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ResMed AirFit N30i Nasal Mask Review

Nov 22, 2023
· 12 mins read

The ResMed AirFit N30i Nasal Mask is a top-of-the-line CPAP mask equipped with plenty of features to make your life and your sleep much easier. It’s one of the most comfortable and easy-to-use CPAP masks on the market.

Continue reading to learn more about this CPAP mask and why it could be the one for you.


What Type of Mask Is the ResMed AirFit N30i?

The ResMed N30i is a nasal mask that can be used in CPAP therapy and BiPAP therapy to treat sleep apnea and other sleep-related breathing disorders. Unlike full-face masks that cover the nose and mouth or nasal pillow masks that seal just below the nose, nasal CPAP masks fit over the nose and are secured around the head with a diadem.

ResMed AirFit N30i Nasal Mask

The N30i nasal CPAP mask is designed to fit most facial features, thanks to its flexible hollow frame that adapts to your face’s contour and its variety of mask cushion sizes (small, medium, wide, and small wide cushions), so you can find the best fit for you. The mask also has a minimalist headgear that is easy to adjust with magnetic clips for quick attachment and removal.

Remember that if you have an active medical implant, such as a pacemaker or an insulin pump, or a metallic implant, such as a stent or an aneurysm clip, you shouldn’t wear a CPAP mask with magnetic clips, since they can interfere with their functioning and placement.

You should also keep your CPAP mask with magnetic clips at a safe distance from such implants or medical devices, this applies to anyone who would come into close physical contact with your CPAP mask.

What Are the Main Features of the ResMed AirFit N30i Mask?

The ResMed N30i nasal CPAP mask sets itself apart from its competition by its minimalist design with no contact with the forehead, which results in greater comfort for CPAP users. This CPAP mask has many other characteristics that make it stand out, some of them are:

Open Nasal Design

The mask frame has an open nasal design that leaves the nose bridge free from any pressure or irritation, reducing the risk of red marks, nose sores, or facial discomfort. This open nasal design provides greater freedom of movement and allows you to get closer to your bed partner.

Top-of-the-head Hose Connection

Instead of having straps around the head, the N30i uses a headband that sits on top of the head, eliminating the need for a bulky elbow or swivel on the front of the mask. It also reduces the weight and drag of the mask, making it more comfortable and stable.

The top-of-the-head hose connection also allows you to adopt any sleeping position, whether you are a back sleeper, side sleeper or stomach sleeper. You can also move around in bed without worrying about pulling or dislodging the mask from its tubing connection.

Swivel Connection Tube

The tube that connects the mask to the CPAP machine has a swivel that rotates 360 degrees, allowing you to toss and turn without restriction during the night. This feature makes it one of the best masks for active sleepers. The swivel connection also has a quick-release elbow that  easily detaches the hose from the mask without removing the mask.

Clear Field of View

The N30i’s design and small frame allow for a wider field of view compared to other CPAP masks, making it easier to read, watch TV, or use electronic devices before bed without removing the mask. It also allows you to wear glasses or sleep masks without any issues.

N30i Nasal Mask

QuietAir Vent Technology

The N30i’s cushion design integrates the QuietAir Vent Technology that minimizes the noise generated by the CPAP machine, making it whisper-quiet. This allows you and your bed partner to sleep peacefully through the night.

Compatibility

This CPAP mask is compatible with most CPAP machines and settings, except for the ResMed AirMini. You can use it with any standard CPAP tubing or heated tubing. Also, the AirFit N30i’s SpringFit frame and replacement cushions are interchangeable with the standard frame and cushions of the AirFit P30i.

Easy Mask Fit

Thanks to its simple headgear, magnetic clips and head tube design, the AirFit N30i is easy to fit and adjust. You can put on and remove the mask in a matter of seconds without any hassle. You can also fine-tune the fit using the velcro tabs on the headgear straps.

Comfortable Nasal Cradle

The comfortable nasal cradle cushion gently hugs your nose and delivers continuous airflow through the small openings on each side. The N30i cushion is made of silicone that feels smooth and gentle on your skin.

Variety of Sizes

The ResMed AirFit N30i Starter Pack includes three different cushion sizes: small, medium, and small wide. You can try them all and see which one fits you best. You can also use ResMed’s sizing guide to find the best cushion size for you.

What Type of Patient Is the ResMed AirFit N30i Mask for?

The AirFit N30i is suitable for nearly everyone who requires CPAP or BiPAP therapy, but it offers some additional benefits to certain groups of people, such as:

People with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

OSA is a common sleep disorder that causes your breathing to stop and start repeatedly while you sleep. This can lead to low oxygen levels, poor sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, and an increased risk of heart disease. The ResMed AirtFit N30i is designed to deliver the air pressure range you need to keep your airway open throughout the night and effectively treat your OSA, as well as some types of central sleep apnea.

