ResMed AirCurve 10: BiPAP Data Guide

What Is the AirCurve 10?

The ResMed AirCurve 10 is a bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) machine. Unlike a standard CPAP, which delivers one continuous pressure, the AirCurve 10 delivers two separate pressures: a higher pressure on inhalation (IPAP) and a lower pressure on exhalation (EPAP). That pressure difference is called pressure support, and it is what makes bilevel therapy easier to tolerate for many patients.

ResMed sells the AirCurve 10 in several modes. The VAuto (variable auto-titrating) mode adjusts both IPAP and EPAP automatically based on detected events. The ASV (adaptive servo-ventilation) mode is designed for complex breathing patterns including Cheyne-Stokes respiration. The ST (spontaneous/timed) mode adds a backup breath rate for patients who need it. Your prescription determines which mode you use.

Bilevel therapy is prescribed when single-pressure CPAP is not sufficient. Common reasons include complex sleep apnea, high central apnea burden, elevated pressure requirements that are uncomfortable at a single level, or difficulty tolerating standard CPAP therapy. For a thorough comparison of bilevel and standard CPAP therapy, see BiPAP vs. CPAP.

What the AirCurve 10 Records

The AirCurve 10 writes detailed therapy data to its SD card every night. CPAP Clarity reads these channels directly:

• Mask pressure: the pressure at the mask interface throughout the night
• Therapy pressure (EPAP): the exhalation pressure the machine is maintaining
• Therapy pressure (IPAP): the inhalation pressure the machine is delivering
• EPR pressure: the pressure relief offset applied on top of bilevel settings
• Leak rate: mask seal quality, measured in liters per minute
• Respiratory rate: your breaths per minute
• Tidal volume: the volume of each breath, measured in milliliters
• Minute ventilation: total air volume moved per minute, calculated as respiratory rate times tidal volume
• I:E ratio: the proportion of each breath cycle spent inhaling versus exhaling
• Snore index: detected snoring events per hour
• Flow limitation: subtle airway narrowing that has not yet caused a full apnea or hypopnea
• Inspiratory time: the duration of each inhalation, measured in seconds
• AHI with full event breakdown: obstructive apneas, central apneas, and hypopneas, each counted and timestamped separately

Two of these channels are unique to bilevel devices: I:E ratio and inspiratory time. Standard CPAP machines do not record them because single-pressure therapy does not have the same inhalation and exhalation dynamics that bilevel does.

I:E ratio expresses what percentage of each breath cycle you spend inhaling. A ratio of 1:2 means you spend one unit of time inhaling for every two units exhaling, a normal breathing pattern. In bilevel therapy, an unusually short inspiratory phase or a very high I:E ratio can indicate the machine is not triggering correctly on your breaths, which is worth reviewing with your provider.

Inspiratory time is the raw duration in seconds that each inhalation lasts. Most adults have an inspiratory time between 0.8 and 1.2 seconds during sleep. Shorter inspiratory times can indicate rapid shallow breathing; longer times may indicate the machine's trigger sensitivity needs adjustment.

How to Read Your AirCurve 10 Data

ResMed's myAir app shows a simplified therapy score and basic AHI, but it does not give you access to the full data channels listed above. To see your complete bilevel data, including I:E ratio, pressure support trends, and event-by-event breakdown, you need to read directly from the SD card.

CPAP Clarity reads AirCurve 10 SD card data in your web browser. No installation, no account, no subscription. Your data never leaves your device.

Here is how to get started:

1. Remove the SD card from your AirCurve 10. The slot is on the right side of the machine. Power it off first.
2. Insert the card into your computer using a built-in SD card reader or a USB SD card reader (opens in new tab).
3. Drop the whole SD card folder onto cpapclarity.com. Select the entire SD card contents, not just the DATALOG folder.
4. View your data. You will see your AHI breakdown, EPAP and IPAP pressure curves, leak trends, I:E ratio, inspiratory time, therapy score, and plain-English insights.

For a detailed walkthrough with screenshots, see how to use CPAP Clarity.

Understanding Bilevel Data

Once your AirCurve 10 data is imported, here is what the bilevel-specific numbers mean and what to watch for.

EPAP and IPAP

Your EPAP (exhalation positive airway pressure) is the baseline pressure that keeps your airway from collapsing. Your IPAP (inhalation positive airway pressure) is the higher pressure delivered when you breathe in. In VAuto mode, both values adjust automatically within the ranges your provider set.

Watch for nights where IPAP or EPAP are consistently hitting the upper limit of their prescribed range. That can signal your pressure needs review.

Pressure support

Pressure support is simply IPAP minus EPAP. If your IPAP is 14 and your EPAP is 8, your pressure support is 6 cmH2O. Higher pressure support means more assistance on each inhalation. Your provider sets a minimum and maximum pressure support range based on your therapy needs.

ResMed's EPR (expiratory pressure relief) works on top of bilevel settings and is a separate comfort feature. For more on what EPR does and how it differs from pressure support, see understanding EPR.

I:E ratio trends

A consistently very high I:E ratio (spending an unusually large share of each breath cycle inhaling) or an erratic I:E pattern across the night can indicate a trigger or cycle sensitivity issue. These are settings your provider can adjust on the device itself. Do not adjust them without guidance.

Inspiratory time patterns

Short average inspiratory times with a high respiratory rate suggest a shallow, rapid breathing pattern. This can emerge when pressure is too high, when there is significant leak, or when the bilevel trigger sensitivity is mismatched to your breathing. If you see a clear change in your inspiratory time trend, that is concrete data to bring to your next appointment.

