CPAP product reviews and other helpful tips for CPAP users!

When it comes to sleep therapy, choosing the right CPAP machine can feel like a journey into the unknown. But fear not! The ResMed AirSense 10 and AirSense 11 are here to light your way to a more restful night. While both machines offer effective pressure delivery, the AirSense 11 brings a host of exciting enhancements that make it shine even brighter. Let’s dive into the key differences between these two models, the list of cons as well as user feedback to help you find the perfect fit for your needs!

User Interface: Say goodbye to clunky buttons! The AirSense 11 features a sleek and intuitive touchscreen display that makes navigation a breeze. With just a swipe or tap, you can access settings and track your therapy progress effortlessly. It’s all about user-friendly design that puts you in control of your sleep journey.

Smart Features: In our tech-savvy world, connectivity is key! The AirSense 11 steps up with enhanced smart features, including myAir connectivity. Imagine being able to monitor your therapy progress right from your smartphone! This game-changing feature empowers you to take charge of your therapy like never before. Unfortunately, the AirSense 10 doesn’t offer this level of connectivity, so the choice is clear!

Whisper-Quiet Comfort: Let’s face it: no one wants a noisy machine interrupting their beauty sleep. The AirSense 11 operates more quietly than its predecessor, creating a serene sleep environment for both you and your partner. With reduced noise levels, you can drift off into dreamland without any disturbances—now that’s what we call restful!

Therapy Modes: While both models offer AutoSet therapy, the AirSense 11 features updated algorithms for more responsive pressure adjustments. This means your therapy becomes even more personalized, adapting to your needs throughout the night. You deserve a machine that truly understands you, and the AirSense 11 aims to deliver just that!

Design & Size: Planning a getaway? The AirSense 11 has you covered with its compact and stylish design. Whether you’re off on a weekend adventure or a long trip, this machine is designed for portability without compromising performance. Plus, you can purchase an end cap separately, allowing you to travel without the humidifier if you prefer a more streamlined setup. It’s a travel companion that ensures you never have to sacrifice quality sleep, no matter where you are.

Humidification: Both the AirSense 10 and AirSense 11 come equipped with optional heated humidifiers, which are essential for a cozy therapy experience. However, the AirSense 11 may offer improved settings for humidity control, allowing you to customize your comfort even further. Breathe easy and enjoy the soothing effects of optimal humidity while you sleep!

Cons to Consider

While the AirSense 11 has many advantages, it’s also important to weigh the potential downsides:

Price: The AirSense 11 costs a pretty penny and is considerably more expensive than the AirSense 10. If you’re on a budget, the cost may be a deciding factor to forgo the 11.

Compatibility Concerns: One notable con of the AirSense 11 is that, while you can continue using the same mask if from your previous CPAP machine, other consumable parts are not compatible. This means that if you’re upgrading from a 10, you’ll need to purchase new replacement parts specifically designed for the AirSense 11. While this ensures optimal performance with the new model, it can be inconvenient for users who were hoping to save on costs by using their existing accessories.

Learning Curve: The new touchscreen interface may take some time to get used to, especially for those accustomed to the traditional button layout of the AirSense 10.

Dependence on Connectivity: While the myAir feature is beneficial, it does rely on a stable internet connection. If you’re in an area with spotty Wi-Fi or mobile service, this may limit some functionality.

What Users Are Saying About the AirSense 11

Customer feedback can provide valuable insights into real-world experiences with the AirSense 11. The feedback provided here are indicative of common sentiments expressed by a range of users in reviews, forums, or product feedback platforms. 

Enhanced Comfort: Feedback from users who appreciate the quieter operation of the AirSense 11, highlighting improved sleep quality for both themselves and their partners.

Intuitive Design: Comments from individuals who find the touchscreen interface easy to navigate, reflecting the experiences of users transitioning from older models with traditional buttons.

Mobile Monitoring: Testimonials from tech-savvy users who enjoy the myAir app, illustrating the convenience of tracking therapy progress and making adjustments from their phones.

Minor Learning Curve: Insights from users who experienced an initial adjustment period to the new touchscreen features but ultimately found it beneficial.

Conclusion: Elevate Your Sleep Experience

In summary, the ResMed AirSense 11 stands out with its array of enhancements over the AirSense 10, including an intuitive touchscreen interface, cutting-edge smart features, and whisper-quiet operation. These innovations are designed to create a seamless and enjoyable sleep therapy experience.

However, it’s crucial to consider both the pros and cons before making a decision. The AirSense 11 has garnered positive feedback from users who appreciate its comfort, ease of use, and innovative features, making it a compelling choice for those seeking an upgrade in their CPAP therapy. If you’re ready to elevate your CPAP therapy game, the AirSense 11 is a dazzling choice that reflects a commitment to comfort, convenience, and user satisfaction.

