My AirFit F30i Full Face Mask Review

Finding a CPAP mask that fits the best is so hard, and what works for one person doesn’t always work for the next.

When looking at masks, the biggest issue I’ve found is that since I had surgery on my nose that affects my ability to breathe out of one-half of my nose, the nasal-only mask is not an option.

I’m also a mouth breather which seals my fate that I need a full face mask. The issue I ran into with a full face mask is that being an active mover in my sleep, tossing and turning, the mask is not comfortable.

Discovering the mask features that work best for me

Finding features I like in one mask allowed me to find another with similar features better suited for my wide nose. Finding what doesn’t work helps you get closer to finding something that will work.

The biggest part of using the CPAP is the ability to keep trying even when it feels hopeless. ResMed's AirFit F30i merged the things that I liked in the DreamWear mask for a more comfortable fit.

What I like about ResMed's AirFit F30i

The AirFit F30i has rubber tubing that goes around your head and has a connection that sits on the crown of your head. The one feature that is so much better than my previous full face mask is that it is easy to release the face cushion from the mask; it snaps on and off.

With my previous full face mask, you had to push down on 2 tabs on the inside that were really hard to release because of the awkward release point on the inside.

Comparing the Airfit F30i to the DreamWear full face under-the-nose mask

I tried DreamWear's full face under-the-nose mask, and I fell in love with the tubing connecting at the top even though it was awkward at first. Being a side sleeper, I can toss and turn freely and sleep more comfortably on my side without worrying about lying on the connection when it’s in the front. Finding the elements that worked and didn’t with the DreamWear mask, my doctor helped me find one that is very similar in design to the under-the-nose full face mask.

The AirFit F30 comes in 2 different styles of the same mask; one has a front-of-the-face connection, and the other has the top-of-the-head connection for the CPAP hose. Another great feature I like about this mask is that it comes in a wide version and the under-the-nose portion of the mask is a curved V shape that fits the natural structure of my nose better than the wide-open design with one straight-across hole on the DreamWear mask.

Here are photos of me wearing the AirFit F30i:

The slight tweak in the fit on the cushion has caused fewer leaks throughout the night, while the overhead connection allows me to effortless move throughout the night without the pain of sleeping on a front-face connection when I roll.

Don't give up on finding your perfect mask

In conclusion, part of getting used to the machine is finding the right mask for you. I’ve tried a lot of masks on the recommendation of others and have absolutely hated them.

Keep trying until you find one that is a perfect fit for you. While there are pros and cons to all masks, for me, the AirFit 30i has had the least issues compared to other masks.

It still causes some facial pain, but overall, the comfort and usability of the mask make using it tolerable. I constantly search for new masks that are released because I feel each innovation might help me find the perfect mask for me.

What kind of CPAP mask do you use? Did you go through trial and error to find one that you like? Are you still searching for the right mask? Share with us in the comments below!