Central apneas and bilevel therapy

Central apneas are a specific concern on bilevel therapy. If you are on a bilevel device, your provider may be managing a central apnea pattern that did not respond to CPAP. Tracking whether your central event count is stable, improving, or worsening over time gives your provider real information to work with. For more background, see central vs. obstructive apnea.

AirCurve 10 Settings Explained

CPAP Clarity reads your AirCurve 10 settings directly from the SD card and displays them alongside your therapy data. Here is what each setting means.

• Mode: VAuto adjusts both IPAP and EPAP automatically. ASV targets a moving average of ventilation. ST adds a mandatory backup breath rate. Your mode is set by your prescribing physician.
• EPAP range (min/max): In VAuto mode, the machine adjusts EPAP between these two values. The minimum keeps your airway open at baseline; the maximum limits how aggressively the machine can respond.
• IPAP range (min/max): The machine adjusts IPAP within this range. The difference between your current IPAP and EPAP at any moment is your live pressure support.
• Pressure support range (min/max): Some modes constrain how much pressure support the machine can apply. This prevents the machine from over-assisting your breathing.
• EPR: ResMed's expiratory pressure relief applies a small additional pressure reduction at the start of exhalation, separate from EPAP. EPR is typically set to 1, 2, or 3 cmH2O.
• Ramp time and start pressure: The machine begins at a lower pressure and increases to treatment level over the ramp period, making it easier to fall asleep.
• Humidity level: Controls the heated humidifier. Higher levels reduce dryness but can cause condensation in the hose.
• Mask type: Nasal, nasal pillow, or full face. Affects leak calculations and pressure delivery behavior.

All bilevel settings are prescribed by your sleep physician or respiratory therapist. Discuss any adjustments with your provider before making changes.

Accessories and Essentials

The AirCurve 10 uses standard ResMed fittings and is compatible with the full range of ResMed masks as well as most universal CPAP accessories.

Masks

Your mask seal matters more on bilevel therapy than on standard CPAP because elevated leak disrupts both EPAP and IPAP delivery. The AirCurve 10 works with any standard CPAP mask. If you are choosing between mask types, see full face vs. nasal masks or best masks for side sleepers.

Popular options:

• Nasal pillow masks (opens in new tab) for minimal contact
• Nasal masks (opens in new tab) for a full nasal seal without full face coverage
• Full face masks (opens in new tab) if you breathe through your mouth or need a larger seal area

SD cards and readers

The AirCurve 10 uses a standard SD card. A name-brand card 32GB or smaller will work. For specific recommendations, see best SD card for your CPAP.

If your computer does not have a built-in SD card reader, a USB SD card reader (opens in new tab) costs a few dollars and works with any system.

Cleaning and maintenance

Standard CPAP cleaning practices apply to the AirCurve 10. Wash your mask cushion daily, replace filters regularly, and clean the humidifier chamber weekly. For a full routine, see how to clean your CPAP.

Helpful supplies:

• CPAP cleaning wipes (opens in new tab) for daily mask cleaning
• Replacement filters (opens in new tab) for the AirCurve 10
• CPAP hose (opens in new tab) if yours is showing wear

AirCurve 10 vs. AirSense 11

The AirCurve 10 and AirSense 11 are both ResMed devices, but they serve different clinical purposes. Here is a clear comparison.

Feature	AirCurve 10	AirSense 11
Therapy type	Bilevel (IPAP + EPAP)	Single-pressure AutoCPAP
Pressure delivery	Two pressures per breath	One pressure (EPR reduces exhalation)
I:E ratio tracking	Yes	No
Inspiratory time	Yes	No
Flow limitation	Yes	Yes
Snore detection	Yes	Yes
Companion app	myAir	myAir
SD card data	Yes	Yes
CPAP Clarity support	Yes	Yes

The key difference is therapy type. The AirSense 11 delivers a single pressure that auto-adjusts throughout the night, with EPR providing a small reduction on exhalation for comfort. The AirCurve 10 delivers genuinely different pressures on each inhalation and exhalation, which is a clinical distinction, not just a comfort feature.

If you are using an AirCurve 10, you are on bilevel therapy for a reason. Both devices are fully supported by CPAP Clarity.

When to Talk to Your Doctor

Bilevel therapy data is most valuable when it informs a clinical conversation. Here are specific patterns to bring to your next appointment:

• AHI consistently above 5 events per hour. On bilevel therapy, this is particularly worth investigating because your settings have more variables to adjust than standard CPAP.
• Rising central apnea counts. A bilevel device can sometimes trigger central apneas in susceptible patients, a pattern called treatment-emergent central apnea. Your provider needs to know if this is happening. See what is AHI for more on event types.
• Persistent high leak despite trying different masks or fit adjustments. Bilevel therapy is more sensitive to leak than standard CPAP because both IPAP and EPAP delivery are affected. See how to fix CPAP mask leaks for troubleshooting steps.
• I:E ratio or inspiratory time changes from your baseline. A clear shift in these metrics across multiple nights can indicate a trigger or cycle sensitivity issue that your provider can address by adjusting device settings.
• Daytime sleepiness persisting despite consistent nightly use and controlled AHI. Effective bilevel therapy should translate to better daytime function. If it does not, there may be additional factors to investigate.

CPAP Clarity generates PDF reports formatted for clinical review. Download one before your appointment. Concrete data with pressure curves, event breakdowns, and I:E ratio trends leads to a more productive appointment than a general description of how you feel. See preparing CPAP data for your doctor for guidance on what to highlight.

Get Started

If you have an AirCurve 10 and you want to see your full bilevel therapy data, including I:E ratio, inspiratory time, and pressure support trends, pull your SD card and open cpapclarity.com. Drop in the whole SD card folder. Under a minute, completely free, and your health data stays on your device.

Analyze your AirCurve 10 data now, free and private →