ResMed AirCurve 11 BiPAP Models Explained
If your doctor has prescribed a ResMed AirCurve 11 BiLevel device, you're looking at some of the most advanced sleep apnea technology available. This guide clarifies the differences between the S, VAuto and ASV models so your device matches your prescription perfectly.
Three AirCurve 11 BiLevel models, one platform. Here's exactly how the S, VAuto and ASV differ — and which one matches your prescription.
What Is BiLevel Therapy and the AirCurve 11 Series?
Unlike standard CPAP machines that deliver a single continuous pressure, BiLevel devices (often called BiPAP) deliver two distinct pressure levels:
Inspiratory Pressure
A higher pressure delivered when you inhale, helping to hold the airway open and support each breath in.
Expiratory Pressure
A lower pressure delivered when you exhale, making it easier and more natural to breathe out against the airflow.
This dual-pressure system can make breathing feel more comfortable and natural — especially for users who need higher pressures or have specific respiratory conditions. The AirCurve 11 series builds on ResMed's legacy with enhanced digital health features, a user-friendly design and sophisticated therapy algorithms.
1. ResMed AirCurve 11 S
The AirCurve 11 S operates in Spontaneous (S) mode: the device senses your natural breathing rhythm, delivering the higher IPAP as you begin to inhale and switching to the lower EPAP as you start to exhale. Every breath is triggered by your own effort, and the IPAP and EPAP levels are fixed to your prescription.
Who is it for?
- Patients who can reliably initiate every breath but find it hard to exhale against the high, constant pressure of a standard CPAP.
- Individuals needing higher overall pressures for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), where BiLevel therapy offers greater comfort.
- Some patients with conditions such as certain forms of COPD or neuromuscular disorders who need pressure support but have a consistent respiratory drive.
2. ResMed AirCurve 11 VAuto
The AirCurve 11 VAuto is an auto-adjusting BiLevel device powered by ResMed's proven AutoSet™ algorithm. It automatically adjusts the EPAP to keep your airway open, then provides a consistent level of Pressure Support (the difference between IPAP and EPAP) — or automatically adjusts IPAP to meet your needs. Vsync technology manages mask leaks effectively throughout the night.
Who is it for?
- Patients with OSA who benefit from BiLevel therapy and require or prefer automatic pressure adjustments through the night.
- Individuals whose pressure needs vary — for example with sleep stage, body position or mask leak.
- Those who want the comfort of BiLevel therapy combined with the intelligent titration of an auto-adjusting device.
3. ResMed AirCurve 11 ASV
The AirCurve 11 ASV is the most sophisticated device in the lineup, using ResMed's Adaptive Servo-Ventilation (ASV) with PaceWave™ technology. It monitors your breathing on a breath-by-breath basis, targeting your recent minute ventilation and automatically adjusting pressure support to stabilise your breathing. If you stop breathing or your breathing becomes too shallow, it delivers precisely calculated pressure support to normalise your pattern — and can provide a backup breath rate.
Who is it for? Specifically designed for more complex sleep-disordered breathing, including:
- Central Sleep Apnea (CSA), including treatment-emergent CSA or CSA related to certain medications.
- Complex Sleep Apnea (CompSA), where central apneas emerge or persist after OSA is treated with CPAP or standard BiLevel.
- Periodic breathing such as Cheyne-Stokes Respiration (CSR), often associated with congestive heart failure or stroke.
- Opioid-induced central apneas, under medical supervision.
AirCurve 11 Models Compared
| Feature | AirCurve 11 S | AirCurve 11 VAuto | AirCurve 11 ASV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mode | Spontaneous (S) | Auto-adjusting BiLevel | Adaptive Servo-Ventilation |
| Pressure delivery | Fixed IPAP / EPAP | Auto EPAP + Pressure Support | Dynamic, breath-by-breath support |
| Algorithm | — | AutoSet™ | PaceWave™ ASV |
| Breath trigger | Patient only | Patient (auto pressures) | Patient + device |
| Backup rate | None | Optional | Mandatory |
| Leak management | Standard | Vsync | Vsync |
| Prescribed for | OSA needing BiLevel comfort | OSA needing auto titration | CSA, CompSA, Cheyne-Stokes |
myAir™ App Integration
Daily sleep scores, coaching and educational resources on your smartphone.
Personal Therapy Assistant
Voice-guided setup and troubleshooting through the myAir app.
Care Check-In
Answer simple questions that can be shared with your healthcare provider.
Integrated Heated Humidifier
ClimateLineAir™ heated-tube compatibility for optimal temperature and humidity.
Quiet Easy-Breathe Motor
Keeps the bedroom peaceful for you and your partner.
Intuitive Touchscreen
Easy-to-navigate menus and settings.
Over-the-Air Updates
Keeps your device current with the latest features and improvements, where supported.
ResMed Reliability
Built on a proven platform trusted by clinicians and patients worldwide.
Making the Right Choice: Your Prescription Comes First
The single most important factor in selecting an AirCurve 11 BiLevel device is your doctor's prescription. Your sleep specialist diagnoses your specific condition and prescribes the appropriate mode (S, VAuto or ASV) and pressure settings. These devices are not interchangeable — each mode is engineered for a different clinical need.
⚠️ Prescription required: BiLevel devices are prescription medical equipment. The mode and pressure settings must match your prescription, and ASV in particular is reserved for specific diagnoses. Always confirm your device and settings with your doctor or sleep specialist before purchase and use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between the AirCurve 11 S, VAuto and ASV?
Do I need a prescription to choose a model?
Can the AirCurve 11 ASV treat obstructive sleep apnea?
What's the difference between BiLevel (BiPAP) and CPAP?
What is a "backup rate", and which model has one?
Do all AirCurve 11 models include a humidifier and myAir?
At CPAPeuropa.com we're dedicated to making sure you get the right therapy equipment. If you have your prescription and are still unsure which AirCurve 11 model fits — or have questions about their features — consult the detailed product pages linked above, or contact our expert customer support team. We're here to help you understand your options and make an informed decision based on your prescription. Explore the advanced ResMed AirCurve 11 BiLevel devices and take a significant step towards better, more comfortable sleep.
Please note: This guide is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. The AirCurve 11 S, VAuto and ASV are prescription devices intended for different clinical conditions. Always follow your doctor's or sleep specialist's prescription when choosing and configuring your BiLevel device.
