When it comes time to buy a CPAP machine, whether it’s your first machine or you are looking to upgrade your old machine, there are a lot of options out there for you to choose from. At Sleep Right Australia, we sell predominantly ResMed machines and the question we are most commonly asked is, should I buy the ResMed AirSense 10 or the ResMed AirMini? And as always, our answer is…. It depends.

In the ideal world, where money isn’t an issue, I believe the ResMed AirSense 10 device is the ideal device for the house and the AirMini is the perfect device for travelling. Let’s explore the differences a little further.

PERFORMANC£

Both of the machines AutoSet settings run off the same algorithm setting. In terms of internal computers and administering of pressure, both machines will administer the pressure in the same way.

SIZE

If the bulkiness of your CPAP machine is a big concern, then AirMini wins this round. It weighs about 300 grams!! The AirSense 10 weighs in at around 1.2 KG which isn’t enormous either, but if size is the priority, AirMIni is the go. Keep in mind, you can replace the Humidifier tub of the ResMed AirSense 10 with a Side Cover.

HUMIDIFIER

The ResMed AirMini uses waterless humidification. These tabs exhaust the waste air, but hold onto the moisture and heat from the exhaled breath. It is clever technology. These tabs are to be replaced every 30 days which is an additional expense. The bonus is you don’t have to worry about changing your water each morning or cleaning out your humidifier tub. There are two different strengths of humidity – HumidX and HumidX Plus. It is a good idea to try both and see which one works best for you. Depending on the time of year, one may be better than the other. We are finding the HumidX seems to be the way to go in winter and the HumidX plus in summer. You can use AirMini without the humidifier too. At the time of writing, the AirMini is unable to facilitate humidification for Full Face masks.

The AirSense 10 device uses the traditional water tub and heated tube technology. There are a vast amount of settings that can be changed within the AirSense 10 devices. The Auto humidifier settings within these devices are pretty impressive too, in that the humidity settings will change automatically each day pending upon the ambient humidity conditions.

NOISE

The AirSense 10 device is quieter than AirMini. AirMini’s noise comes from where the mask joins the tube. Some people have noticed it and other people haven’t. If you are very sensitive to noise, then perhaps AirMini is not the machine for you. Keep in mind though, AIrMini does have a 30 day money back guarantee, so if it is too noisy, then you have this as security.

BATTERY POWER

Both machines can run off lithium batteries, or can be powered by 12 V. AirMini has an advantage in that it will use less power when the humidifier is in use.

REMOTE MONITORING

Both machines can send data to your service provider remotely.  At the time of writing this, the ResMed AirSense 10 device is the only one of the 2 devices that can have data sent back to the machine. This can be useful if any changes need to be made to your machine.

SO…. RESMED AIRSENSE 10 or RESMED AIRMINI????

Depends…. As you can see both machines have their advantages. It is important to have a think about what is important for you. Both machines will work.

As mentioned, in the ideal no money world, The ResMed AirSense stays at home and the AIrMini goes away on holidays.

When I am discussing the machines with people, I listen out to hear if they travel frequently or If the size and weight of the machine is a concern. If size and weight are not important, then I would generally lean toward the ResMed AirSense 10 being the better option.