ResMed AirFit™ F30i Full Face Mask Review: Should You Upgrade?

The ResMed AirFit™ F30i Full Face CPAP Mask represents the next generation of mask technology.

This mask offers an innovative solution to hose tangling, plus a low-profile design that limits pressure points and eases CPAP claustrophobia.

In this AirFit F30i review, we’ll explain why this mask is an excellent alternative to traditional full face designs. Read on to learn why our customers say this is one of the best full face masks on the market today!

In this AirFit F30i review, we’ll include: 

• A List of Key Features
• Who Should and Should Not Use This Mask
• Pros and Cons of the AirFit F30i
• A Detailed Review of the AirFit F30i’s Features and Functionality
• Frequently Asked Questions About This Mask
• Alternative CPAP Masks

ResMed AirFit F30i At a Glance

ResMed’s AirFit masks have a long-standing reputation in the CPAP world, but they truly outdid themselves with this one. This mask is perfect for active sleepers who feel claustrophobic with traditional over-the-nose designs.

The F30i maximizes your freedom of movement with its top-of-the-head hose connection and full swivel. It minimizes facial touching and pressure points with a unique under-the-nose cushion.

Plus, the self-guided magnetic clasps make it super easy to put on and take off.

AirFit F30i Key Features:

• Top-of-the-Head Hose Connection With 360° Swivel
• Under-the-Nose Cushion Minimizes Pressure Points
• Strong, Flexible Seal Moves With You
• Silicone Hollow Frame Headgear Reduces Red Marks
• One-Size-Fits-All Cloth Head Straps Secured With Four Adjustable Velcro Straps
• Self-Guiding Magnetic Clasps for Easy On-and-Off Design
• User-Friendly Assembly With Quick-Release Elbow and Snap In-Out Headgear/Cushion
• QuietAir Vent Technology Produces Less Than 25 Decibels

Customer Highlights

BEST MASK YET!— 5 Stars: “I have used CPAP Therapy for seven years and have tried numerous masks and cushions. This combination is comfortable, solves my mouth opening without a chinstrap, keeps the hose above me, is easy to disconnect for bathroom breaks, allows almost normal breathing when disconnected, has a good seal, causes fewer face impressions, and a happier wife! All for $159— what a small price to pay. Highly recommended as it really worked for me.” Verified Purchase 01/30/2023

Check out our review for Best Full Face CPAP Masks!

The ResMed AirFit F30i Full Review

The AirFit F30i is one of our favorite full face masks on the market today because it works in almost any sleeping position. Like other AirFit masks, the F30i is well-made, featuring a flexible seal, noise-reducing technology, and quick-release headgear.

Let’s go over each feature one by one!

Top-of-the-Head Hose Connection Lets You Move Freely

One of the first things you’ll notice about this mask is that it has a unique top-of-the-head CPAP hose connection with a 360° swivel.

This stand-out feature practically eliminates hose tangling and pulling. It also makes it a whole lot easier to find a comfortable sleeping position.

Under-the-Nose Mask Design Reduces Pressure Points

This mask features an under-the-nose cushion design which minimizes pressure points across the bridge of the nose.

Another benefit to this feature is that it allows you to sleep in almost any position without having to worry about your mask sliding out of place when you lay it against a pillow.

Ultra-Compact Cushion Stays Secure Most of the Time

While the original AirFit F30 mask looks similar on the outside, this F30i cushion is a little more durable and flexible.

This ultra-compact design allows the mask to align with the contours of your face for a more personalized fit. Reviewers love that it stays in place even when you move.

Seal Strength Could Be Weakened By Facial Hair or Pressure Setting

Compared to other under-the-nose masks, the AirFit F30i creates a strong, flexible seal. However, this unique feature doesn’t work well for everyone.

Keep in mind that this mask could leak at high CPAP pressure settings. Many reviewers have used it at high pressures with no problem, but others have reported small air leaks.

