Odd Airsense 11 Problem and Medicare question

I have an Airsense 11 Autoset that is just 3 months out of warranty.

I have an unusual problem. For the first year and some months, absolutely no issue, but approx 18 months in, every water chamber develops a leak within a few weeks. I have used distilled water, RO water, and Tap water. No difference.
I am only rinsing and cleaning with mild (Dawn) soap as needed.
I am not washing the tub with HOT water. I am not using the dishwasher. I am not using any harsh cleaners.
I am not doing any rough handling of the tubs.
The leaks seem to be coming from the bottom of the metal plate.
The water is only filled halfway.
I have replaced the gray exit piece with the silicone gasket in case somehow that was the cause. It had no effect.

I have had 2 DME's look at this. They say that water chamber leaks are not common. Since this happens with every tub, but did not for the first 18 months. There are only a few possiblilities.
One - The chambers are all defective. - Unlikely since nobody else seems to have this issue, and it's literally EVERY tub.
Two - Something in the machine is causing the problem. No idea what. Something with the heating plate???
Three - I am not doing anything to the water chambers that should be causing that, but in theory, that would be a possibliliy; but it did not happen for the first 18 months.

My questions for the forum are:

> Has anyone run into this issue? If so what solved it?
> If you think I must be doing something wrong, please be so kind to tell me specifically what I could do to cause this, and how to stop it.

> I am now on Medicare, but I was on private insurance when I got the Airsense 11.

> My current DME told me that Medicare would not allow them to diganose or repair a unit that was not provided by them.

>I brought the unit to my previous DME, who does not take medicare. They are sending to Resmed to diagnose the issue. I expect to pay out of pocket for that.

> I have been told, and I assume that I am not eligible for a new machine until 5 years after the unit where private insurance was billed. Is it correct that Medicare will not pay for repairs for a machine not provided by them?

I sincerely appreciate your responses.

jsmit86 wrote: ↑

Sat Jan 25, 2025 11:14 am

Is it correct that Medicare will not pay for repairs for a machine not provided by them?

This is a question you need to be asking Medicare directly.

About water chambers.....I have had 5 fail over the past 15 plus years and 4 failed due to user error (chamber either dropped or slung across the room) and only 1 failed just out of the blue.

Just started with AirSense 11 a few weeks ago. So far no problem with water chamber.

Pugsy- I appreciate the reply.

Any chance the water tubs are running dry by the morning which conceivably could overheat the metal plate and cause a crack to occur? You had mentioned only filling halfway and a few posts I've read on the AS11 seems to suggest it runs out of water quicker than the previous AS10. Dry ambient conditions in the Winter may use water a bit quicker as well.

Grumpy48 wrote: ↑

Sat Jan 25, 2025 1:00 pm

Any chance the water tubs are running dry by the morning which conceivably could overheat the metal plate and cause a crack to occur? You had mentioned only filling halfway and a few posts I've read on the AS11 seems to suggest it runs out of water quicker than the previous AS10. Dry ambient conditions in the Winter may use water a bit quicker as well.

It's a good point, but no. I typically have about 1/2 the water still left. It never runs dry.
I do appreciate the thoughtful reply though!

Have you tried running dry with the humidity setting off.

thumps wrote: ↑

Mon Feb 24, 2025 10:14 am

Have you tried running dry with the humidity setting off.

Yes, a few times, but I do need the humidity.
Of course, with no water in the tub, there is no leak!

My original DME has sent the unit to Resmed to get an evaluation.
We will see what they have to say.

I did get some info from Medicare. If my Dr. determines that the machine is defective and submits the required paperwork, RX etc via my curreny DME, medicare will cover a replacement machine if it's medically necessary.

I have an appointment in a couple of weeks, and I will discuss it with him then.

I got a reply from Resmed via my DME regarding my Airsense 11.

They said that they could not duplicate the problem with the water chamber leaking.
Seems odd since once a leak developed (usually within a few weeks), they leaked every night.

But... they did a full diagnostic on the machine, and claim that the motor blower and the internal foam is "contaminiated".
They don't say what the contaminiation is.
I replace my filters with a high quality filter every month, and the room is not dusty. Windows not opened.
It would seem like dirt is not likely. Possible mold? Perhaps due to the water leaks. They don't say.
There has never been any "mold" or mildew smell from the machine, so I am curious about what is the issue.

The kicker is they want over $500 to remidiate the "contamination". Replace foam, etc..

I am declining the estimate to repair the machine. I am currently using my older Airsense 10 Autoset, and according to Medicare, if my Airsense 11 is not working properly, they will authorize a new machine with proper docs from my Doctor.

I will have to decide if I want to replace it with an Airsense 10, or 11 this time.
So far using my Airsense 10 for about 5 weeks, there are no water leak issues using the newer design water tub with the circular metal plate.
I may just go back to the 10. The therapy is identical, and if anything the 10 is slightly quieter.

I also need to know if anyone would have a use for the old machine. Does anyone refurb these for 2nd hand use?
If not, I will scrap it.

jsmit86 wrote: ↑

Thu Feb 27, 2025 8:58 am

I also need to know if anyone would have a use for the old machine.

It's unclear which machine you are referring to, but it's prudent to keep a backup machine.

Yes-
The machine I am referrring to is the Airsense 11.
Wondering if there would be any use for it. I won't be paying for the refurbishment, so if there is somebody or some org that can inspect it and perform any work if necessary, vs me just scrapping it.

My only complaint with that machine is that for some reason every tub leaks within a few weeks; and often after a few days.
I am not abusing the tub, overfilling it, etc. The replacement tubs never leak for at least the first few days. I have used distilled water, RO water, & softened water, and there is no differenc. I wash it with a bit of Dawn dish soap. No harsh cleaners, do diswasher.
I am not aware of other users having widespread leaking with the AIrsense 11 tubs.
I would think there is real quality issue with the tubs, but I am not seeing that from other users here at the forum, or from my original DME, or my Medicare DME.
I have concluded that something about the machine is causing the tub leaks, but I cannot know for sure. Resmed says they cannot duplicate the issue.

Bottom line I am asking if there is any use for my Airsense 11 vs. just scrapping it. It's free for the taking if anyone wants it.

I will aslo need to decide if I want my replacement for the Airsense 11 to be another Airsense 11, or just replace it with the AIrsense 10.
As I mentioned above I have not had leaks in the Airsense 10 tub with the new design in over a month. So, I may just go with that.
I don't need the smaller size of the 11 because I have a travel unit. I don't care about the touch screen. I guess that the only other feature of the 11 is it can be firmware upgraded over the cellular connection. Not sure if I really need that.