semiatic

Prescription update messages on a CPAP machine

Your equipment provider can change the machine’s prescribed settings remotely, over its mobile connection. The machine then tells you it happened, or that it failed. Changing those settings yourself is not the answer to either message.

Therapy settings: This page explains what a CPAP machine’s screen or light is telling you, in the maker’s words. It is not medical advice: ask your equipment provider or clinician about your therapy settings, and do not change your pressure or any prescribed setting because of anything here.

Philips Respironics

  1. Philips Respironics DreamStation 2 Words on the screen

    Prescription Updated

    A status message: your prescription has been updated. No action is needed.

    No action is needed; press the Therapy button to clear it, or it times out.

    Source: DreamStation 2 Auto CPAP / CPAP user manual (Philips Respironics, 1143534 R02, 06/11/2021), checked 2026-09-29.

  2. Philips Respironics DreamStation 2 Words on the screen

    Prescription Invalid

    A prescription or setting update was unsuccessful.

    What Philips Respironics says to do

    1. Contact your home care provider.

    Source: DreamStation 2 Auto CPAP / CPAP user manual (Philips Respironics, 1143534 R02, 06/11/2021), checked 2026-09-29.

  3. Philips Respironics DreamStation 2 Words on the screen

    Device Update, Hold to Confirm, Click to Cancel

    A new software version is available for the machine.

    What Philips Respironics says to do

    1. Press and hold the Therapy button to update the software, or click it to cancel.

    Source: DreamStation 2 Auto CPAP / CPAP user manual (Philips Respironics, 1143534 R02, 06/11/2021), checked 2026-09-29.

Everything else Philips Respironics’s machines show: Philips Respironics CPAP icons and messages.

ResMed

  1. ResMed AirSense 11 Something the machine does

    Prescription settings have not been applied

    If the machine was sent straight to your home, the prescription settings may not be on it yet: they arrive over the wireless connection. ResMed lists poor coverage, Airplane Mode, or data transfer not being enabled as causes.

    What ResMed says to do

    1. Keep the machine set up and connected to power so settings can be applied wirelessly.
    2. Place it where there is coverage (on your bedside table, not in a drawer or on the floor), and turn Airplane Mode off.
    3. If data transfer is not enabled, talk to your care provider about your settings.

    Source: AirSense 11 user guide (Americas) (ResMed, 398133/2, 2021-10), checked 2026-09-29.

  2. ResMed AirSense 10 A light on the machine

    Screen and buttons flashing

    A software upgrade is in progress.

    What ResMed says to do

    1. Wait: ResMed says the upgrade takes about 10 minutes.

    Source: AirSense 10 user guide (AirSense 10 AutoSet, AutoSet for Her, Elite and CPAP, with HumidAir) (ResMed, 378947/1, 2021-02), checked 2026-09-29.

Everything else ResMed’s machines show: ResMed CPAP icons and messages.

Other things a CPAP machine shows

Sources

Each maker’s own user guide only, read on the date shown. Nothing here comes from third-party CPAP forums or “error code” sites.

Find any icon, message or light on your machine →