AirSense 11 vs DreamStation 2: Which One is Better for CPAP Therapy?

Short answer: for anyone buying a CPAP machine in the United States today, the ResMed AirSense 11 is the practical choice, because the Philips DreamStation 2 is no longer sold new in the US. Philips stopped selling CPAP and BiPAP devices in the US and, under a 2024 consent decree, will not resume selling new ones until federal requirements are met [7][8]. The two machines are close on paper, so this comparison is still useful if you own a DreamStation 2 or are weighing a used one, but the buyable, supported option is the AirSense 11.

Here is how the two flagship auto-adjusting machines stack up, with the specs verified against each manufacturer. As you will see, they are remarkably close on the numbers that matter, which is why availability and support end up being the deciding factor.

AirSense 11

The ResMed AirSense 11 AutoSet is ResMed's current flagship auto-adjusting CPAP. It comes in three versions, the AutoSet (auto-adjusting), the Elite, and the CPAP (both fixed-pressure), so you can match it to your prescription [1]. It pairs with the myAir app for setup guidance, nightly scores, and coaching [1], uses a color touchscreen, and has a 380 mL heated humidifier [1]. Compare it with the previous generation in our AirSense 11 vs AirSense 10 guide, or see how the myAir score works.

"Here we have the ResMed AirSense 11, one of my favorite machines out there. One of my favorite features is ResMed's climate control: your heated humidifier adds water vapor to the air to stop you drying out, and a heated tube so you can adjust the air temperature."

Nick, Sleeplay (AirSense 11 Tips and Tricks)

DreamStation 2

The Philips DreamStation 2 Auto is a compact, front-vented machine with a color touchscreen, a 325 mL humidifier, and the DreamMapper app [2][3]. Its standout comfort feature is Ramp Plus, which lets you set an exact comfortable starting pressure that then rises automatically and re-activates every session [2]. On the core specs it is a genuinely capable machine and, as the table shows, closely matched to the AirSense 11.

Can You Still Buy a DreamStation 2?

This is the part most comparisons skip. First, a clarification that matters: the widely publicized June 2021 Philips recall was over the PE-PUR sound-abatement foam in the first-generation DreamStation family (the original DreamStation, DreamStation ASV, Go, and ST/AVAPS) [4][5]. The DreamStation 2 was not on that recall list [5]: it is the replacement device Philips built with a different, silicone sound-abatement foam [6].

The catch is availability. Philips stopped selling CPAP and BiPAP devices in the US in 2021, and under a 2024 consent decree it will not resume selling new CPAP or BiPAP devices in the US until it meets federal requirements (announced January 2024; the court entered the decree in April 2024) [7][8]. In practice that means you cannot buy a new DreamStation 2 in the US right now, and Sleeplay no longer carries it. If you already own one that has been serviced, this comparison still helps you understand it; if you are shopping, the realistic choice is a currently sold machine.

Should you buy a used DreamStation 2?

Because it is not available new, some shoppers look for a used or refurbished DreamStation 2. Be cautious. A CPAP machine is prescription equipment, so a private-sale unit comes with no prescription support, no manufacturer warranty, and no way to confirm how it was maintained or which firmware and remediation it received [7]. You also lose the setup help and data support you get with a currently sold machine. For most people the cost of a used, unsupported device is not worth it when a new, warrantied, and fully supported AirSense 11 is available at a comparable price.

Which One is Better for CPAP Therapy?

Both deliver effective therapy: fixed CPAP holds one pressure, while auto-adjusting modes (ResMed's AutoSet, Philips' Auto CPAP) raise and lower pressure as your breathing changes [9], and research finds auto and fixed pressure work about equally well, so the right pick often comes down to comfort, features, and cost [10]. Here is where they actually differ.

Comfort and ramp

Philips' Ramp Plus is a real strength: you set the exact start pressure that feels comfortable and it climbs automatically [2]. The AirSense 11 uses a more standard adjustable ramp but leans on the myAir app to coach new users through the adjustment period [1].

Humidification and noise

The AirSense 11 has a slightly larger humidifier (380 mL vs 325 mL), which can help if you run high humidity all night [1][2]. On noise, a common myth is that one is clearly quieter: on paper both are rated at 27 dB(A) sound pressure, plus or minus 2 (measured under slightly different standards), so treat noise as effectively a tie and decide on other factors [1][3].

