ResMed is widely considered the top CPAP manufacturer, and for most people with sleep apnea, it’s a strong choice. The company’s AirSense line has dominated the market for years, and after its main competitor Philips recalled millions of devices in 2021 over degrading foam insulation, ResMed’s reputation for reliability grew even further. That said, “good” depends on what matters to you: noise, portability, comfort features, or price.
What Makes ResMed Stand Out
The core technology behind ResMed’s machines is an algorithm called AutoSet, which continuously monitors your breathing and adjusts air pressure in real time. Instead of blowing a fixed stream of air all night, the machine detects when your airway starts to narrow and gently increases pressure just enough to prevent a collapse. When your airway is stable, it backs off. This means you’re not fighting against unnecessarily high pressure during lighter sleep stages, which is one of the biggest reasons people rip their masks off at night.
The AirSense 11, ResMed’s current flagship, also includes a mode designed specifically for women, whose breathing patterns during sleep differ from men’s. Previous generations required buying a separate “For Her” model, but the AirSense 11 integrates both algorithms into one device.
AirSense 11 Specs and Features
The AirSense 11 weighs 2.49 pounds, measures roughly 3.7 by 10.2 by 5.5 inches, and runs on a 65-watt power adapter. It’s noticeably shorter and lighter than its predecessor, the AirSense 10, which weighed 2.75 pounds and needed a bulkier 95-watt adapter. For travelers, that smaller adapter alone can save meaningful space in a bag.
Noise is one of the AirSense 11’s strongest selling points. It operates at about 27 decibels with the humidifier attached, which is quieter than a whisper. Without the humidifier, it drops to around 25 decibels. At those levels, you’re unlikely to hear it over normal ambient room noise, and a bed partner almost certainly won’t.
The built-in heated humidifier, called HumidAir, offers eight humidity levels and tube temperatures ranging from 61°F to 86°F. You can set it to automatic mode, which targets 85% relative humidity and adjusts on its own, or manual mode, where you control humidity and tube temperature independently. Higher humidity settings (6 through 8) can cause condensation to collect in the tubing, so most people find a middle setting works best unless they’re in a very dry climate.
A ramp feature lets you start the night at a lower, more comfortable pressure and gradually increase over 5 to 45 minutes in 5-minute increments. If you’re new to CPAP, a “Test Drive” mode lets you practice wearing the mask and breathing with it before committing to a full night, starting at very low pressure and slowly building up.
App and Data Tracking
The AirSense 11 connects via both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to ResMed’s myAir app, which gives you a daily therapy score based on metrics like hours of use, mask seal, and the number of breathing events you had overnight. The app also sends your data to a companion platform called AirView that your sleep doctor can access, so they can adjust your settings remotely without requiring an office visit.
For new users, the app includes a Personal Therapy Assistant with video walkthroughs for setup, plus a Care Check-In feature that provides coaching during your first 30 days. ResMed reports that patients who use both myAir and the provider-facing AirView platform show 17% better compliance compared to AirView alone. The AirSense 11 also receives over-the-air software updates, so bug fixes and new features arrive automatically.
How It Compares to Philips DreamStation 2
The DreamStation 2 from Philips is ResMed’s closest competitor, and on paper the two machines are similar. Both operate at 27 decibels, both offer auto-adjusting pressure, and both connect to companion apps. The differences show up in the details.
The AirSense 11 holds more water (380 mL vs. 325 mL), offers eight humidity levels instead of five, and gives you more granular control over the ramp timer. The DreamStation 2 uses reusable filters, which saves ongoing cost, while the AirSense 11 uses disposable ones that need regular replacement. The DreamStation 2 also comes with a more compact carrying case, and some users find its screen easier to read since the AirSense 11’s display sits on the front of the device rather than on top.
Price is another consideration. ResMed machines generally cost a bit more than their Philips equivalents. But the 2021 Philips recall, which affected millions of original DreamStation units due to sound-dampening foam that could break down and release particles into the airstream, significantly damaged consumer trust. The DreamStation 2 uses a different design, but many users and clinicians have remained loyal to ResMed as a result.
The Travel Option: AirMini
If you travel frequently, ResMed’s AirMini is one of the smallest CPAP machines available at just 10.6 ounces and roughly the size of a large smartphone (5.4 by 3.3 by 2.1 inches). It uses a waterless humidification system called HumidX: a small cartridge inside the tubing that captures heat and moisture from your exhaled breath and returns it on the next inhale. For dry or high-altitude destinations, a HumidX Plus cartridge provides extra moisture. The trade-off is that the AirMini lacks the full heated humidifier and water chamber of the AirSense 11, so people who rely heavily on humidification may find it less comfortable for nightly home use.
Safety and Recall History
ResMed’s machines themselves have not been subject to a major device recall. However, in late 2023, the FDA issued a Class I recall (the most serious category) covering over 20 million ResMed AirFit and AirTouch masks. The issue was not with the masks’ function but with their magnetic clips, which could interfere with implanted medical devices like pacemakers, cochlear implants, or metallic aneurysm clips if positioned within two inches. ResMed’s correction involved updating labeling to list all potentially affected implants. Six injuries were reported, with no deaths. If you don’t have an implanted medical device, this recall has no practical impact on you.
Cost and Insurance Coverage
Most insurance plans, including Medicare, cover CPAP machines when prescribed after a sleep apnea diagnosis. Medicare specifically covers a 12-week trial period, then continues coverage if your doctor documents that therapy is working. Under Medicare, you rent the machine for 13 consecutive months, after which you own it outright. Private insurance terms vary, but CPAP machines are classified as durable medical equipment and are broadly covered. Out of pocket without insurance, the AirSense 11 typically runs higher than competing machines, though exact pricing depends on the supplier and whether you bundle a humidifier and mask.
How Long They Last
CPAP machines are generally expected to last about five years, which is the replacement timeline most manufacturers and insurance companies use. Some units run well beyond a decade, but performance can degrade gradually. Signs your machine is aging include increased motor noise, inconsistent pressure delivery, frequent error messages, or failure to start. A single broken internal component can render the device unusable, so if your machine is approaching the five-year mark and you’re noticing any of these issues, it’s worth checking whether your insurance covers a replacement.