Choosing between the ResMed Astral 150 and Stellar 150 is not simply a question of buying the more advanced machine. The correct ventilator must match the clinician’s prescription, the patient’s dependence on ventilation, the required circuit, battery plan, alarms, monitoring and the capability of caregivers at home.
This India-focused guide explains the practical differences between the two devices and the questions families should resolve before purchase. It does not replace a respiratory physician’s assessment or a hospital discharge plan.
Astral 150 vs Stellar 150: quick answer
The ResMed Astral 150 is an invasive and non-invasive life-support ventilator with leak, valve and double-limb circuit options, broader volume- and pressure-targeted modes, integrated FiO₂ monitoring and an internal battery rated for up to eight hours under typical test conditions.
The ResMed Stellar 150 is a lighter non-invasive ventilator with invasive capabilities. It provides S, ST, T, PAC, CPAP and iVAPS modes and has an internal battery rated for about two hours under the manufacturer’s stated test conditions. NHS guidance specifically notes that Stellar 150 should not be used for someone who is dependent on ventilation 24 hours a day.
In short: Astral 150 is generally the relevant platform when the prescription calls for life-support ventilation, wider circuit flexibility or longer internal battery autonomy. Stellar 150 may suit prescribed non-invasive ventilation and selected tracheostomy applications when continuous life-support dependence is not present. The treating team must make the final selection.
Astral 150 vs Stellar 150 comparison table
| Decision point | Astral 150 | Stellar 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer-described role | Invasive and non-invasive life-support ventilation | Non-invasive ventilation with invasive capabilities |
| Patient dependence | Designed for life-support use when appropriately prescribed and configured | NHS guidance says it is not for people dependent on ventilation 24 hours a day |
| Circuit capability | Single circuit with leak, single circuit with valve and double circuit | Used with mask or tracheostomy ventilation; exact circuit and accessories must match the prescription |
| Selected modes | CPAP, ST, PAC and iVAPS with a leak circuit; additional ACV, PACV, SIMV and pressure-support options with a valve circuit | CPAP, S, ST, T, PAC and iVAPS with AutoEPAP |
| Internal battery | Up to 8 hours under typical conditions; runtime varies with settings, circuit, battery age and environment | About 2 hours at the manufacturer’s stated test settings; actual runtime varies |
| Weight | 3.2 kg | 2.1 kg |
| Monitoring emphasis | FiO₂ monitoring included; optional SpO₂ monitoring; real-time pressure and flow data | Adjustable ventilation alarms, device data and optional compatible monitoring accessories |
| Typical buying question | Does the patient require a life-support platform, double-limb circuit or longer mobile power? | Is the prescription centred on NIV or selected tracheostomy ventilation without 24-hour dependence? |
Specifications above come from ResMed’s Astral 150 information, ResMed’s Stellar 150 information and current NHS device guidance. Battery figures are test-condition estimates, not guaranteed home runtime.
The three differences that matter most
1. Life-support status and ventilation dependence
Astral 150 is indicated by the manufacturer as a life-support ventilator for patients weighing more than 5 kg. That does not mean every patient needs its full capability; it means the platform is designed for clinical situations where interruption of ventilation can carry serious risk.
Stellar 150 is described as a non-invasive ventilator with invasive capabilities. Newcastle Hospitals’ guidance states that it can be used with a mask or tracheostomy but is not suitable for someone who is ventilator-dependent 24 hours a day. Families should ask the clinician to state clearly whether the prescription is for intermittent support, nocturnal NIV, extended daily use or continuous life support.
2. Circuit and mode requirements
Astral 150 supports leak, valve and double-limb circuits. It also provides pressure- and volume-targeted options across a wider set of modes. This flexibility can matter in complex invasive ventilation, changing clinical needs or where exhaled-volume monitoring through a double-limb circuit is prescribed.
Stellar 150 covers commonly prescribed NIV modes such as ST, PAC and iVAPS and can be configured for selected tracheostomy use. Do not buy a ventilator first and choose the circuit later. The mask or tracheostomy interface, intentional leak, exhalation valve, tubing diameter, humidifier and alarm settings must form one clinician-approved system.
3. Battery and power-cut planning
Astral 150 has an internal battery rated for up to eight hours in typical test conditions. Compatible external Astral batteries can add approximately eight hours each, with ResMed describing configurations of up to 24 hours using the internal battery plus two external batteries. Stellar 150 has a two-hour internal-battery rating at specified settings and can be paired with compatible external power options.
Battery duration changes with pressure, tidal volume, respiratory rate, circuit type, leak, accessories, temperature, battery age and charging history. For an Indian home, calculate backup around the patient’s prescribed configuration and the longest realistic outage—not the headline runtime alone.
Ten checks before buying a home ventilator in India
- Obtain a written prescription: record mode, pressures or target volume, respiratory rate, PEEP/EPAP, trigger, cycle, inspiratory time and alarm limits.
- Define dependence: confirm the number of hours used daily and whether interruption poses an immediate life-support risk.
- Confirm the interface: mask, mouthpiece or tracheostomy, including whether the interface is vented or non-vented.
- Match the circuit: leak, valve or double-limb circuit must match both the device configuration and prescription.
- Plan oxygen correctly: confirm prescribed oxygen flow, connection method, FiO₂ monitoring need and cylinder backup. Oxygen is a medicine and should not be adjusted casually.
- Calculate real backup time: test the selected device, circuit and settings on battery before discharge.
- List every alarm: caregivers should demonstrate how they respond to disconnection, obstruction, high leak, power failure, low battery and machine fault.
