ResMed HumidAir Water Chamber: AirSense 10 vs AirSense 11

Introduction

The water chamber in your CPAP humidifier is a component that quietly does a great deal of work every night. It holds the distilled water that your machine's heating element warms to produce humidified therapy air, and it is in direct contact with both heat and moisture on a continuous basis. Over time, even with regular cleaning, water chambers develop mineral deposits, discolouration, and micro-abrasions that make thorough sanitization increasingly difficult — which is why ResMed recommends replacing the chamber on a regular schedule rather than cleaning it indefinitely.

Patients ordering a replacement chamber most commonly run into one problem: selecting the wrong chamber for their machine. The HumidAir cleanable water chamber for the AirSense 10 and the HumidAir water chamber for the AirSense 11 are designed for different machines and are not interchangeable. This page explains what sets them apart, which one belongs with your machine, and what to know about cleaning and replacement for each.

Quick Comparison Overview

AirSense 10 HumidAir Chamber — Key Features

The HumidAir cleanable water chamber for the AirSense 10 is a long-lasting replacement tub designed specifically for the ResMed Air 10 series. A standout feature of this chamber is that it is dishwasher safe — making it one of the more convenient CPAP humidifier chambers to maintain, as it can be cleaned on the top rack of a household dishwasher rather than requiring hand-washing every time.

The chamber also disassembles for cleaning, which allows patients to access all interior surfaces more thoroughly than would be possible with a sealed chamber. Over time, mineral deposits and biofilm can accumulate in hard-to-reach corners of a water chamber — the ability to take the chamber apart for cleaning helps address this more effectively. ResMed describes this chamber as designed to last beyond six months, making it a durable replacement option rather than a purely consumable part.

As with all CPAP water chambers, distilled water must always be used. Tap water contains minerals that leave deposits on the chamber walls and heating element over time, reducing humidifier performance and shortening the lifespan of both the chamber and the machine's heating components. Distilled water is available at most pharmacies and grocery stores across Canada.

AirSense 11 HumidAir Chamber — Key Features

The HumidAir water chamber for the AirSense 11 is exclusively designed for and integrated with the AirSense 11 machine. It holds 380 ml of water, which is sufficient for a full night of humidified therapy under most conditions. Like all ResMed water chambers, it requires distilled water only — tap water should never be used.

The AirSense 11 chamber is purpose-built for the AirSense 11's humidifier housing and cannot be used with any other machine. It is designed to integrate directly with the AirSense 11's Climate Control system and HumidAir humidifier platform, ensuring correct fitting and performance when used as intended.

Cleaning and Replacement

For both chambers, the general hand-washing routine is the same: clean three to four times per week using warm water and mild, unscented soap, rinse thoroughly, and air dry away from direct sunlight. Once per week, soak the chamber for 15 to 20 minutes in a solution of one part white vinegar to three parts water, then rinse thoroughly. This weekly vinegar soak is important for dissolving mineral deposits that regular soap washing does not address effectively.

The AirSense 10 chamber's dishwasher-safe design and disassembly feature give it a practical cleaning advantage for patients who find hand-washing CPAP components time-consuming. The ability to run it through the dishwasher on the top rack is a convenience that the AirSense 11 chamber does not list as a feature. Patients should confirm dishwasher suitability for any chamber with the manufacturer documentation before using this method.

Both chambers should be replaced when they show signs of discolouration, cracking, or persistent mineral buildup that cleaning cannot resolve. As a general guideline, replacing the water chamber every six months as part of a regular CPAP supply refresh maintains hygiene and humidifier performance. Replacement chambers for both machines are available through CPAP Machines Canada.

Which Chamber Do You Need

As with CPAP filters and heated tubes, the answer is determined entirely by which machine you own.

• If you own the ResMed AirSense 10 or any other Air 10 series machine, you need the HumidAir cleanable water chamber for AirSense 10.
• If you own the ResMed AirSense 11, you need the HumidAir water chamber for AirSense 11.
• Neither chamber is compatible with the ResMed AirMini.

If you have recently upgraded from an AirSense 10 to an AirSense 11, your existing AirSense 10 water chamber will not fit the new machine. The water chamber is one of the accessories that needs to be updated as part of any machine upgrade. Contact CPAP Machines Canada to confirm compatibility and order the correct chamber for your setup.

Frequently Asked Questions