Additionally, people with thick mustaches may struggle to get a strong seal while wearing this mask.

Silicone Hollow Frame Reduces Pressure from Headgear

The AirFit F30i features a hollow frame that directs airflow from the top of the head to your mouth and nose. This unique frame eliminates the need for bulky forehead straps.

The soft silicone headgear is designed to eliminate red marks and skin irritation. ResMed also offers additional cloth headgear wraps for anyone with sensitive skin.

Accordion-Style Headgear Provides Extra Flexibility

Unlike similar top-of-the-head masks—like the Philips DreamWear line—the AirFit F30i has an accordion-style frame that allows the mask to be more flexible and move with you.

The accordion-style ridges ensure a better fit across the contours of your head, which means that the F30i won’t slip off even when you toss and turn in bed.

QuietAir Vent Technology Is Whisper Quiet

ResMed included two separate air vents– one located along the front of the mask and another at the top of the quick-release elbow.

These vents dampen noise to a whisper-quiet 25 decibels within a meter away and 18 decibels for anyone outside that distance.

Some customers have stated that they could hear the sound of air flowing through the hollow frame headgear, but most of those individuals said that it didn’t disrupt their sleep.

Quick-Release Elbow Makes Disassembly a Breeze

Like other AirFit masks, the F30i features a Quick-Release Elbow, which allows you to easily disconnect from your CPAP hose with just one hand.

The downside of this design is that due to the top-of-the-head placement, this quick-release option may not be suitable if you cannot raise your arms above your head or if you struggle with dexterity.

Set-It-and-Forget-It Magnetic Headgear Is Easy to Put On and Take Off

Putting on your F30 mask is easy! AirFit masks feature self-guiding magnetic clips, which allow you to take off the mask without undoing the velcro straps that secure your mask into place.

This feature is perfect for quick trips to the bathroom or kitchen in the middle of the night. The self-guided magnets make it easy to secure your mask even in the dark!

*If you have a medical implant device, such as a pacemaker, a magnetic CPAP mask may not be suitable for you. If you have questions, talk to your doctor before trying the AirFit F30i.

Cloth Headgear Is Adjustable With Velcro Straps

The hollow frame design is held in place using t-shirt-soft head straps that cradle the back of the head. These straps are one-size-fits-all and attach to the frame above the ears and jaw.

Each strap is secured with easy-to-adjust velcro, but people with limited dexterity may struggle to get a secure fit.

Cleaning and Maintenance Is Easy But Plan for Extra Drying Time

The AirFit F30i is easy to use and care for. It is especially easy to assemble and disassemble compared to other masks.

This mask is made up of only five pieces– the hard plastic mask frame, silicone mask cushion, hollow frame silicone headgear, cloth head straps, and quick-release elbow.

The AirFit F30i mask cushion must be wiped down daily after each use. The mask must be disassembled and washed weekly using mild soap and warm water.

One downside to the AirFit F30i design is that it requires a little extra cleaning compared to traditional CPAP headgear.

Cleaning your hollow frame headgear requires a bit of extra planning because it needs to be soaked, rinsed, and given time to dry before using it again.

Sizing Options for the AirFit F30i Are Impressive

ResMed offers a range of frame and cushion sizes for the AirFit F30i.

Frame options include small, standard, and large. Cushion sizes include small, medium, and wide.

Additionally, the hollow frame is stretchy and flexible, so it will easily adapt to the contours of your head. The four velcro straps allow for a more secure, personalized fit.

A small number of people have complained that they cannot find the right combination of headgear sizing and mask cushions.

If that sounds familiar, we suggest checking out the listing for our F30i Assembly Kit, which offers each possible pairing for cushions and headgear sizes (though it doesn’t include headgear).

The AirFit F30i Price Point Is Worth It

The AirFit F30i may seem a bit high compared to other full face masks, but keep in mind that this mask offers a slew of benefits that other designs don’t include.