People Who Tend to Breathe Through the Nose

If you’re a nose breather while you sleep, N30i might be the right CPAP mask for you. Since it only covers the nose and not the mouth, it can help you avoid that dry mouth and sore throat sensation you can get when using a full-face mask.

This mask’s nasal cradle cushion only covers the base of your nose, leaving your nostrils free. This way, you can breathe naturally and comfortably through your nose without feeling any pressure or obstruction.

People Who Prefer a Clear Field of Vision

Some people find it hard to fall asleep or relax with a CPAP mask covering their eyes or forehead. They may feel distracted or inconvenienced by the mask, especially if they like to read, watch TV, or use their phone before bed.

The ResMed AirFit N30i mask is perfect for those who need a CPAP mask that doesn’t block the eyes or has contact with the forehead. This mask also has a curved frame that follows the contours of your face and stays out of sight. You can enjoy your bedtime activities without any interference from your mask.

People with Allergies or Nasal Congestion

Allergies or chronic nasal congestion can make it hard for some people to breathe through their nose, and some CPAP masks can worsen this issue by drying out the nasal passages or causing pressure sores on the nose bridge.

The N30i is gentle on the nose—its nasal cradle cushion does not come into contact with your nasal bridge or septum. Also, it can receive heated and humidified air from your CPAP machine to better ease your nasal symptoms.

People Looking for Ease of Fit

Struggling to find the right fit for your mask is quite common. You may have to try different sizes, shapes, and adjustments until you find the one that works best. If you can’t find one that fits properly, you may need to readjust your CPAP mask during the night to prevent slips and leaks.

The AirFit N30i mask is easy to fit due to its simple and intuitive design that adapts to your face shape and size. You can easily snap its cushion onto the frame and adjust the headgear with velcro tabs, as instructed in the user guide until you have a snug and comfortable fit.

People Who Want Greater Comfort and Freedom

Some CPAP masks may make you feel restricted or uncomfortable because they limit movement and cause skin irritation. They can also make it harder to change your sleeping position or to toss and turn since they can end up falling off or leaking.

This nasal CPAP mask is comfortable and flexible since it has a soft and lightweight frame that bends with your movements. The frame also distributes the pressure evenly across your face, reducing the risk of skin damage. It also has a top-of-the-head tube connection that allows you to sleep in any position you like without tangling or pulling the tubing.

People with Claustrophobia

Claustrophobia is the fear of enclosed or tight spaces. Wearing a CPAP mask can make people with claustrophobia feel anxious, trapped, or suffocated. They may also have issues breathing or sleeping with a mask that covers most of their face or that creates a lot of noise and vibration.

The N30i is ideal for people with claustrophobia because it only covers the nose, leaving the mouth and eyes unbothered. Its cushion also has small vents that release the exhaled air quietly and gently. The top-of-the-head tubing connection keeps the tubing away from the user’s face and chest, giving a sense of space and openness.

Active Sleepers

People known as active sleepers are those that move a lot in their sleep, changing positions frequently or rolling over to different sides of the bed. They may have trouble finding a mask that stays in place and maintains a good seal throughout the night.

tN30i Nasal Mask Hairstyles

The AirFit N30i mask is ideal for active sleepers because of the top-of-the-head tube connection that allows you to move freely without compromising the seal or the airflow. The tube connection also swivels 360 degrees, preventing the tubing from getting tangled or twisted. The nasal cradle cushion also allows the mask to stay in place by molding it to your face shape.

Advantages and Disadvantages of the ResMed AirFit N30i Mask

The ResMed AirFit N30i is a wonderful CPAP mask for nearly everyone, as it adapts to the needs of most CPAP users. However, there are also some drawbacks that you need to take into account to find out if this is the best CPAP mask for you, or if you’d be better off with a full-face mask, such as the Philips Respironics DreamWear Full-face Mask.

Advantages

  •  ●The ResMed AirFit N30i nasal mask has a soft, curved cushion that cradles the nose gently and securely, without causing nose sores or facial red marks.


  •  ●The SpringFit frame adapts to your face contours and adjusts automatically for a snug but comfortable fit. There are two frame sizes available: standard and small, to fit different head sizes.


  •  ●The N30i has a top-of-the-head hose connection with a 360-degree swivel that allows you to rotate the hose as you move. This gives you unparalleled freedom of movement and allows you to sleep in any position you like.


  •  ●It has a simple and intuitive design that makes it easy to put on and take off, adjust, and clean whenever you want.


  •  ●The QuietAir Vent Technology reduces the noise level of the mask by 57% compared to standard nose cushions. This technology also diffuses the exhaled air gently and quietly, without blowing it on you or your partner.


