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Common ResMed AirSense 11 Problems
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Key Takeaways
- The ResMed AirSense 11 CPAP machine has received generally positive reviews from sleepers, but a small percentage of people experience problems with the machine.
- Issues some owners have with the AirSense 11 include air leaks, dryness, and pressure-related discomfort – all of which can be easily fixed – as well as more complex problems that require advanced troubleshooting.
- Following ResMed’s cleaning and replacement schedule can help keep the AirSense 11 running smoothly. Contacting the company’s customer support and checking the product warranty can also be helpful for problems that are not easily remedied.
ResMed AirSense 11 Troubleshooting
Most problems with the ResMed AirSense 11 fall into certain categories. Many problems are basic issues that can occur with any CPAP machine and are relatively easy to fix, while others require more advanced ResMed AirSense 11 troubleshooting. Your ResMed AirSense 11 user manual can be quite helpful in these instances.
Top problems people tend to have with AirSense 11s — and CPAP machines in general — include the following.
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Mask Fit and Air Leaks
Airflow from a CPAP machine should be delivered directly into the user’s nose and/or mouth without any air leaking out. When air leaks occur, CPAP users don’t get the pressure level they need to maintain an open airway and sleep apnea treatment is less effective.
Air often escapes from gaps between the CPAP mask and the skin, which should form a tight seal that prevents air from leaking. If the seal is not secure, you may hear or feel air leaking out, or notice dryness. In many cases, adjusting the mask fit or trying out a new mask may resolve this type of air leak.
Air can also leak out through the mouth when a person uses a nasal or nasal pillow CPAP mask and opens their mouth during sleep. This type of air leak can be remedied by wearing a chinstrap to keep the mouth closed, or switching to a different type of mask that covers both the nose and mouth and won't leak air if the mouth is open during sleep.
Dryness or Nasal Congestion
Dryness and congestion are fairly common side effects of using any CPAP machine, not just the AirSense 11. In many cases, adding heated humidification to a CPAP machine or adjusting the humidity level can reduce dryness. Switching out the type of mask may also help. You may want to discuss these potential tweaks with your sleep specialist to receive specific guidance on which adjustments to make, and when.
Some people have nasal congestion that is not caused by the CPAP machine, but can still interfere with its use and operation. Applying a topical medication to the skin, like an antihistamine or corticosteroid, may help reduce this congestion. Speak with your doctor or sleep specialist for detailed advice about reducing congestion during CPAP.
Pressure Discomfort
Two types of pressure may cause discomfort when using a CPAP device: pressure on the face or head from the headgear or mask, and air pressure that feels makes breathing uncomfortable.
Mask pressure can be fixed by loosening the headgear or trying another mask type. Switching from traditional fixed-air CPAP to an auto-adjusting APAP mode might be an effective option if the air pressure level causes discomfort. The AirSense 11 has both a fixed-air and auto-adjusting mode, but a doctor or sleep specialist must make the switch from one to another. The auto-adjusting mode is called AutoSet.
Noise or Unusual Sounds
The AirSense 11 produces roughly 27 decibels (dBA) of noise during normal operation. This is comparable to a soft whisper, but some sleepers still find the noise bothersome. Many CPAP users complain about CPAP machine noise, and this issue can be addressed in a few ways. For example, you can place a cloth between the base of your machine and your nightstand to help dampen the noise. You could also wear earplugs to drown out the sound. Your doctor or sleep specialist can help you identify additional ways to handle the noise.
In some cases, an AirSense 11 might become louder or make an unusual noise. If this occurs, turn off the machine and unplug the power supply. Remove the water tank, then reinstall it to make sure it's correctly connected, and perform the same inspection with the tubing. Plug the machine back in, and see if the noise is still occurring while you wear the mask. If the noise sounds like an air leak, check for places where your mask isn't properly sealed.
If you cannot identify a potential cause of loud or unusual noise, it's best to immediately contact ResMed support or your sleep specialist. A louder sound than usual could indicate that the flow sensor is malfunctioning and the air pressure has increased, or that there is a problem with the motor in the machine.
Connectivity Issues
The AirSense 11 pairs with the myAir companion app, which provides coaching for how to use the machine and data on treatment progress. You must download the app onto your phone or mobile device, then connect it to the machine via Bluetooth to sync them together. Some people have trouble getting the myAir app and machine synced, or find that the machine and app will no longer connect despite initially syncing.