Explore the AirSense 11 and its accessories here and take the first step toward a more restful night!

Learn more on AirSense 11 Autoset here.

If you’re researching or shopping for a new CPAP machine, chances are you are either new to CPAP therapy or you’re replacing the one you already have. We’ve said this many times before, CPAP machines these days are packed with incredible technology. But what exactly is this technology? 

CPAP machines have integrated wireless and battery-powered options, Bluetooth capabilities, remote monitoring and reports at your fingertips through apps on your phone. Another technology which we will be focusing on is a technology called Expiratory Pressure Relief (EPR) or FLEX which are both features to increase comfort and compliance for all users. 

What exactly is EPR or FLEX? Continue reading as we break down some fancy acronyms and abbreviations. Learn what EPR means and the difference between the types of Flex available as we simplify the terms much as we can. Here we go!

What Is Expiratory Pressure Relief (EPR)?

CPAP machines have “comfortable” settings that allow CPAP therapy to mimic your natural breathing pattern as much as possible. ResMed calls this feature EPR while Philips Respironics calls this comfort feature, Flex.

ResMed defines their comfort setting as EPR - Expiratory Pressure Relief. In other words, making it easier for you to exhale or providing a deeper exhale with each breath while on CPAP therapy. For example, your CPAP pressure setting is 10cmH20 with function EPR 3 on...you would be inhaling at 10chH20 and exhaling at a dropped pressure of 7cmH20 and will return to 10cmH20 on the inhale.

There are 4 settings for Expiratory Pressure Relief on a ResMed machine: OFF, Setting 1 = mild comfort (1 cm H20), Setting 2 = medium comfort (2 cm H20), Setting 3 = maximum comfort (3 cm H20).

What Is Flex Technology? 

Philip Respironics calls their comfort setting Flex. Flex comfort feature provides users with pressure relief on various (CPAP, APAP or BiPAP) modes of therapy. There are various types of Flex available. C-Flex, A-Flex, Bi-Flex and C-Flex+.

C-Flex Pressure: Breakdown

C-Flex, identical to EPR on ResMed, lowers pressure during exhalation for users to adjust to CPAP therapy and works on a breath-by-breath basis.  Using the same example from earlier, if your CPAP pressure setting is 10cmH20 with function EPR 3 on...then, you would be inhaling at 10cmH20 and exhaling at a dropped pressure of 7cmH20 and will return to 10cmH20 on the inhale.

C-Flex also has 4 settings for on their machines: OFF, Setting 1 = mild comfort (1 cm H20), Setting 2 = medium comfort (2 cm H20), Setting 3 = maximum comfort (3 cm H20)

Following along so far? Good, let’s keep going.

Bi-Flex Pressure: Breakdown

Bi-Flex works on BiPAP mode and offers pressure relief at both inhalation and exhalation. The Bi-flex setting offers pressure relief at 3 important areas - the transition from exhalation to inhalation, the transition from inhalation to exhalation and during the exhalation.

A-Flex Pressure: Breakdown 

A-Flex works within Auto-CPAP mode. Like C-Flex, A-Flex provides pressure relief at the beginning of exhalation and like Bi-Flex softens transition avoiding spike ups from inhalation to exhalation. It's a smoother and more comfortable feeling. A-Flex mimics your natural breath the most.

C-Flex+ (Plus) Pressure: Breakdown

C-Flex+ (Plus) is a newer setting within the more advanced CPAP machines when in fixed-CPAP mode.  Like C-Flex, C-Flex+ provides pressure relief at the beginning of exhalation. Like A-Flex, C-Flex+ offers a smoother and softer transitioning from inhalation to exhalation providing additional comfort when in fixed-CPAP mode.

If you got a blank stare and feeling a bit confused, we don’t blame you - it can be confusing. The take-home message is Expiratory Pressure Relief (EPR) and Flex are both comfort settings available on ResMed and Respironics machines. They come in different modes to ultimately make your adjustment to Sleep Apnea therapy more comfortable by mirroring your most natural breathing patterns possible regardless of your CPAP pressure.

Which Comfort Function Is Best For You And Your CPAP Machine?

Which function is best for you? Ultimately, it comes down to personal comfort and preference. You’ll need to give the functions at various settings a test drive. Some people like EPR and Flex, some don’t use them and others even dislike these comfort settings. These settings may bring on other problems - possibly make your apnea better or worse or the pressure changes may increase your chances of experiencing CPAP mask leaks.

After all, that’s said, many do find the comfort functions helpful. This is the part where we say try it, see what setting works best for you!