ResMed AirCurve 11 ASV Adaptive Servo-Ventilation Machine for Central & Complex Sleep Apnea

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

1. What Is the ResMed AirCurve™ 11 ASV?
The ResMed AirCurve™ 11 ASV is an advanced Adaptive Servo-Ventilation (ASV) machine designed to treat Central Sleep Apnea (CSA), Complex Sleep Apnea (CompSA), Mixed Sleep Apnea, and Cheyne-Stokes Respiration (CSR). Unlike standard CPAP machines that deliver a fixed pressure, the AirCurve 11 ASV continuously monitors your breathing and automatically adjusts pressure support on a breath-by-breath basis to stabilize ventilation and maintain a normal breathing pattern throughout the night.

Built on ResMed’s latest Air Solutions platform, the AirCurve 11 ASV combines intelligent therapy algorithms, integrated humidification, wireless connectivity, and advanced comfort features to deliver highly personalized sleep therapy.

2. Who Is the ResMed AirCurve™ 11 ASV Designed For?
The AirCurve 11 ASV is typically prescribed for patients diagnosed with:

• Central Sleep Apnea (CSA)
• Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome (CompSA)
• Mixed Sleep Apnea
• Cheyne-Stokes Respiration (CSR)
• Patients who continue to experience central apnea events while using CPAP or BiPAP therapy

This device is not intended for typical obstructive sleep apnea patients unless specifically prescribed by a physician.

3. Why Choose the ResMed AirCurve™ 11 ASV?
The AirCurve 11 ASV is considered one of the most advanced sleep therapy devices available today. Its intelligent ASV algorithm continuously adapts to changing breathing patterns throughout the night, providing support only when needed and reducing support when breathing returns to normal.

Key benefits include:

• Breath-by-breath pressure adjustments
• Advanced central sleep apnea treatment
• Integrated HumidAir™ heated humidification
• Climate Control compatibility
• Built-in cellular connectivity
• myAir™ therapy tracking
• Color touchscreen display
• Quiet operation
• Automatic software updates
• Premium ResMed comfort technology

For patients with central or complex sleep apnea, the AirCurve 11 ASV offers a level of therapy personalization that traditional CPAP machines simply cannot provide.

3. Can I use the AirCurve 11 ASV for obstructive sleep apnea? (revised)
The AirCurve 11 ASV is indicated for central sleep apnea (CSA), obstructive sleep apnea, mixed apneas, and periodic breathing. While it can address obstructive events, it is primarily prescribed for patients whose breathing isn’t fully normalized by standard CPAP or bilevel therapy — particularly those with central or mixed apneas. A physician determines whether ASV therapy is appropriate for your condition.

4. Does the AirCurve 11 ASV include wireless connectivity? (revised)
Yes. The AirCurve 11 ASV features both built-in cellular and Bluetooth connectivity. Cellular allows therapy data to be securely and automatically transmitted to the cloud for remote monitoring through the myAir™ patient app and AirView™ provider platform, while Bluetooth assists with device setup for a more interactive experience. The device also supports over-the-air updates, so new software and features can be delivered directly to the machine.

5. How does the ASV algorithm actually work?
The AirCurve 11 ASV uses ResMed’s ASVAuto algorithm, which tracks 13 points on every breath cycle 50 times per second. It learns each patient’s own minute ventilation target and respiratory rate, then auto-adjusts inspiratory pressure support to stabilize breathing, auto-adjusts EPAP to keep the upper airway open, and provides an automatic backup rate during pauses — all designed to make therapy feel like the patient’s own natural breath.

6. What does ASV therapy feel like compared to a regular CPAP?
Rather than the single steady pressure of a CPAP, the AirCurve 11 ASV adjusts pressure breath by breath, so many users describe it as the machine “breathing with them.” It stays gentle during stable breathing and increases support only when it detects a pause or shallow breathing. Most people adjust within a couple of weeks, and many who struggled with CPAP find ASV more comfortable.

7. Is ASV proven to work better than CPAP for complex sleep apnea?
For the right patients, the data is strong. In clinical research cited by ResMed, patients with complex sleep apnea achieved nearly a 90% reduction in their apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) on ASV, compared with about a 65% reduction on CPAP. Results vary by individual, and a sleep physician determines whether ASV is the right therapy for you.

8. Do I need a prescription, and what’s required to qualify?
Yes. The AirCurve 11 ASV (HCPCS code E0471) is a prescription medical device and cannot be purchased without one. Coverage typically also requires an attended, facility-based sleep study (polysomnography) documenting a diagnosis of central or complex sleep apnea, along with evidence that the prescribed settings improved your breathing. Your physician sets your pressures, usually following a titration study.

9. How much does an ASV machine cost, and will insurance cover it?
ASV devices generally cost more than standard CPAP machines because of their advanced algorithm. Coverage varies by plan, and because ASV is prescribed for specific diagnoses, many insurers require a sleep study and documentation before approving it. We recommend confirming your benefits and any prior-authorization requirements before purchasing.

10. Is ASV safe if I have heart failure?
This is an important safety question. ASV therapy is contraindicated for patients with chronic, symptomatic heart failure (NYHA class 2–4) who have a reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF of 45% or less) combined with moderate to severe predominant central sleep apnea. Anyone with a heart condition should discuss ASV with their physician or cardiologist before starting therapy.

11. Can I use my existing CPAP mask and tubing with the AirCurve 11 ASV?
It depends on what you currently use. Masks are generally universal, so virtually any standard CPAP/bilevel mask works with the AirCurve 11 ASV, and ResMed masks are optimized for the Air11 platform and myAir. Tubing is different. Standard non-heated (universal) tubing is typically compatible, but heated tubing is device-specific — the AirCurve 11 uses ResMed’s own ClimateLineAir™ 11 heated tube, so a heated tube from another system (such as a Philips Respironics device) will not work. If you want heated tubing, you’ll need the one made for this unit.

12. Does the AirCurve 11 ASV have a humidifier?
Yes. It includes an integrated heated humidifier with a removable, easy-to-fill water tub. Humidity can be set automatically through the Climate Control feature or adjusted manually. ResMed notes that heated humidification can help patients spend more time in REM sleep and stay on therapy longer.

13. Can I travel with the AirCurve 11 ASV?
Yes. The device has a sleek, compact design, and ResMed offers a dedicated Air11 travel bag as well as a DC-DC converter for powering the machine from a battery or vehicle source. As with any PAP therapy, plan to bring your prescription documentation when flying.

14. How do I maintain the machine, and what supplies need replacing?
Routine upkeep includes regularly cleaning the water tub and mask, and replacing the disposable air filters, which use a fine mesh to filter out environmental particulates; hypoallergenic filters are also available. The touchscreen and single start/stop button make day-to-day operation simple.

15. Can I adjust the ASV settings myself?
No. ASV settings (pressure support range, EPAP, backup rate, and target ventilation) are clinical parameters set by your physician based on your titration study. Adjusting them incorrectly can reduce the effectiveness of your therapy. If something doesn’t feel right, contact your provider rather than changing settings yourself.