One of the top complaints we hear about the ResMed AirSense 10 and AirCurve 10 is the heater isn’t working on the device. There may be a problem with the device. However, most of the time, the heater settings need to be changed.
If you feel that you are not getting enough humidity, you may need to increase the temperature on the heater settings. You may also see a change in the amount of water used from the water chamber, depending on the weather. The AirSense 10 and AirCurve 10 have a humidity sensor on the main pc board. If the humidity in the air increases, the heater may not turn on because the heater setting is too low.
Let’s look at an example. In the summer, the humidity in the air increases dramatically in many states. You usually have your heater set to 4, and let’s say that this level turns on the heater when air humidity is less than 40%. If the air humidity is 55%, the device will not turn on the heater plate since it is over 40%. There is too much moisture in the air. If you turn your heater setting to 6, the device will turn on the heater plate, and you’ll have more moisture in the air going to my mask.
Another example describes when the heater setting or climate line needs to be adjusted. I have my heater set at 7. I’m getting water in my mask (known as rainout). If you have a climate line (a heated tube that has an electrical connection to the back of your device), try increasing the climate line temperature so that it keeps the air warm in the tube and prevents rainout. If that doesn’t work or you do not have a climate line, turn down the heater setting.
Where are the settings on my device?
On the main screen, you will have two options: My Options and Sleep Report.
- If you need to, turn the dial so that Options is highlighted.
- Push in the dial to select My Options.
How do I change my heater settings?
The heater level can be adjusted from 0(Off) to 8. The higher the number, the more humidification you will receive. If you don’t see the water in your water chamber go down, or you are feeling dry, turn this setting up. If you are getting too much humidification and getting water in the mask or tube, turn it down. For climate line users, this setting is only visible if the climate control is set to Manual.
To adjust the heater setting while in the My Options menu:
- Turn the dial to highlight Humidity Level.
- Push in the dial to select this setting.
- Turn the dial to the right to increase the heater setting and left to decrease the setting.
- Push in the dial to save the setting.
Heated climate line users: Changing Climate Control and Climate Line settings?
Climate Control
If you are using a climate line, connect it to your device prior to checking your heater settings. This will give you more options. If you are not using a climate line, I suggest you get one. It keeps the air warm as it travels from the humidifier to your mask. This prevents condensation in the tubing and mask, and you get the desired humidification.
Auto or Manual
The Auto climate control will automatically adjust your settings depending on the air in the room. But many of us CPAP and BiPAP users desire more humidification than what the auto controls will provide. Manual climate control allows you to adjust the settings to your needs. This setting is only visible if a climate line tube is connected to the device.
To check if your device is on Auto or Manual climate control while in the My Options menu:
- Check what the display says after Climate Ctrl.
- If it says Manual, leave the setting as it is.
- If it says Auto, you’ll need to adjust this setting.
- Turn your dial to the right until Climate Ctrl is highlighted.
- Push in the dial to select the setting.
- Turn the dial to the right so that Manual is highlighted.
- Push in the dial to save the setting.
Tube Temperature Adjustment
The tube temperature can be set anywhere from 60℉ to 86℉ (or 16℃ to 30℃). The higher the the tube temperature is set, the better the air going through the tube will stay warm. Lower tube temperatures may allow the air to condense in the tube or your mask. I suggest turning the tube temperature all the way up to its maximum temperature to prevent cooling. This setting is only visible when the climate line is connected to the device and the climate control is set to manual.
To adjust the tube temperature setting while in the My Options menu:
- Turn the dial to highlight Tube Temp.
- Push in the dial to select the setting.
- To turn up the tube temperature, turn the dial to the right until you get to your desired temperature.
- Push the dial in again to save the setting.
Try using the device for one night with your new settings. You can always go in and adjust them again.
Humidifier Errors and Device Malfunction
If you see the error “Heater over temperature” displayed on the device, it means water has leaked into the heater plate onto the heater board. You can wait for it to dry out and see if it will work without errors later. If this error will not go away after a day or two, there is most likely too much water inside the heater. The water may have started corroding the heater board. At that point, you should send the device in for repair.
To prevent further water damage, make sure to take the water chamber out of the device before picking up or moving the device. When putting the water chamber into the device, keep it level; tilting the chamber can spill water. This also protects the blower and main circuit board from water damage.
There’s one humidifier error that may be displayed on the device that definitely requires repair. “Heating System Fault” is displayed on the screen when the main circuit board is not communicating with the heater board. This will lead to either the main circuit board or the heater board needing replacement.
The climate line connection on the back of the device can also malfunction. When plugging in the climate line and the device does not flash a message that the climate line is connected, then the connector piece on the device needs to be replaced. It also must be replaced if the device displays “ClimateLineAir fault.”
If you have any questions about adjusting your heating settings, please contact Altra Service Professionals at 888-551-5267 or info@altraservice.com. To send in your device for repair, go to https://cpap-repair.com/schedule-service/. We will provide you with a free shipping label to send your device to us. Once received, we will evaluate it and send you a free repair estimate.