To troubleshoot this issue, follow these steps:
- Update your phone to the latest version
- Check to make sure your phone is not in airplane mode
- Restart your phone
- Unplug the CPAP machine for one minute, then plug it back in
- Double-check that the serial number entered in the app matches the machine’s serial number
If none of these steps work, you can sign into ResMed's dedicated myAir website to read troubleshooting tips or contact myAir support.
Data Tracking Questions
Some people have no problem downloading the myAir app and syncing it with the AirSense 11, but they aren’t sure how to interpret the data displayed in the app. ResMed generates your daily “myAir Score” to reflect data recorded over the past 24 hours. The myAir score is calculated out of 100. The higher your score, the better your CPAP treatment was the night before. The myAir score should show up in your myAir app about an hour after you stop using therapy each morning.
ResMed compiles the myAir score based on a combination of factors, including how long you used CPAP therapy the previous night, how well your mask was sealed, how many times your breathing slowed or stopped each hour, and whether you took your mask off at any point. You can view each of these individual data points within the app. If you have further questions about the data, ask your doctor or contact ResMed support.
Alerts and Error Messages
The AirSense 11 touchscreen can display multiple icons, and some indicate issues like problems with the humidifier and poor cellular connection. You can find a list of touchscreen icons and their meanings in the AirSense 11 user guide. The machine is also programmed with a feature called Leak Alert, which produces a beeping sound when a leak is present. If this happens, turn the machine off and check the water tub, then adjust your mask and restart the machine to see if the leak has been resolved.
Alert notifications can also appear in the myAir app. For example, if you use your machine for only a short time one night, you will likely receive a message reminding you to use the CPAP machine for a longer period.
If you are unsure about the meaning of any alerts or error messages, either on the machine's touchscreen or in the myAir app, contact ResMed support.
Setup and Maintenance Tips to Prevent Problems
The best way to maintain your AirSense 11 and keep it working well is by following manufacturer guidelines for cleaning and replacing components like filters, tubing, and mask parts.
ResMed recommends cleaning CPAP supplies on the following schedule:
| CPAP Component | Cleaning | Replacement |
| Mask Cushions | Daily | Every month |
| Nasal Pillows | Daily | Every month |
| Mask Headgear | Weekly | Every 6 months |
| Mask Frame | Weekly | Every 3 months |
| Connective Tubing | Weekly | Every 3 months |
| Humidifier/Water Tub | Weekly | Every 6 months |
| Air Filter | Weekly (reusable only) |
Every 2 to 6 months (reusable) Every 6 months (disposable) |
Warranty and Support Options
The AirSense 11 and other ResMed CPAP machines come with a 2-year warranty. Warranty coverage begins the day the device is purchased. The warranty is limited, meaning it is exclusively available to the original person who purchased the device, and it only covers machine damage and defects that occur during normal use and operation. Under the warranty, ResMed will repair or replace defective machines or components of machines, or provide a refund.
If you've performed basic troubleshooting for the issue you're having with your AirSense 11 and the problem still occurs, the next step is to contact ResMed Support. You can pose questions to Dawn, an A.I. digital assistant, on the ResMed website. If Dawn cannot help, you can also fill out a contact form on the same page. Another option is to give ResMed Support a call at (800) 424-0737.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you adjust humidity on a ResMed AirSense 11?
You can adjust humidity on an AirSense 11 by selecting MY OPTIONS on the Home screen of the device's touchscreen, then selecting the type of setting you want to adjust. There are three settings options related to humidity: Tube Temp, Climate Control, and Humidity Level. Tube Temp controls the connective hose’s temperature, Climate Control allows you to select whether the humidity will adjust automatically (Auto) or stay on a set level (Manual), and Humidity Level can be customized on a scale of 1 to 8.
How do you change pressure on a ResMed AirSense 11?
You should not change the air pressure on your AirSense 11 on your own. Your doctor or sleep specialist uses preliminary exams and titration tests to identify the ideal pressure level for your CPAP therapy. If your current air pressure level isn't working well for you, reach out to your doctor or sleep specialist for guidance.
How do you change the filter on a ResMed AirSense 11?
Your AirSense 11’s filter compartment is located in the lower right corner on the back of the machine. Open the door by gently pulling it downward, remove the old filter, and insert a new filter. The filter doesn't need to be facing a certain direction. Once it's in place, close the door again.
How do you turn off a ResMed AirSense 11?
The AirSense 11 has a circular on/off button located on top of the device. After you've taken off your mask, push this button to turn off the machine. You may continue to hear noise as the device runs through a cooldown period.
References
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