The build is high quality and offers features that most CPAP masks cannot: an open field of vision with unmatched freedom of movement.

When you combine these features with ResMed quality, you definitely get what you pay for.

The vast majority of reviewers say that it’s worth every penny!

Frequently Asked Questions About the AirFit F30i

What Is the AirFit F30i Cushion Made Of?

The F30i cushion is made of silicone, which is soft on the skin and easily conforms to the contours around your nose and mouth.

What Is the AirFit F30i Headgear Made Of?

The hollow frame headgear from the AirFit F30i is made of a soft silicone material. However, the hollow frame is also held in place via soft cloth head straps secured with four velcro straps that can be hand-washed.

How Do You Clean the AirFit F30i Mask?

Disassemble the entire mask, including the elbow, headgear, head straps, mask frame, and cushion. Wash each part with mild soap and warm water. Submerge the hollow frame in warm, soapy water. Be sure to rinse the inside of the hollow frame thoroughly. Allow each piece to air dry before reassembling.

Is the AirFit F30i Suitable for Stomach or Side Sleepers?

The AirFit F30i is one of the best full face masks for side and stomach sleepers. The top-of-the-head hose connection allows you to move around in bed without getting tangled up in your hose. Meanwhile, the low-profile, under-the-nose mask lets you lay your head against your pillow without pushing your mask off your face.

What’s Included With the ResMed AirFit F30i Full Face CPAP Mask with Headgear?

Your order will include the AirFit F30i manual, the silicone hollow frame headgear in your size choice, the under-the-nose mask frame, an F30i silicone cushion in your size choice, and a one-size-fits-all cloth head strap.

Alternatives to the ResMed AirFit F30i CPAP Mask

The AirFit F30i offers a unique combination of innovative design and a solid reputation from ResMed. That said, some people prefer alternative options due to price or personal preferences.

AirFit F30i Vs. DreamWear Full Face Mask

The DreamWear Full Face Mask by Philips Respironics is the most similar competitor to the AirFit F30i. Most reviewers prefer the AirFit F30i because it is more comfortable and secure.

Similarities between the AirFit F30i and the DreamWear Full Face include:

• Top-of-the-Head Hose Connection With 360° Swivel
• Soft, Silicone Hollow Frame Headgear
• Under-the-Nose Full Face Mask Design
• Easy-On-and-Off Magnetic Clips

Differences between the DreamWear Full Face and AirFit F30i Mask include:

• The AirFit F30i Accordion-Style Headgear Offers a Better Fit With More Flexibility
• AirFit 30i Quick-Release Elbow Is Easier to Use and Moves More Freely
• Some Customers Say the AirFit F30i Has a More Flexible, Stronger Seal
• DreamWear Masks May Be Slightly Quieterf

Check out our DreamWear CPAP Masks Review!

AirFit F30i Vs. AirFit F30

At first glance, the AirFit F30 looks quite different from the top-of-the-head F30i mask. Both masks come from the same solid ResMed reputation but offer different design features for different needs.

Similarities between the AirFit F30i and AirFit F30 include:

• Under-the-Nose Full Face Mask Design
• Minimal Facial Touch Points
• QuietAir Vent Technology
• Easy-On-and-Off Magnetic Clips
• Open Line of Sight

Differences between the AirFit F30i versus F30 include:

• AirFit F30i’s Top-of-the-Head Hose Connection Is Better for Active Sleepers
• AirFit F30 Is Easier to Secure With More Adjustability
• AirFit F30 Is Slightly Quieter
• AirFit F30i Has a Better Seal

Check out our AirFit F30 Review!

Final Thoughts

If you breathe through your mouth and are looking for a CPAP mask that makes it easy to get comfortable with CPAP, the AirFit F30i is a great choice!

The top-of-the-head hose connection swivels freely, allowing you to move around without tangling your CPAP mask.

Unlike a traditional full face design, this under-the-nose mask allows you to rest comfortably without having your pillow push against your mask.