Device scan: Look inside a Resmed AirSense 10 AutoSet CPAP machine with an industrial X-ray CT scanner

By Alex Hao, Lumafield

Though the Resmed AirSense 10 AutoSet was phased out in 2023 for the introduction of newer models, this unit remains one of the most prevalent continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines in the world.

Manufactured between 2014 and 2023, millions of people have used this device to manage their sleep apnea. With Lumafield’s industrial X-ray CT scanner and AI-powered analysis software, we can peer under the hood of this widespread device.

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At a first glance, the scan reveals the unit’s primary components, with two circuit boards, a blower motor, and the humidifier assembly clearly visible.

The primary PCBA features several large electrolytic capacitors along the top and bottom right to manage the significant power required by the brushless DC motor and heater plate. The primary processors are seated in the center, covered by shielding. Below those, we can see the coin cell battery that provides a backup for the clock when the main power is disconnected, and to the left of that is the alarm buzzer. The secondary PCBA on the side contains the wireless communication electronics.

The blower motor sits centrally in the CPAP machine. The heart of the device is the brushless DC motor that pressurizes air and delivers it to the user. In the CT scan we can inspect the wired connections of these components, and the robustness of the assembly is clearly apparent.

Toward the bottom side of the Resmed Airsense 10 AutoSet, we can see the fixed heater plate and removable water tray. This humidifying system makes the experience of using a CPAP significantly more comfortable.

The humidifying system is composed of layers of the heater plate, a thermal pad, and wear plate that contacts the tub plate. Underneath the plate, we can see the heater fuse and the spiral traces of the heating element.

Millions of people depend on this assembly to sleep easy every night. CT helps us appreciate the robustness of how pressure and power come together in these devices to make that possible.

Get a better look at this Resmed AirSense 10 AutoSet CPAP machine scan for yourself below or here, and check out our previous scans of a Dexcom G7 continuous glucose monitor and an Ozempic GLP-1 drug-delivery pen.

 

Alex Hao is head of product marketing at Lumafield, where she conducts studies and develops resources that help engineers adopt industrial X-ray CT. Hao’s career has spanned product and research roles in advanced technologies including cloud infrastructure, 3D sensing, and additive manufacturing at Lumentum and HP. Hao has an MBA from the NYU Stern School of Business and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in jewelry and metalsmithing from Rhode Island School of Design.

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The opinions expressed in this blog post are the author’s only and do not necessarily reflect those of Medical Design & Outsourcing or its employees.