Philips DreamStation 2 Auto CPAP Advanced - What We Think of the Redesign

October 18, 2021 7 Comments

Philips DreamStation 2 Auto CPAP Advanced - What We Think of the Redesign

Welcome to our review of the DreamStation 2, Philips' latest innovation in CPAP therapy. Following its highly anticipated release and subsequent global recall, the DreamStation 2 has been a topic of significant interest and debate. Now, with the recall concerns addressed and the device available, we’re diving deep into its features, performance, and overall value. Whether you’re a new user or considering an upgrade, join us as we explore what makes the DreamStation 2 stand out in the world of CPAP machines. Keep reading as our team explore what the DreamStation 2 has to offer. 

SIZE

Philips designed the DreamStation 2 to be 22% smaller and 32.5% lighter than its predecessor. Weighing just 2.26 lbs, it is significantly lighter than the original DreamStation.

DESIGN

DreamStation 2 went from light to dark. Looking chic and stylish, it features a black shiny top with matte galaxy gray sides and a built-in humidifier. Noticeably missing is the large click wheel in the front and the ramp button on top. Both have been replaced by a single round power button on top of the device under the newly relocated colour touchscreen.

    BUILT-IN HUMIDIFICATION 

    DreamStation 2's humidification seamlessly attaches with the rest of the device. Although it comes apart in various pieces, you cannot actually disconnect the entire humidifier and use main unit independently. Unlike its predecessor, you can only turn the humidifier off if you choose not to use it.

    HEATED TUBING

    The light 12mm Micro-Flexible Heated Tubing is designed exclusively for use with DreamStation 2 series and it's Philips most comfortable tubing yet!  This tubing is not standard and is considered an upgraded option for your DS2. The swivel hose connection on the original DreamStation has been eliminated and relocated to the back of the device with a static hose connection.

    FILTER & SD SLOTS

    Not easily accessible, you must remove the humidifier to access the device's 2 filters and SD slot. 

    MENU  

    Philips has streamlined their menu system for a quick and efficient setup. You can use it on default settings or customize accordingly with their Care Orchestrator. Users can also track their own sleep report with improved Bluetooth connectivity on Philips DreamMapper app.

    RAMP PLUS

    The all-new Ramp Plus feature allows patients to set a comfortable starting pressure. Once set, Ramp Plus will be automatically activated for future therapy sessions. Pressure will increase automatically if an event is detected.

    DRAWBACKS

    We had high expectations for it considering how much we loved the performance, reliability and usability of the original DreamStation. No doubt, DreamStation 2 is aesthetically pleasing to the eyes. After weeks of testing it, here's our con list of the new design elements:

    The relocation of the screen from the front to the top of the DreamStation 2 might necessitate getting out of bed for adjustments during the night. Additionally, the touch screen is small, which can make it tricky to use if you have larger fingers, poor eyesight, or are just a bit clumsy. You may find it occasionally unresponsive or sticky.

    Despite the device being lighter, it feels less refined compared to the original DreamStation. The humidifier lid, which detaches and latches on with a slight grip, can be cumbersome and prone to falling off if not properly aligned. One of the standout features of the original DreamStation was its ability to fully detach the humidifier for independent use, which now feels like a missed opportunity and a step backward.

    Furthermore, we’re disappointed to see the removal of the swivel hose connection. This feature provided easy access and mobility, and its absence in the DreamStation 2 seems like a regression in design.

    FINAL THOUGHTS

    Overall, DreamStation 2 is a solid device. It’s user-friendly, quiet, delivers reliable therapy, and boasts a sleek design. However, after more than six years since the original DreamStation, we were hoping for something truly groundbreaking from Philips. Did they miss an opportunity to create something extraordinary, or are our expectations too high? While the DreamStation 2 offers many great features, some design flaws might make it challenging for certain users to adapt. We’re keen to hear from those who’ve used it and learn about their experiences.

    To conclude, the DreamStation 2 represents a notable advancement in CPAP technology with its compact and lightweight design. If you’ve had experience with this device, we’d love to hear your thoughts and feedback. Share your insights in the comments below!





      7 Responses

      Peter Clamp
      Peter Clamp

      August 22, 2024

      The daily task of adding distilled water to the humidifier compartment requires users to disassemble the back end of the CPAP. The three main pieces — the main body, the humidifier well, and the humidifier lid — connect together like pieces of a rather awkward jigsaw puzzle. How the engineers arrived at this sumbersome design is hard to fathom.the user unlatches the lid, the lid remains main compartment must be slid backwards which is made all the more awkward by the way the latch catches

      Bonnie Strong-Grimm
      Bonnie Strong-Grimm

      August 22, 2024

      I too like the DS2, but agree with the screen being too small for us older people and the breakaway humidifier and not be able to use it independently. 🤣😂 Otherwise I like it.

      Tim ORourke
      Tim ORourke

      August 22, 2024

      I find the tank sliding out the back of the unit when sitting on a bedside stand backwards. Is there firmware update to flip the TouchScreen?

      Jeramiah Baker
      Jeramiah Baker

      August 22, 2024

      Please come out with a water tank that has a flip lid and you don’t have to detach it every time you want to fill it up

      Steven davis
      Steven davis

      August 22, 2024

      Having to disassemble the water tank to fill it is very annoying. Every night I have trouble getting that cover back on. :(

      Dennis Tempel
      Dennis Tempel

      August 22, 2024

      I got a Dreamstation 2 to replace my recalled DS1. The thing howls like the wind in a prairie blizzard when I inhale and ai can hear the fan ramping up and down! I’ve fiddled with water levels in the tank, different masks, tubes, filters in, filters out. Then, occasionally it’s fairly tolerable for noise. It’s Ridiculous!

      Barbara Johns
      Barbara Johns

      August 22, 2024

      The lid on the water container is a pain compared to the older recalled model. At the same setting it seems to either be a smaller capacity or uses more water as it has gone from filled to the line to totally dry. One final note on the humidifier portion is slightly overfilled water will exit the opening that goes toward the machine. I never had that problem with the older model.

      I fully agree on the placement of the screen as I like to see the daily results right from the machine. That involves either getting completely up or picking up the machine to read the screen.

      All in all I wonder if actual users had input in the design.

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