ResMed adds AirSense 11 to e-shop 

SAN DIEGO – ResMed has added the AirSense 11 to its e-shop for cash purchase in a move that has upset providers who say they are still on allocation for this CPAP device. 

When contacted by HME News, a company spokesperson confirmed that the AirSense 11 joined the AirSense 10 and AirMini, as well as numerous masks and accessories, on the company’s e-shop on Oct. 28. 

“The expansion of our online shop reflects our broader commitment to developing a holistic channel strategy that increases brand awareness, educates and engages more consumers in the sleep apnea pathway,” the spokesperson said. “This approach extends to our entire range of products, ensuring a comprehensive experience for all sleep apnea patients.”  

In the wake of a large recall by Philips in 2021, demand for CPAP devices skyrocketed, resulting in ResMed putting the AirSense 10 and 11 on allocation. The AirSense 10 came off allocation in the third quarter of the company’s fiscal year 2023. 

CEO Mick Farrell said in a conference call in April 2023 that the AirSense 11 would remain on allocation “for the next few quarters,” even as the company doubled its footprint in Singapore to scale production of the device. At press time in November, the AirSense 11 was still on allocation. 

“ResMed is investing in our global manufacturing and supply chain capacity to continue the global rollout of AirSense 11,” the spokesperson said. “The U.S. launch of that product was accelerated due to the lack of CPAP device supply in the market at that time. Many countries around the world have still not launched AirSense 11. We have seen unprecedented demand for both AirSense 10 and 11 during the last few years. Both products are popular with patients, and we will continue to increase AirSense 11 supply as quickly as we can.” 

ResMed has begun providing information directly to HME providers about its expanded e-shop, the spokesperson said. 

“Just like when we added the AirMini to the ResMed shop back in 2021, our goal continues to be to provide patients with a pathway to find information on ResMed products directly from ResMed,” the spokesperson said. 

The expanded e-shop also brings back concerns among providers about a manufacturer being a “direct competitor for a script,” as one provider put it, even if it’s a cash and not insurance purchase. 

“A patient is required to submit a valid prescription to purchase any device or mask that requires Rx,” the spokesperson said. “If a customer does not have a prescription, the ResMed Shop requires them to consult their health care provider to obtain one. The ResMed Shop team is available to answer questions about the product, assist with setup, and provide information about the AS11’s features, including its over-the-air update capabilities and integration with the myAir app for enhanced user support.”