  •  ●It’s compatible with every CPAP machine of the ResMed AirSense line, and many other CPAP machines from other collections and brands.

Disadvantages

  •  ●The ResMed AirFit N30i Nasal Mask may not be suitable for people who need high air pressure in their CPAP treatment, as the cushion may leak or collapse under high pressure.


  •  ●It may not be compatible with some CPAP machines that have specific hose requirements, such as the ResMed AirMini or the Philips Respironics DreamStation Go. If you have one of these CPAP machines, you may need to use an adapter or a different mask.


  •  ●This mask model may not be comfortable for people who have sensitive skin or silicone allergies, as the frame and cushion could cause irritation.


  •  ●It might not be ideal for people with a lot of facial hair, since this can interrupt the seal of the mask and cause air leaks throughout the night.


  •  ●The N30i can be more expensive than other nasal CPAP masks, which might not be covered by your insurance budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

The AirFit N30i is one of the most sought-after nasal CPAP masks on the market. Let's look at the most common questions regarding this mask:

What’s the Difference Between the N30 and the N30i?

The ResMed N30 and the N30i are both nasal cradle masks by ResMed that fit under the nose, but they have different tubing connections. The N30 has a traditional front-end tube connection, while the N30i has a top-of-the-head tube connection design. The N30i also has a hollow frame that allows air to flow through it, while the N30 has a soft frame that rests on the cheeks.

ResMed AirFit N30i Mask

How Often Should I Replace the AirFit N30i?

If you are a seasoned CPAP user, you must know that buying a CPAP mask isn’t a one-time purchase; they need to be replaced periodically to ensure maximum performance.

According to ResMed, the manufacturer, the frequency with which you should replace the different AirFit N30i components is:

  •  ●Cushion: Every month
  •  ●Quick-release elbow: Every three months
  •  ●Frame and headgear: Every six months.

You should inspect these parts regularly for signs of wear and tear, such as cracks, tears and holes since their presence indicates you will need to replace them earlier.

Are the ResMed P30i and the N30i interchangeable?

Yes, the ResMed P30i and the N30i are interchangeable. They use the same frame and headgear, but different cushions. The P30i has a pillow cushion that is inserted into the nostrils, while the N30i has a nasal cradle cushion that rests under the nose. You can switch between these cushions depending on your preferences and how comfortable you feel wearing them.

How Do I Find the Right Size for the AirFit N30i Mask?

The AirFit N30i comes with a starter pack that includes three cushion sizes: small, medium, and small wide. Wide cushions aren’t included in the starter pack. You can try each cushion size to see which one fits you best. The cushion should seal around your nostrils without any gaps or leaks.

There are also two frame sizes, men are usually advised to go for the standard size frame, while women are recommended the small size frame. However, you also need to take into account how long and wide your face is before making this decision.

You can also use the sizing guide on ResMed's website to measure your nose width and find your ideal size.

How to Clean the N30i?

To keep your mask in good condition, you should clean it daily with mild soap and water. Rinse it well and let it air dry away from direct sunlight. You should also wash the headgear and the frame once a week by following the same procedure. This CPAP mask is also compatible with CPAP cleaning machines, so you don’t have to go through the hassle of cleaning it every day.

You can also use CPAP mask wipes and sprays to sanitize your mask between washes. Do not use bleach, alcohol or harsh cleaners on any part of the mask.

How to Differentiate the Cushion Sizes of the N30i?

There are four cushion sizes for this mask model: small, medium, small wide and wide. These come color-coded so that you’re able to tell at a glance which cushion size you will be using. The colors are:

  •  ●Red = Small
  •  ●Blue = Medium
  •  ●Purple = Small wide
  •  ●Gray = Wide.

What Happens If I Get the N30i and I Don’t Like It?

At Sleeplay, we offer a 30-day mask exchange program, similar to a warranty or return policy, that allows customers to return the CPAP mask they didn’t like and receive a gift card to purchase the right mask for them.

Overall, the ResMed AirFit N30i Nasal Mask is a great option for anyone who wants a comfortable and versatile nasal mask that can accommodate different sleeping positions and preferences. However, it might not be a suitable option for everyone, especially if you have a low budget, facial hair, or tend to breathe through your mouth.

If you’re interested in buying the AirFit N30i or want to check out other CPAP masks before making a final decision, you can check our online store. At Sleeplay, we have special deals year-round to help you save on your CPAP-related purchases!

Gabriela Alvarado

Medically reviewed: Gabriela Alvarado

Medical Doctor from the Central University of Venezuela. She holds certifications in Public Health Practice from institutions such as Johns Hopkins University (USA) and Imperial College London (UK).

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