The Ultimate Resmed AirSense 11 Review: Is It Still the King of CPAP in 2025?
When it comes to CPAP therapy, "smart" is the new buzzword. We're no longer just looking for a machine that delivers air pressure; we're looking for a partner in our sleep health. But does a "smart" machine actually lead to better, more consistent therapy?
Resmed's answer is the AirSense 11 AutoSet, their flagship device that promises a more personal, connected, and user-friendly experience than ever before.
As sleep experts, we've seen this machine evolve and have heard feedback from hundreds of our customers. This review is for you:
- The newly diagnosed patient looking for the "best" and easiest machine to start with.
- The long-time AirSense 10 owner wondering if the upgrade is really worth the money.
- The tech-savvy user excited by apps and data—and the user who might be intimidated by it all.
Our Verdict (Up Front): The Resmed AirSense 11 is a remarkable step forward in CPAP therapy, combining a proven algorithm with a modern, app-driven experience that can genuinely help new users stay compliant. However, it isn't the automatic choice for everyone.
In this deep-dive review, we'll break down exactly who it's for—and who might be better served by another option.
The AirSense 11 vs. AirSense 10: The 5-Minute Upgrade Guide
This is the number one question our customers ask: "I have the AirSense 10. Should I upgrade?" The AirSense 10 is one of the most beloved and reliable CPAPs ever made, so the bar is high.
The biggest difference isn't in the air you breathe—both use Resmed's best-in-class AutoSet algorithm. The difference is in how you interact with the machine and your therapy.
Here is a quick "Tale of the Tape" to show you exactly what's new.
Comparison: AirSense 11 vs AirSense 10
| Feature | Resmed AirSense 10 AutoSet | Resmed AirSense 11 AutoSet |
| Interface | Color LCD screen with a manual dial/button | Large, full-color touchscreen |
| Smart Features | MyAir App (for data tracking) | MyAir App + Personal Therapy Assistant + Care Check-in |
| Connectivity | 4G Cellular (for data upload) | 4G Cellular + Bluetooth (for app pairing) |
| Software Updates | None, the machine is as-is | Over-the-Air (OTA) Updates via cellualar |
| Design | Gray, "medical device" look | Sleek, modern, charcoal-gray finish |
| Humidifier Tub | Standard | Upgraded design (easier to open/clean) |
| Start/Stop | Manual "Start" button | Large, illuminated "Start/Stop" button on top |
| The Verdict | A reliable, workhorse machine | A modern, smart, user-friendly design and experience |
As long-time suppliers, the biggest practical upgrade we hear about is the touchscreen. It finally makes your CPAP feel like a modern, premium device, not a piece of 2010s-era medical equipment.
A Deep Dive into the "Smart" Features: Gimmicks or Game-Changers?
Let's be honest: "app integration" can often mean "another confusing thing to learn." With the AirSense 11, these features are the main event and are designed to solve the #1 problem in CPAP: giving up early.
The Personal Therapy Assistant (PTA): Your Virtual CPAP Coach
What it is: An exclusive feature in the MyAir app that activates when you pair your new AirSense 11. It's a guided setup and coaching program.
Why it matters: For a new user who is nervous about their first night, the PTA is a true game-changer. Its "Test Drive" feature is brilliant:
- It lets you run the machine for a few minutes while you're wide awake.
- It walks you through checking your mask seal.
- It lets you feel the air pressure ramp up and down.
Insight: The real value here is confidence. The PTA makes the entire experience extremely easy and hassle-free. It solves mask-fit and pressure anxiety before your head ever hits the pillow, making that first night (and second, and third) infinitely less intimidating.
Care Check-in: Proactive Support That Works!
What it is: After your first few nights, the MyAir app will proactively ask you simple questions: "How was your therapy last night?" "How was your mask seal?"
Why it matters: This feature turns your data into actionable advice. If you report that your mask was "noisy or leaky," the app won't just show you a bad score; it will serve you a video guide on how to fix it. This is the key difference: it solves problems before you get so frustrated that you quit.
The Core Experience: Comfort, Usability & Design
Beyond the apps, how does the AirSense 11 perform as a day-to-day (or night-to-night) device?
The machine itself is sleek and modern, with a charcoal finish that blends into a bedroom much better than the older, gray "medical" look.
But the best design choices are practical:
- The Touchscreen is Forward-Facing: You can actually see it and interact with it from your bed.
- The Humidifier Tub is Up Front: It's easy to access and remove for filling without moving the whole machine.
- The Tube Connects to the Back: This helps keep the hose up and away, making it less likely to get tangled or pull on your mask.
The "Feel" Of Therapy: Comfort Features That Matter
These are the proven features (also on the AirSense 10) that make Resmed's therapy so comfortable.
- AutoRamp™: For users sensitive to high pressures, this is essential. The machine starts at a very gentle pressure (e.g., 4 cmH2O). It then intelligently "waits" until it detects you've fallen asleep before it begins to ramp up to your full prescribed pressure. You fall asleep in comfort, and the machine does the hard work later.
