When you are in the market for a new CPAP apparatus you want to get the greatest value for your hard earned cash. Two of the top performing CPAP machines are the ResMed AirSense™ 10 AutoSet™ CPAP Machine with HumidAir™ Heated Humidifier and the Philips Respironics DreamStation Auto CPAP Machine. ResMed also offers a sleek option called AirSense 10 For Her a system especially designed for women’s needs for optimal sleep apnea therapy.
Sound Evaluation
The sound that a CPAP machine produces is one of the utmost important assets of these devices. You are using these machines during sleep, ideally you want the quietest machine possible. However, some people sleep well with white noise, which makes the CPAP machine a pleasing addition.
The sound level of the ResMed AirSense 10 is slightly higher at 26 dBa, while the Respironics DreamStation has a sound level of 25.8 dBa. Therefore, the AirSense is louder. However, I feel it would be impossible to distinguish the difference with the human ear.
Humidification
Heated humidity, is a key factor in CPAP therapy. The key marketing point of the AirSense 10 is the built-in HumidAir humidifier, which delivers humidification in the standard format of the machine without needing to attach any other equipment. The Dreamstation on the other hand, has the humidification option as optional and must be separately attached and can be used as needed, creating a slightly more options for CPAP setup.
Weight
This is where having an attached humidifier sets the ResMed AirSense 10 apart from the Respironics DreamStation. The AirSense 10 weighs 2.75 pounds with the humidifier.
The DreamStation weighs over a pound less at 1.56 pounds, but this is without the humidifier. When you include the humidifier with the DreamStation the total weight is 3.16 pounds, which makes it heavier. For someone who plans on traveling with their CPAP machine and humidifier, the ResMed AirSense 10 wins.When travelling to a humid destination that may require no humidifier then the Dreamstation with its detachable humidifier is a good choice. As a footnote there are side covers available for the ResMed Airsense 10 that will allow you to remove the water chamber and use your AirSense 10 with no water based humidity.
Warranty
Both the DreamStation and the AirSense 10 come with the identical warranty. This warranty is a three-year manufacturer warranty to cover machine repairs.
Pressure Relief Features
The ResMed AirSense 10 has a built-in humidifier trademarked as HumidAir™ that comes with the option of a heated tube trademarked as ClimateLineAir™. When adding the heated tube with the humidifier, you are able to decrease bacteria build-up and expand the functionality of the machine. The ResMed systemalso comes equipped with proprietary expiratory pressure relief using an algorithm called EPR (Expiratory Pressure Relief). The DreamStation also features exhalation relief through its version, called Flex. (C-Flex, C-Flex+ , A-Flex and now P-Flex*) *P-Flex is offered only on the Dreamstation Expert model.
The Respironics DreamStation includes a ramp button feature while the AirSense 10 Auto lacks this easy to reach button. For the AirSense, you must access the menu in order to use the ramp feature or use auto ramp. This extra step can be a challenge when using the device at night and when you are groggy with sleep. Additionally, the DreamStation features Opti-Start technology and Adaptive Humidity. The ResMed AirSense 10 also features automatic air pressure adjustments.
Therapy Tracking
The greatest addition to CPAP therapy is the incorporation of wireless data transfer from the CPAP to your provider and to the patient. It is also useful because any adjustments to the CPAP settings can be done remotely for greater patient convenience. The DreamStation comes with an optional Bluetooth capability that uses the DreamMapper app to track Sleep Apnea therapy. The AirSense 10 provides advanced data for sleep reports using MyAir. The Dreamstation has either a cellular modem or a Wi-Fi modem available.
Summary: ResMed AirSense 10 vs Respironics DreamStation
The Philips Respironics DreamStation Auto CPAP Machine and the ResMed AirSense™ 10 AutoSet™ CPAP Machine with HumidAir™ Heated Humidifier offer the utmost in CPAP therapy using cutting-edge technology. Each of these machines are equipped with a multitude of automated features.