the AirSense 10 and 11 can hold up to 365 days of summary data in their internal storage. They can also be used with an SD card for detailed data storage, though you have to purchase it separately for the AirSense 11.
Improvements in the AirSense 11 AutoSet
Released in 2021, the ResMed AirSense 11 carries state-of-the-art features, making it perfect for modern CPAP users. While it’s mostly similar to the ResMed S10 AutoSet in ways that matter, the AirSense 11 does feature design improvements that make it worth considering, especially if it’s your first time buying a sleep apnea machine.
These improvements include:
User Interface: Color Touchscreen
Perhaps the most notable difference between AirSense 10 and 11 is the upgraded user interface. The AirSense 11 CPAP machine’s intuitive touchscreen has replaced the AirSense 10’s screen and dial, letting you adjust settings with the tap of a finger.
Like the ResMed S10 AutoSet’s LCD screen, this touchscreen comes with a light sensor, which automatically turns the screen off when not in use and adjusts its brightness according to the ambient light.
Integrated AutoSet For Her Mode
While the AirSense 10 AutoSet comes in a For Her model, all the AirSense 11 auto CPAP machines conveniently have a built-in AutoSet For Her algorithm. That means you won’t have to buy a separate device just to have a comfortable sleep therapy experience optimized for women.
Exclusive myAir App Features
Another major difference between the ResMed AirSense 10 vs 11 is the Personal Therapy Assistant, a brand new feature in the myAir app that’s exclusive to AirSense 11 users. This app feature provides personalized coaching through equipment setup videos, tailored therapy feedback, and the Test Drive acclimation tool, helping you navigate your sleep therapy and become more comfortable with your device.
Another exclusive myAir app feature made available to AirSense 11 users is the Care Check-In. Like the Personal Therapy Assistant, it’s a coaching program designed to empower sleep apnea patients. After the initial setup, it helps you troubleshoot your device and resolve common sleep therapy issues. You also have the option to make your Care Check-in data available to your provider.
Direct Over-the-Air Machine Software Updates
With ResMed continuously improving the myAir app and the device’s software, the company conveniently designed the AirSense 11 to receive Over-the-Air maintenance updates. That means you’ll have an easier way to keep your machine working optimally.
Bluetooth Connectivity
Setting up the AirSense 10 and 11 with the myAir app involves manually entering the device’s serial number, which can be a tedious process. The AirSense 11’s Bluetooth technology eliminates that hassle, allowing you to easily pair the device with your phone’s app with just a few taps. The AirSense 10, on the other hand, does not have Bluetooth connectivity.
Energy Efficiency
The AirSense 11 CPAP machine runs on 65 watts, whereas the AirSense 10 consumes 90 watts. While the difference in power consumption seems minimal, it can be beneficial to users who prefer travel-friendly auto CPAP devices.
Design
While the AirSense 10 and 11 have basically the same footprint, the newest ResMed auto CPAP machine appears more compact and streamlined. If you value aesthetics, the ResMed AirSense 11 is arguably a better choice as it can seamlessly blend in with your bedroom decor.
Features That Make the AirSense 10 AutoSet Better
If you’ve already gotten the ResMed S10 AutoSet, there are a few reasons you’re better off saving your money than upgrading to the newest ResMed auto CPAP machine:
Heated Tubing Design
The AirSense 10 and 11 each come with their respective ClimateLineAir heated tubing. When plugged into a compatible ResMed device, this tube works with the machine’s Climate Control Auto to maintain a consistent temperature throughout, preventing condensation buildup.
This temperature-sensing technology also adjusts the temperature and humidity levels according to your room’s conditions, making dry airways and rainouts a thing of the past.
However, when you compare ResMed AirSense 10 and 11 heated tubing, you’ll notice there’s an issue with the AirSense 11 heated tubing connection elbow. Unlike the ResMed AirSense 10 heated tubing, which has an elbow designed at a 90-degree angle, the AirSense 11 hose connector juts straight out of the back of the device.
Humidifier Design
Since its release in 2014, the ResMed AirSense 10 auto CPAP has been considered revolutionary for many reasons–one of which is HumidAir, its integrated high-capacity humidifier. On a single fill, the device’s 380 ml water chamber can last for up to two nights of use.
If you love high capacity water chambers, you’ll be happy to know that the AirSense 11 AutoSet maintains that humidifier capacity. However, when looking at the ResMed 10 vs 11 water chambers, we quickly realized the shallower design of the AirSense 11 water chamber makes it incredibly difficult to move without spilling water.
Luckily, there’s a smart way to fill the AirSense 11’s water chamber without spilling:
- While the chamber is empty, use a marker to draw a line perpendicular to the maximum line.
- Tilt the chamber to a 45-degree angle and fill it up until the marked line is submerged.
- Turn the chamber upright and check if the water level is at your marked line.
- Place your chamber back into your humidifier.
Watch our life-changing hacks for the AirSense 11 video for more useful tips.
While frequent refills can keep the water in your humidifier clean, you might find it inconvenient to refill every night rather than every other night.
Simple to Use
Do you prefer a more straghtforward CPAP machine and aren’t interested in tracking therapy progress on your phone? If that sounds like you, then the modem-free ResMed AirSense 10 auto CPAP might be a better fit.
Sure, the AirSense 11 CPAP machine has all the bells and whistles that make therapy compliance simpler, but not everyone needs or even wants all the digital assistance.