- EPR™ (Expiratory Pressure Relief): Does it ever feel like you're breathing against the pressure? EPR solves this. It intelligently "backs off" the pressure by 1, 2, or 3 cmH2O the instant you start to exhale, making it feel more natural and less like a fight.
- Climate Control (Humidifier): The integrated HumidAir 11 humidifier is excellent, but the real star is the optional ClimateLineAir 11 heated tube. This tube and the machine work together to keep the air at your preferred temperature and humidity all the way to your mask. The result? It virtually eliminates "rain-out" (that gurgling sound and splash of water in your mask), even in a cold room.
The Nitty-Gritty: Noise, Maintenance, and Potential Downsides
No review is complete without the honest downsides. Here's what you need to know.
How Loud is the AirSense 11 Really?
The official spec is 27 dBA (decibels), which is clinically defined as "whisper-quiet." To translate that to the real world: You will hear the air moving through your mask long before you ever hear the machine's motor. We tested it in our office, and the ambient sound of the air conditioning completely masked any noise from the machine. It is library-quiet and will not keep you or your partner awake.
Cleaning and Maintenance: The Daily Reality
This is a breeze. The new humidifier tub is dishwasher-safe and is easier to open and clean than the AirSense 10's—a small but welcome quality-of-life improvement.
- Daily: Wash your mask cushion and empty/refill the humidifier tub.
- Weekly: Wash your full mask, tube, and humidifier tub with warm, soapy water.
- Monthly: Change the disposable air filter.
An Honest Review: What We Don't Love
This is a fantastic machine, but it's not perfect.
- The Price: Let's be blunt: it's one of the most expensive and premium machines on the market. The tech is top-tier, but you are paying for it.
- The "Required" App: To get the full value (the PTA, Care Check-In, and detailed data), you must use the MyAir smartphone app. If you are not a smartphone user or simply don't want another app, you will be paying for features you'll never use.
- Simplified Menus: For 99% of users, the new touchscreen is simpler. But a few "power users" miss the old dial-in clinical menus on the AirSense 10, which felt more granular (though these menus are still accessible on the A11).
What Our Customers Say About the AirSense 11
"Desperately needed. Finally after 3 weeks of having patience, I now can sleep peacefully using this CPAP machine. The trick is having patience and thinking positively. YOU CAN DO IT!!! It works great!!!" - Review by Theresa
"Soooo quiet! I tried using a CPAP 25+ years ago and it was awful, noisy and impossible. I finally decided to try again, with much trepidation, in December 2024. I have now been using my AirSense 11 almost ten months and love it. It's totally silent, the setting is perfect, and I don't even know if I have it on all night. I still have issues sleeping, but hopefully will be able to get sinus polyps removed soon so my AirSense can help me sleep peacefully all night. You WILL love this machine." - Review by Cherle
"Light and quiet. I've had the AirSense 11 for about a month now, after using Resmed machines for the last 18 years. My new machine is whisper quiet, the humidifier gives me clear morning sinuses, and the user data settings help show me how I'm doing. I also purchased an end cap so I can use the AirSense 11 when I'm traveling, and I really enjoy the versatility this machine gives me. Very happy with it!" - Review by Dave
"Such a big improvement over my old machine. It's like not having it on. My last machine was always noticeable and uncomfortable. This one adjusts the airflow, and I don't notice I have it on all night. Really a big improvement." - Review by Andrew
"Excellent piece. Performs very well. Easy to set up." - Review by Roger
Full Video Tutorial: How To Setup Resmed Airsense 11
Our Final Verdict & Who It's Really For
So, is the Resmed AirSense 11 the right machine for you?
[✔] The Newly Diagnosed User: Yes, absolutely. The Personal Therapy Assistant is the single best "getting started" guide in the industry. It's worth the premium price for the confidence and compliance-coaching it provides in those critical first 30 days.
[✔] The Tech-Savvy User: 100% yes. If you love data, tracking your progress, and using apps, this is the machine for you. The Over-the-Air updates mean it will only get better with time.
[*] The AirSense 10 Owner: This is a "maybe."
- If your AirSense 10 is over 5 years old and nearing the end of its life, this is a phenomenal and worthy upgrade.
- If your AirSense 10 is only a year or two old and works perfectly, and you don't care about a touchscreen or app coaching, you can comfortably wait.
[✖] The "No-Frills" or Off-Grid User: Probably not. If you hate apps, don't own a smartphone, or just want a simple, reliable "on-off" machine that delivers therapy, you can get the exact same air-pressure algorithm from the more basic AirSense 10 Card-to-Cloud model for significantly less money.
We're Here to Help!
Choosing a CPAP machine is the most personal and important decision in your therapy journey. If you're still not sure, our team of dedicated CPAP experts is here to help. We've helped thousands of people find the perfect machine for their needs and budget.
Would you like to chat with one of our sleep experts about the AirSense 11?
Our team at The CPAP Shop is ready to help you get the most out of your CPAP therapy. Give our customer care team a call at 866-414-9700, email us at questions@thecpapshop.com, or chat us via our website!



