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ResMed CPAP Snowflake Symbol: What It Means and How to Fix It

Quick Answer

The snowflake symbol on ResMed AirSense 10 and 11 devices is a Climate Control indicator that appears when the room temperature drops below approximately 60 degrees Fahrenheit. When active, the device limits or disables the heated humidifier to prevent excessive condensation (rainout) in the tubing. The snowflake is not an error and does not affect air pressure delivery.

The snowflake symbol on ResMed AirSense 10 and 11 devices is a Climate Control indicator that appears when the room temperature drops below approximately 60 degrees Fahrenheit. When active, the device limits or disables the heated humidifier to prevent excessive condensation (rainout) in the tubing. The snowflake is not an error and does not affect air pressure delivery. To resolve it, raise the room temperature above 60 degrees, use ClimateLineAir heated tubing which actively warms air in transit, or switch from Auto climate control mode to Manual mode and set your preferred humidity level directly.

ResmedCpapSeverity: low95% DIY Success
Time to Fix
2–10 min
Difficulty
beginner
Parts Cost
$0 – $0
Tools Needed
Room thermometer (optional)

What Does the SNOWFLAKE Code Mean?

The snowflake symbol means your room is too cold for the humidifier to work effectively. It is a status indicator, not an error. Warm the room or use heated tubing.

Most Likely Causes

Based on aggregated repair data, here is the probability breakdown for this error code:

Room temperature below approximately 60 degrees F (16 degrees C)40%
Device placed near an open window or air conditioning vent24%
Non-heated standard tubing losing heat before reaching the mask22%
Climate Control set to Auto mode in a cold environment14%

Symptoms You May Notice

  • Snowflake icon displayed on the device screen
  • Air feels cool or dry despite humidifier being on
  • Humidity level appears lower than the set value
  • Mild dryness in nose or throat during therapy

Can you reset a Resmed cpap to clear the SNOWFLAKE code?

AirSense 10: Settings > Device > Reset Device restores Climate Control to Auto mode defaults. AirSense 11: My Device > Factory Reset. A reset is not necessary for the snowflake symbol - simply adjusting Climate Control settings or room temperature resolves it.

Tools Required for Diagnosis

Room thermometer (optional)

Diagnostic Checklist

Follow these steps in order. We start with the easiest external fixes before opening up the machine.

1

Check your room temperature

Check your room temperature. The snowflake appears when ambient temperature is below roughly 60 degrees F. Use a room thermometer or thermostat reading to confirm. If the room is cold, raise the temperature to at least 65 degrees F.

2

Check device placement

3

Check if you are using ResMed ClimateLineAir heated tubing or

4

If using heated tubing and room is warm

Replacement Parts

If your diagnostic testing proves the component has failed, you will need a replacement. We recommend OEM parts over aftermarket for water-handling components.

Part Name
ResMed ClimateLineAir Heated TubingN/A · $0–$0

Repair vs. Replace Calculator

Appliance Age (Years)7 Yrs
Labor Approach
Our Verdict
REPLACE
Estimated Cost: $0 (Parts) vs $800 (New Machine)

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the snowflake symbol mean my CPAP is broken?
No. The snowflake is a normal status indicator, not an error code. It tells you the room is too cold for the humidifier to work at full capacity. Your CPAP still delivers therapy pressure normally when the snowflake is showing.
Will the snowflake go away on its own?
Yes, if the room temperature rises above approximately 60 degrees F. The device checks the ambient temperature sensor continuously and removes the snowflake icon when conditions improve. This typically happens within a few minutes of the room warming up.
Can I just ignore the snowflake symbol?
You can. The device continues to deliver prescribed pressure therapy regardless of the snowflake indicator. The only impact is reduced or no humidification, which may cause dryness in your nose or throat. If you are comfortable without humidification, the snowflake has no clinical significance.

Related Resmed Cpap Error Codes

Models Known to Experience SNOWFLAKE Errors

This repair applies to most Resmed cpaps with this error code. Common model numbers include:

AirSense 10 AutoSet, AirSense 10 CPAP, AirSense 10 Elite, AirSense 10 For Her, AirSense 11 AutoSet

Last verified for technical accuracy on March 15, 2026