The exclusive myAir app functions, namely the Personal Therapy Assistant and Care Check-in, can no doubt improve your overall CPAP experience and the color touchscreen is a nice upgrade. However, as with most new technologies, there is a bit of a learning curve. What’s more, the AirSense 11’s automatic Over-the-Air software updates might modify your settings without your permission.
When deciding between the ResMed CPAP 10 vs 11, it’s a good idea to think about how comfortable you are with technology and whether or not you really need remote data monitoring.
AirSense 11 Pros and Cons
Even with all the improvements in the AirSense 11 and the well-loved features of the AirSense 10, what matters most is the overall usability of each device. To further help you decide between the ResMed AirSense 10 versus 11, we summed up what AirSense 10 and 11 users have to say about their ResMed auto CPAP machines.
Let’s start with the AirSense 11.
Pros
Responsive Interface
While some users prefer the AirSense 10’s dial controls, most found the AirSense 11’s touchscreen a huge improvement in ResMed’s line of CPAP devices. It’s smooth, responsive, and easy to read. And despite the machine’s smart functions, many of our customers had no trouble setting it up and using it.
Integrated AutoSet For Her
Users also appreciated that the AirSense 11 features a female algorithm. Unlike the AirSense 10 series, you don’t have to wait for a separate model to be in stock just to use the AutoSet For Her mode.
Style
Lastly, many love this CPAP device for its sleek and futuristic design. Although style isn’t as important as other features, it surely is a welcome bonus, particularly for a medical device that you need to use every night.
Cons
Humidifier
Most people who have used both the AirSense 10 and 11 have the same complaint about the latter: the water chamber. Not only is it hard to move without spilling, but it also takes a bit more work to remove—unlike that of the AirSense 10, which you can simply pull out and push back in.
Heated Tubing
Another common complaint is the AirSense 11 heated hose. Since the elbow protrudes straight out of the back of the CPAP, it does not pivot like the ResMed AirSense 10 heated tubing. This means you have to get a bit creative with how you position the machine on your nightstand or end table.
Short Track Record
There’s also a question of durability. The AirSense 11 CPAP machine is still fairly new to the market, so you might prefer a device that has been proven to be reliable. But as far as ResMed’s products are concerned, you wouldn’t have to worry about the quality of this auto CPAP device.
AirSense 10 Pros and Cons
Pros
Durability
The AirSense 10 has been around for almost a decade, and so far, it has a virtually flawless track record. As a device that unfailingly runs every night with almost no maintenance, it seems to last longer than its estimated service life of five years.
Humidifier
Unlike the AirSense 11, the AirSense 10’s water chamber can be filled up to its maximum capacity of 380 ml with minimal issue. There’s no need to worry about spilling half the water as you walk from the sink to your machine. And interestingly enough, although both water chambers hold 380 ml at the max fill line, many users find they get more nights of use out of the AirSense 10. Most AirSense 10 users find that they can get two to three nights of use out of a full tank. AirSense 11 users, on the other hand, report only one to two nights of use.
Simple Interface
Navigating the AirSense 11 touchscreen can be hard for users with finger dexterity issues. But that’s not a problem with the AirSense 10, which comes with simple controls like a large dial and physical buttons.
Cons
Separate AutoSet For Her Device
Choosing the right auto CPAP machine can already be overwhelming. So if you’re presented with several AirSense 10 AutoSet models, you might find the purchasing process more tedious.
The AirSense 11 has a built-in AutoSet For Her mode, which you can turn on and off as you please. But if you’re eyeing the AirSense 10 series, you’ll have to take time choosing between the regular AutoSet and the AutoSet For Her models.
Tube Outlet Placement
Users have pretty much nothing negative to say about the ResMed AirSense 10 AutoSet. But there’s one small detail that makes other brands a bit of a better choice: the AirSense 10 (like the S11) has an inconvenient tube outlet placement.
Some name-brand auto CPAP machines, like the Philips Respironics Dreamstation, let you connect your tube to their top and back (when you’re not using their heated humidifiers) air outlets.
The AirSense 10 only has one tube outlet at the back, and while the device has a rubberized bottom, its tube placement might make it easy to yank off your nightstand.
On this note, if you’re constantly struggling to keep your CPAP machine in place, the Purdoux CPAP Protector Mat is the solution. This non-slip, dishwasher safe, silicone mat not only keeps your CPAP in place, it also protects your furniture from water spillage and scratches.
The Verdict: ResMed AirSense 10 vs 11
In our review of the ResMed AirSense 10 vs 11, we found that each machine appeals to a different type of CPAP users. The AirSense 10 AutoSet has a long track record with mostly good reviews, and with comfort features that make CPAP therapy a pleasant experience, it’s a solid choice for those looking for a reliable and efficient auto CPAP. Plus, you have the option of paying a bit less for the modem-free version if you don’t need the remote monitoring features.
If you like monitoring your therapy progress on your phone and like having a digital assistant at your fingertips, then the AirSense 11 AutoSet is definitely worth considering. Similarly, if you are new to CPAP therapy, or have never used a ResMed CPAP machine before, you’ll likely appreciate the Care Check-Ins exclusive to AirSense 11 users in the myAir app.
Additionally, the ResMed 11 CPAP machine’s compact design, combined with its lower power consumption, makes it easy to bring on trips. Plus, its integrated AutoSet For Her algorithm means there’s no need to buy a separate machine if you need the For Her therapy mode down the road.
Still have questions about these auto CPAP devices? Feel free to reach out to the RespShop team. Our respiratory therapists and sleep technologists can answer your ResMed AirSense 10 vs 11 questions and other CPAP related ones too!