What I’ve Learned to Expect After One Month With My AirSense 11 CPAP

I’ve had sleep apnea for over 20 years. In that time, I’ve had 5 different continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines. I’ve had the new machine for a little over a month. This is my AirSense 11 CPAP review for sleep apnea, which includes an update on what I've learned and what to expect.

AirSense 10 and 11: what's the same?

When I started CPAP therapy for sleep apnea, there was no auto adjust and I needed it set on the highest setting of 20 all night. It honestly felt like sticking your head out the window while going 100 miles an hour.

The last 2 machines I had were the AirSense 10 and now, the 11. They both have an awesome feature where they auto adjust so that it isn’t just 1 set pressure all night. I’ve had my new machine for a little over a month and am learning more about some of the changes.

My AirSense 11 CPAP review: what's changed?

My AirSense 10 and AirSense 11 look pretty much the same, except the AirSense 11 is slightly smaller. Also, it can be adjusted remotely without having to take my machine to the medical supply company.

After 1 month of usage, I can say honestly that things haven’t changed much. I was hoping that the upgrade would make my sleep better, the process easier, and I would feel different or better when waking up. I still feel the same and that could be the machine or just the difficulty of managing multiple conditions that either directly or indirectly affect my sleep.

New features on my AirSense 11

Less water use

One thing that I’ve noticed is that I use a lot less water in this machine. A gallon now lasts almost 3 weeks, whereas before I was using a gallon every 2 weeks.

Auto start

The feature I was most excited about was the auto start. Now after using it, I’m not crazy about it. If your headgear is connected to the hose, as soon as you pick it up it starts blowing air. The workaround I’ve found is I put the headgear and mask on then hook it to the hose as the last step.

Communication with the myAir app

The myAir app now has a feature where, when I check my numbers, I can see how my therapy is going. Then, the app directs me to videos in the library to help with the issue. I like that the myAir will constantly ask me how therapy is going.

Helpful tutorials

The new features of the CPAP are nice and make it easier to use. One feature is that the AirSense 11 also gives tutorials to help if you are struggling with certain things.

Convenient changes

Although getting used to the headgear and it starting to blow air before I've had a chance to put the mask on took some time, it’s amazing to see the changes to the new machine that help make it more convenient. The touch screen, auto start, and auto ramp features are great. Now, I also don’t have to keep turning the machine on and off after the 45-minute ramp is up and I’m still awake.

Seeing long-term benefits of CPAP

Not using the CPAP makes my headaches and fibromyalgia worse. I know this because my doctor has explained how my body has to work harder because I’m not breathing in my sleep. Down the road, not using my CPAP can lead to cardiovascular issues. Continuing to use CPAP will benefit me in the future.

I didn’t see a benefit in CPAP until I got sick, and couldn’t use it. It wasn’t until I went without and saw how much worse I felt that I knew that it was a necessary evil.

My CPAP use over the years

I have used CPAP on and off again for many years. However, when COVID-19 hit, I was at home and it made me more determined to use my machine. It wasn’t easy but I kept trying different masks and asking my community for advice, which helped me find my current mask.

The years of not using the machine, I feel, may have come back to bite me. I’m starting to have some issues after having an EKG and chest x-ray done. I’m hoping that some of the changes aren’t permanent.

Even though I’ve always had issues with CPAP since I was diagnosed, I know that it’s necessary. However, that doesn’t stop me from having dreams of throwing the machine out the window and watching it crash.

Do you also use an AirSense 11 CPAP? Share your comments below.