- Confirm monitoring: ask whether pulse oximetry, FiO₂, carbon-dioxide monitoring or a multiparameter monitor is prescribed.
- Verify service support: obtain authorised service contacts, preventive-maintenance requirements, replacement-circuit availability and an emergency replacement plan.
- Train more than one caregiver: the home plan should not depend on a single person knowing the device.
Important Astral 150 serial-number check
The U.S. FDA currently lists a correction for certain Astral 100 and Astral 150 ventilators built before October 2024. The notice identifies affected Astral 150 units by serial-number and main-board criteria and says patients should not stop using the ventilator unless instructed by their clinician.
Before accepting a new, used or rental Astral 150 in India, ask the supplier or authorised ResMed service provider to document the unit’s serial number, manufacturing or service history, installed main-board status and whether any applicable correction has been completed. A device outside the affected criteria is not impacted by that notice. See the FDA Astral ventilator correction for the current details.
India compliance and supplier documents
India regulates medical devices under the Medical Devices Rules, 2017. Ask the seller for a tax invoice, device serial number, model and configuration, applicable import or regulatory documentation, instructions for use, installation record, warranty or service terms and authorised support contact. CDSCO’s medical-device portal explains the national regulatory framework.
Home setup and emergency-readiness checklist
- Dedicated, correctly earthed power point with surge protection approved for the setup
- Charged internal and prescribed external batteries, with recorded test runtime
- Written response plan for power failure, equipment failure and transport to hospital
- Backup ventilation equipment specified by the treating team for ventilator-dependent patients
- Spare circuit, interface, filters and tracheostomy supplies as clinically appropriate
- Humidification system and cleaning schedule matching manufacturer instructions
- Emergency numbers for the physician, respiratory therapist, equipment provider and ambulance
- Caregivers able to hear, identify and respond to alarms at all times
NHS home-ventilation guidance advises keeping batteries charged, planning for power cuts and considering a second machine for people dependent on ventilation for extended periods. The exact backup plan must be created by the patient’s treating team.
Which model should you discuss with the clinician?
| If the written plan requires… | Discuss this platform | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Continuous or life-support ventilation | Astral 150 | Manufacturer-indicated life-support platform |
| A double-limb circuit | Astral 150 | Double-limb circuit is specifically supported |
| Longer internal battery autonomy | Astral 150 | Up to 8 hours in typical test conditions versus 2 hours for Stellar 150 at stated settings |
| Prescribed NIV or selected non-continuous tracheostomy support | Stellar 150 may be considered | Lighter platform with S/ST/T/PAC/iVAPS modes and invasive capability |
| Unclear or changing requirements | Pause the purchase | The respiratory team should first define dependence, circuit, interface, alarms and backup |
Common buying mistakes
- Choosing on price, weight or mode names without confirming life-support requirements
- Assuming every “invasive-capable” ventilator is suitable for continuous dependence
- Buying an incompatible circuit, mask, valve or humidifier
- Treating the rated battery time as guaranteed runtime at home
- Failing to test alarms and backup power before hospital discharge
- Accepting a used or rental device without serial-number, service and correction-status documentation
- Changing clinical settings without the prescribing team
Frequently asked questions
Is Astral 150 better than Stellar 150?
Not universally. Astral 150 offers life-support capability, more circuit options and longer internal battery autonomy. Stellar 150 may be appropriate for prescribed NIV and selected tracheostomy use when continuous life-support dependence is not present.
Can Stellar 150 be used with a tracheostomy?
Yes, NHS device guidance describes both mask and tracheostomy use. However, it also states that Stellar 150 is not for patients dependent on ventilation 24 hours a day. The treating team must approve the exact circuit and settings.
Can Astral 150 provide non-invasive ventilation?
Yes. Astral 150 supports non-invasive leak-circuit modes as well as invasive valve-circuit ventilation. The selected interface and circuit must match the prescription.
How long do the batteries last?
Astral 150 is rated for up to eight hours on its internal battery in typical test conditions, while Stellar 150 is rated for about two hours at specified settings. Actual runtime can be shorter and should be tested with the patient’s configuration.
Does a home ventilator need an oxygen concentrator?
Only if supplemental oxygen is prescribed. The ventilator and oxygen source perform different functions. Confirm the oxygen flow, connection, backup cylinder and monitoring plan with the treating team.
Should a ventilator-dependent patient have a backup ventilator?
A backup plan is essential. Depending on clinical dependence, this may include a second ventilator and/or other immediately available ventilation equipment specified by the clinician, plus trained caregivers and charged batteries.
Can family members change ventilator settings?
No. Clinical settings and alarm limits should be changed only by authorised clinicians or respiratory professionals according to the care plan.
What should I verify before buying a used Astral 150?
Verify the serial number, installed main board, correction status, service history, battery health, operating hours, accessories, alarm function and authorised support. Do not accept verbal assurance alone for a life-support device.
Compare home ventilation options with MareeZon
Review the active Astral 150 and Stellar 150 listings, or browse MareeZon’s ventilator collection. For broader planning, read the BiPAP vs home ventilator guide and home ICU equipment checklist.
Before ordering, share the written prescription and discharge plan so the device, circuit, interface, humidification, monitoring and backup requirements can be checked together. Confirm current availability and included accessories directly with MareeZon.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for general education and equipment-selection support. Ventilation is prescription therapy. Device choice, settings, interfaces, circuits, oxygen, alarms, monitoring and backup plans must be determined by the treating physician and qualified respiratory team. Never stop ventilation or change settings without clinical instructions. In an emergency, follow the patient’s emergency plan and seek urgent medical help.
