AirSense 10 vs AirSense 11: Which CPAP Machine to Choose?

Since its debut in 2014,. the ResMed AirSense 10 AutoSet has been the go-to CPAP machine for sleep apnea therapy. It’s robust, reliable and built with all the essential features needed for a quality night’s CPAP. Indeed, AirSense 10 quickly became one of the best-selling automatic CPAP machines ever and has a horde of users and fans.

But now, ResMed has taken things up a notch with the recently released ResMed AirSense 11 AutoSet. First launched in Australia in 2023, it’s a sleeker, smarter model designed to make therapy even more personalised.

Question is, is it worth the extra price over the cheaper AirSense 10? Let’s break down the key differences between the AirSense 10 and AirSense 11 AutoSet to help you decide which machine is right for you.

Design and Portability

In terms of its housing and hardware, AirSense 11 is lighter and smaller than the AirSense 10. This makes it easier to travel with and more practical for your bedside table. Weighing just 1130 g, AirSense 11 is about 10% lighter than the AirSense 10’s 1428 g.

The biggest change ResMed made is in the size: AirSense 11 has a 24% smaller footprint, measuring 25.4 cm x 11.7 cm x 10.2 cm compared to the AIrSense 10’s 25.5 cm x 15.0 cm x 11.6cm.

That makes a noticeable difference, especially if you’re tight on space or need something easy to pack for travel. It’s not just more compact; it looks good too, featuring smoother curves and modern design give it a more sophisticated look. For those who value aesthetics and bedside space, the AirSense 11 is a clear winner.

Ease of Use and Controls

If you’ve used the AirSense 10 before, you’ll know its simple knob and button controls. It’s straightforward and reliable. You scroll through options and adjust settings manually without any fuss.

The AirSense 11, however, takes a new approach with a full-colour touchscreen instead, making it more responsive and intuitive. The neat adaptive brightness feature means the screen adjusts automatically to the lighting around you, so it’s easy to read whether you’re in a dark bedroom or a brightly lit hotel room.

Both ResMed models have a dedicated ‘Therapy Start’ button on top for quick activation, but the touchscreen gives the AirSense 11 a definite edge when it comes to ease of use. The AirSense 10’s knob and button setup are less suited for users with joint pain or arthritis.

Power and Efficiency

One of the biggest upgrades with the AirSense 11 is its power supply. While the AirSense 10 runs on a 90 W power supply, the AirSense 11 uses a more energy-efficient 65 W supply, thanks to ResMed’s more efficient tryptic motor.

This allows the AirSense 11 to deliver the same pressure range and therapy effectiveness while using less power.

Noise and Quietness

When it comes to noise, both ResMed devices are among the quietest CPAP machines on the market. The AirSense 10 measures in at 26.6 dB, while the AirSense 11 comes in at 27 dB.

In real-world use, you won’t notice the difference. It’s the kind of soft hum that fades into the background, letting you and your bed partner drift off without disturbance.

Humidification and Water Chamber

Both ResMed machines come with built-in humidification systems to help prevent dryness and irritation during CPAP therapy, which can lead to a dry mouth or sore throat.

ResMed has redesigned the water chamber for the AirSense 11, making it shorter with a wider base. This makes it easier to handle and refill without the risk of spillage. While the shape has changed, the capacity remains the same as the AirSense 10.

One thing to note is that the water chambers aren’t interchangeable, so you’ll need to use the one designed for your specific model.

Set-Up Features and Software

ResMed has packed the AirSense 11 with what they claim as smart features designed to improve therapy compliance and make setup easier for new users:

• Test Drive – This feature helps new users adjust to therapy by simulating different pressure settings. It makes it easier to find the right comfort level.
• Personal Therapy Assistant – Available through ResMed’s myAir app (for iOS and Android), this provides step-by-step guidance to help new users set up the machine, adjust settings and troubleshoot issues.
• Care Check-In – During the first 30 days of use, the CPAP machine checks in weekly to gather feedback and offer personalised support to improve your experience.
• Automatic Software Updates – The AirSense 11 receives over-the-air software updates, so you’ll always have access to the latest features and improvements.

So, the AirSense 10, on the other hand, doesn’t include these new features. But it still delivers reliable and consistent therapy with essential feature options like Ramp, EPR (Expiratory Pressure Relief) and Auto Start/Stop.

Comparison Table

Feature	AirSense 10 AutoSet	AirSense 11 AutoSet
Weight	1428 g	1130 g
AutoRamp with sleep onset detection	✔	✔
SmartStart/Stop feature	✔	✔
Test Drive	Not included	✔
Personal Therapy Assistant	Not included	✔
Care Check-In	Not included	✔
OTA Software Updates	Not included	✔
myAir App Compatibility	✔	✔
Supplemental Oxygen Use	Up to 4L/min	Up to 15L/min
AutoSet for Her Algorithm	Not included	✔
Bluetooth Connectivity	Not included	✔
Built-in Cellular Technology	✔	✔
Humidification (Fully Integrated)	✔	✔

Connectivity and Data

Both ResMed machines come with built-in cellular technology for therapy tracking, but the ResMed AirSense 11 adds Bluetooth connectivity for a more seamless experience with the myAir app.

The AirSense 10 relies solely on cellular connectivity, though some models feature card-to-cloud uploading for data transfer.

Performance and Comfort

When it comes to therapy, both AutoSet machines deliver ResMed’s trusted AutoSet therapy modes, which automatically adjusts pressure levels based on your breathing patterns.

The AirSense 11 AutoSet, however, also includes the ‘AutoSet For Her’ algorithm, which was previously only available on a dedicated AirSense 10 AutoSet For Her model. This algorithm provides gentler pressure adjustments, making therapy more comfortable and tailored for women.

AirSense 10 AutoSet or AirSense 11 AutoSet

If you're already using an AirSense 10 and it’s working well for you, there’s no real need to upgrade. The core therapy functions are essentially the same, and the AirSense 10 continues to deliver reliable, comfortable results.

For experienced users or those who prefer simplicity and dependability over extra tech, the AirSense 10 remains an excellent choice, especially at its lower price point. It’s ideal for users looking to buy a CPAP machine without paying for extra features you may not need.

On the other hand, if you’re buying a CPAP machine for the first time or looking for the latest smart features and more personalised therapy, the AirSense 11 is hard to beat. Its touchscreen controls, lighter design and advanced digital features make it a more appealing option for those who want a more modern experience.

To throw a final spanner in the works, if you travel frequently, the ResMed AirMini AutoSet travel CPAP machine might be a better fit than both the AirSense 10 or AirSense 11. It's specifically designed for portability, featuring waterless humidification through ResMed’s HumidX system, which eliminates the need to carry a bulky water chamber.

The AirMini is also noticeably smaller and lighter than both the AirSense 10 and 11, making it easier to pack and more convenient for life on the go. However, it’s worth noting that the AirMini is designed primarily for travel, so it may not have all the comfort features of a full-sized machine for nightly use at home.

At the end of the day, you can’t really go wrong with either ResMed machine or the AirMini. The most important thing is finding one that’s comfortable, suited to your needs and within your budget. After all, it’s not about the machine; it’s about how consistently you use it.

ALWAYS FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE. CPAP is used for Obstructive Sleep Apnea treatment. When considering whether CPAP is right for you, speak to your doctor.