Turning Off the Humidifier: The Quick Steps

To turn off the humidifier on your ResMed AirSense 11, press the Menu button on the front of the machine, scroll down to Humidifier, and select it. Then highlight Humidifier again (the on/off toggle), press Select, and choose Off. Press the back arrow or wait for the screen to return to the home display. The humidifier will stop heating and delivering moisture on your next breath cycle.

If you want to turn the humidifier back on later, follow the same path and choose On instead of Off. The machine remembers your last humidity setting, so you won't need to adjust the level again unless you want to.

Key Takeaways

  • Access the humidifier settings through Menu > Humidifier, then toggle it to Off using the Select button.
  • Turning off the humidifier stops moisture delivery when ready but does not affect your therapy pressure or mask fit.
  • The AirSense 11 will remember your previous humidity level when you turn the humidifier back on.
  • If the humidifier button does not respond, restart the machine by unplugging it for 10 seconds and plugging it back in.

Why You Might Turn Off the Humidifier

Most people use the humidifier during therapy because it warms the air and reduces dryness in your nose and throat. However, some situations call for turning it off. If you are traveling with a battery-powered setup, the humidifier uses extra power and may drain your battery faster. If you notice condensation building up in your tubing (called "rainout"), turning off the humidifier or lowering the setting can help.

Some users also turn off the humidifier during warmer months when the air is already humid, or if they find that moisture is irritating their sinuses. There is no harm in experimenting with the setting to find what feels most comfortable for your therapy.

Adjusting Humidity Level Instead of Turning It Off

If you do not want to turn off the humidifier completely, you can lower the humidity level instead. From the Menu, go to Humidifier and select Humidity Level. Use the up and down arrows to adjust the setting on a scale from 1 to 8, with 1 being the driest and 8 being the most humid. Lower numbers produce less heat and moisture.

Many users find that a setting between 3 and 5 works well year-round. If you are dealing with rainout, try dropping the level by one or two notches before turning the humidifier off entirely. This often solves the problem while still providing some moisture comfort.

Troubleshooting When the Humidifier Won't Turn Off

If you follow the steps above but the humidifier stays on, the most common cause is that the setting did not save. Press the Menu button again and navigate back to Humidifier to confirm the status shows Off. If it still shows On, try the steps once more, pressing Select firmly when you choose Off.

If the humidifier setting keeps reverting to On after you turn it off, restart the machine. Unplug the AirSense 11 from the wall outlet, wait 10 seconds, and plug it back in. Once it boots up, go through the Menu steps again to turn off the humidifier. If the problem continues, contact ResMed customer support or your equipment provider, as the machine may need a software update or service.

Checking Your Humidifier Water Chamber

When you turn off the humidifier, the heating element stops working, but any water left in the chamber will remain there. If you plan to leave the humidifier off for more than a few days, remove the water chamber and empty it to prevent mold or mineral buildup. Rinse it with distilled water (not tap water, which leaves mineral deposits) and let it air dry completely before reattaching.

If you are turning off the humidifier for just one night or a few hours, you do not need to empty the chamber. straightforward leaving it off is fine. The chamber sits in a slot on the right side of the machine and pulls straight out—no tools needed.

Humidity Settings for Different Seasons

Rather than turning off the humidifier entirely, many users adjust the level based on the season. In winter, when indoor air is dry from heating, a higher setting (6 to 8) often feels better. In summer, when outdoor humidity is already high, a lower setting (2 to 4) reduces rainout and condensation in the tubing. Spring and fall often work well at a middle setting (4 to 5).

If you travel between climates or notice your comfort changes with the seasons, spend a week at each setting to find your preference. Write down which level feels best so you can return to it without guessing. The AirSense 11 stores your last setting, so once you find your sweet spot, you may not need to adjust it again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will turning off the humidifier affect my therapy or pressure?

No. The humidifier only adds warmth and moisture to the air. Turning it off does not change your therapy pressure, mask seal, or the machine's ability to deliver air. Your therapy will work exactly the same—you will just receive unheated, dry air instead of warm, moist air.

Can I turn off the humidifier without restarting the machine?

Yes. You can turn the humidifier on and off as many times as you want using the Menu without restarting the machine. The change takes effect on your next breath, and the machine continues running normally.

What is the difference between turning off the humidifier and lowering the humidity level?

Turning it off stops all heating and moisture delivery. Lowering the level keeps the humidifier running but reduces how much heat and moisture it produces. Lowering the level is useful if you want some comfort without condensation; turning it off is best if you want no moisture at all.

How do I know if my humidifier is actually off?

After you turn it off through the Menu, the home screen will show Humidifier: Off in the status area. You can also feel the water chamber—when the humidifier is on, it will be warm to the touch. When it is off, it will be room temperature.

Do I need to empty the water chamber if I turn off the humidifier for one night?

No. Leaving the chamber in place overnight with the humidifier off is fine. Only empty it if you plan to leave it off for several days or longer, or if you notice any odor or discoloration in the water.