Apps and data

The AirSense 11 uses myAir, with nightly scores and built-in coaching [1]; the DreamStation 2 uses DreamMapper to view your nightly data [3]. Both give you the numbers that matter, so the choice is about which ecosystem you prefer. Both machines also offer exhalation-relief comfort settings (ResMed calls it EPR, Philips calls it Flex) that ease the pressure as you breathe out, which helps new users adjust. If you are still deciding between fixed and auto-adjusting pressure in general, our APAP vs CPAP guide breaks it down.

Who Each Machine Suits

• New to CPAP: the AirSense 11, for the myAir setup coaching and because it is currently sold and supported [1].
• You struggle at your prescribed pressure: Ramp Plus on the DreamStation 2 is excellent, but the AirSense 11 ramp plus app coaching covers most people.
• Run high humidity or a dry bedroom: the AirSense 11 edges it with the 380 mL tub.
• You already own a serviced DreamStation 2: it remains a capable machine; this comparison helps you use it well.

Alternatives to the DreamStation 2

Since the DreamStation 2 is not sold new in the US, the practical picks are all machines you can actually buy and get supported. Our top recommendation is the ResMed AirSense 11 AutoSet. If you want to save a bit, the ResMed AirSense 10 AutoSet is the proven prior generation, and for travel the ResMed AirMini is the smallest option. Browse all auto-adjusting CPAP machines, or start with our roundup of the best CPAP machines.

Final Thoughts

The AirSense 11 and DreamStation 2 are closely matched on the specs that count, and both provide effective continuous positive airway pressure [10]. The deciding factor today is not a spec, it is availability: with Philips out of the US CPAP market, the AirSense 11 is the machine you can buy, register, and get supported. If you are choosing now, that is where we point you; if you already run a DreamStation 2, keep it well maintained and use the comparison above to get the most from it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the DreamStation 2 discontinued in the US?

Effectively yes for new purchases. Philips stopped selling CPAP and BiPAP devices in the US in 2021, and under a 2024 consent decree it will not resume selling new ones until it meets federal requirements. Sleeplay no longer carries it.

Was the DreamStation 2 part of the Philips recall?

No. The June 2021 PE-PUR foam recall covered the first-generation DreamStation family, not the DreamStation 2. The DreamStation 2 is the replacement device, built with a different silicone sound-abatement foam.

Is Philips still selling CPAP machines in the US?

No. Philips Respironics stopped selling CPAP and BiPAP devices in the US in 2021 and, under a 2024 consent decree, will not resume selling new CPAP or BiPAP devices in the US until federal requirements are met.

Which is better, the AirSense 11 or the DreamStation 2?

On specs they are closely matched, and both provide effective therapy. For a US buyer today the AirSense 11 wins on availability, because it is currently sold and supported while the DreamStation 2 is not sold new.

Is the AirSense 11 quieter than the DreamStation 2?

Not meaningfully. Both are rated at 27 dB(A) sound pressure, plus or minus 2, by their manufacturers. Any real-world difference is small, so choose based on features, humidifier size, and app rather than noise.

What should I buy instead of a DreamStation 2?

The ResMed AirSense 11 AutoSet is the closest current equivalent. To spend less, the AirSense 10 AutoSet is the proven prior generation, and the ResMed AirMini is the best pick if you need a travel machine.

What is the difference between CPAP and AutoSet modes?

Fixed CPAP delivers one set pressure all night. Auto-adjusting modes, ResMed's AutoSet or Philips' Auto CPAP, raise and lower pressure as sensors detect changes in your breathing, which can feel more comfortable for many users.

References

1. ResMed AirSense 11 User Guide (specs)
2. Philips DreamStation 2 Auto CPAP Advanced datasheet
3. Philips DreamStation 2 Advanced User Manual
4. FDA: Philips recall notification, PE-PUR foam (June 2021)
5. FDA: list of recalled Philips CPAP/BiPAP/ventilator devices
6. Philips: silicone foam in DreamStation 2 (replacement device)
7. Philips: consent decree, will not resume US CPAP/BiPAP sales (Jan 2024)
8. FDA: federal court enters consent decree against Philips Respironics (April 2024)
9. Cleveland Clinic: APAP machine (fixed CPAP vs auto-adjusting)
10. Ip et al., Systematic Reviews 2012 (APAP and CPAP similar efficacy)