Need Input on AirSense 10 vs AirSense 11 b4 Ordering New CPAP

[mdmarmd]

I have just noticed the message that my second AirSense 10 has exceeded its motor life and to contact my supplier.

I have been pleased with these two CPAPS but my wife recently started using a CPAP and was given an AirSense 11.  She seems pleased with it, but she is more accommodating than I am and probably could adapt to issues that might annoy me.

So, many of the glowing online reviews or AS10 vs AS11 comparisons are company or vendor sponsored, promote the AS11 and seem of questionable reliability.

I read the review on the forum regarding the AS11 and found foss had some very useful input. But I just wondered if there might be any additional input before I make my decision on what to order.

It seemed to me that a lot of the new features were more cosmetic rather than functional in nature.  I did wonder if having lower energy requirements might be an advantage here in CA where we are at increasing risk of power outages due to wild fires. But the smaller blower assembly raises questions of durability and increased noise.

I did see this more critical review from a guy who had initially given glowing, positive review when the AS 11 first was released.

ResMed AirSense 11 - Honest Review 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4bWBILnuJlw
 
AirSense 11 Problems - Real Customer Reviews
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZ8hBPDRWMI
 
The most complaints seemed to involve issues with the water tank design: hard to remove/open, leaking when filling, running out of water, leaking air seals.

This would probably be a deal breaker for me as I already use nearly a full tank of water each night with the AS10. I verified that the volume of the two tanks are identical, so some other factor must contribute to the alleged higher water consumption of the AS11.

Higher noise levels would also be a significant issue.

Complaints about connectivity would be less critical for me as I know how I usually function and can review my data if needed.

Anyway, any additional input would be appreciated before I put in order.

Doug

[Sleeprider]

Both machines use the same therapy algorithm, but the Airsense 10 has a physically larger motor with a proven record and a more flexible air outlet as compared to the 11. The motor in the 11 is the same as an Air Mini and has lower power requirements. This is mostly a consideration if you use a battery. You cannot set time and date on an 11. I personally prefer the 10 series. although it's a bit larger and heavier. You will likely get what the DME has in stock, but if you get a choice take the 10, even if it is card to cloud, which is the version without a modem chip.

[Crimson Nape]

Since this is not a review, I'm moving it to the Main forum.
- Red

[mdmarmd]

Thanks for the input favoring the AirSense 10. I was leaning in that direction already so you reinforced my thinking.  Unfortunately, when I called Kaiser to get a new prescription for the machine I was told that because of the CPAP backlog the sleep doctor may not even be able to choose which CPAP I'll get because it's whatever is available betwen the 
AS10 or AS11.  Bummer if I get the AS11! I already can go through a full tank of water each night so I'd worry the AS11 will make this worse.

I haven't really been keeping up with the supply chain backup up of CPAP machines.  I assume it was due to the recall of the Phillips machines, an a shift of demand to ResMed, but did something affect ResMed supplies directly? Any idea on how long the backlog will last.  I could try and keep using my current unit until it dies I guess and see if supplies improve.

I assume I can't expect to request a AS10 modem model given all that is going on.  I saw in one of the disasembly videos of the AS10 that the modem is housed in the left side cover and can be disconnected with a small connector.  Does anyone know if the modem from the old unit to a card-to-cloud unit and have it function? Just wondering.

Doug

[Gideon]

You do have a choice here,
There is nothing that says you have to use this DME!
Put your foot down and tell them it is either an AS10 Autoset or another DME.
Hit 'em in the pocket book. That also means that you would most likely take the very lucrative (to them) replacement mask, hose, filter etc with you to the other DME.

On the old unit modem moving it to a card to cloud? I suspect that is doable, BUT what technology is that modem? 3G which is mostly gone? It may work but have nowhere to go. You would still have to get that SN activated by your DME.

[sleepymoggie]

The water chamber on the AS 11 is poorly designed. It is really prone to spilling. I don't fill it (only fill half way between low and full line), and even at that I have to be careful to have it level when I fill it, and have to carry it really carefully to avoid splashing/spills.

The AS 11 takes more space front to back than the AS 10. (The air tube on the AS 11 comes out perpendicular to the back of the machine. So have to leave some space for it to curve. The AS 10 air tube had an immediate 90 degree bend, so could put it closer to a wall. These are for the heated tubes, I don't know about the unheated ones.)

About the only positive of the AS 11 - I think it is quieter than my AS10 was.

[Old Steve]

I just got my second ResMed AirSense 10 last week, I could have had a 10 or 11, there was no problem getting either one.  My doctor's script arrived at my DME last Tuesday, and I had the new CPAP on Thursday.  I keep my CPAP in a drawer so I needed the 90 degree air tube configuration, I also didn't like the 11's water tank.  My DME said that the majority of folks replacing their CPAP are getting the model 10.

[Sleeprider]

You do have a choice here,
There is nothing that says you have to use this DME!

Except Kaiser is a closed system where your medical care, DME and insurance coverage is all under one roof.  Kaiser patients have no reimbursed choices outside Kaiser.

[mdmarmd]

for all the input.  It pretty much confirms what I had found from other sources.  

Seems like the AS11 was more superficial fluff than a valuable upgrade and it cost significantly more.  Only the sponsor/vendor reviews favored the AS11, but of course they have a vested interest.

Regarding Modem, I didn't realize the modem was G3 and that they hadn't ever upgraded it.  I guess their game plan was to push everyone over to the "new and improved" AS11 with its connectivity.

The good news was I called the Kaiser respiratory tech and pleaded my case for the AS10 and asked if maybe he could run interference and order a unit to the sleep clinic and I could get it from him.  Fortunately, he said they hac both models at the clinic and I could just make an appointment with him and pick an AS10 up, thus bypassing the lottery at Apria.  

So I am very 

Doug

[SarcasticDave94]

Good for you. It pays to request what you want.