For those new to the CPAP world, this market can be daunting. Even experienced users can be overwhelmed in 2022. We’re still feeling the ripples of COVID-19, the Philips recall, the global chip shortage and economic inflation. Add in a whole lot of acronyms and medical jargon and it quickly gets confusing.
We’ve compiled a quick-hit buyer’s guide that’s easy to understand. We’ll help you find the right set of products for the right price. Let’s take a look at Part One: Auto CPAPs
Auto CPAPs
If you’ve been newly prescribed to CPAP therapy, you’ll most likely be in the market for an auto-adjusting CPAP machine. These highly capable devices automatically adjust airway pressure ensuring that users have a healthy and comfortable amount of air.
In 2022, the premier manufacturer of these products is ResMed. Following the massive Philips recall, ResMed rose even higher as the go-to for CPAP users. Their latest offerings include two machines called the AirSense™ 10 Card-to-Cloud and the AirSense™ 11.
AirSense™ 10
To understand the full picture, let’s dive first into the AirSense™ 10. Since 2014, the AirSense™ 10 has been the gold standard in CPAP therapy. It was a reliable, work-horse device that lasted years with few reported issues. The best-selling machine was quiet and very easy-to-use.
AirSense™ 11
Unfortunately, all products have a life cycle, no matter how good they may be. ResMed rolled out their latest and greatest device, the AirSense™ 11 in February of 2022. The 11 featured a new touch screen interface, a slimmer design, and wireless connectivity. But after months and months of supply chain slowdowns due to the global chip shortage, buyers became understandably frustrated by long wait times and extended shipping delays. To compare industries, the AirSense™ 11 is like the Rivian R1T. It’s the top-of-the-line, most advanced CPAP on the market. However, the industry across the board saw manufacturing delays due to global chip shortage. So, if you’re willing to wait for the best of the best, the AirSense™ 11 is the one for you. The current wait times are 1-3 months after ordering. One of the frustrations is that ResMed has periodically released inventory in allocated amounts. This made it even harder for retailers to have stock with any sort of reliability. For those who need their CPAP as soon as possible meet the…
AirSense™ 10 Card-to-Cloud
Instead of waiting for the chip shortage to end, ResMed proactively re-introduced their best-selling previous generation of their auto CPAP. The AirSense™ 10 Card-to-Cloud is like the Toyota Tacoma of CPAP machines. The device’s reliability and the trusted name from ResMed assures consumers that it's sure to be their go-to for the long haul.
The only caveat: they took out the semiconductor chip. What does this mean? If you want to review your sleep data or submit compliance reports for DOT or FAA purposes, it’ll have to be done manually. Using the included SD card, users can have their stats read by a physician or respiratory therapist. In addition, the device won’t allow for remote changes to be made.
For these reasons, the AirSense™ 10 Card-to-Cloud is ideal for experienced CPAP users. However, with proper coaching and instruction, the AS10 can and should be the go-to machine for anyone with obstructive sleep apnea for the time being.
Please stay tuned for Part Two: BiLevels & BiPAPs!
