In this review, we'll be taking a look at Fisher & Paykel's innovative Solo mask series - the Solo Nasal Mask and the Solo Nasal Pillows.

Both versions of the Solo mask introduce groundbreaking AutoFit™ technology, aiming to simplify setup and enhance comfort.

While sharing many features, the key difference lies in their cushion design: the Nasal version uses an under-nose nasal cradle cushion, while the Nasal Pillow version features an AirPillow™ cushion that seals just inside the nostrils.

With their minimal contact design and user-friendly features, F&P claims these masks have the potential to transform nightly sleep apnea therapy from a chore into a seamless part of your bedtime routine.

But do they live up to the hype? Our team put both versions of the F&P Solo mask to the test to find out.

In this comprehensive review, we'll explore the key features of both masks, assess their performance across various sleep positions and pressures, and determine whether they truly deliver on their promise of unparalleled comfort and ease of use. 

Let's dive in and see which version might be the best fit for you.

The F&P Solo offers an intuitive experience with its AutoFit™ technology and minimal facial coverage. Perfect for back and side sleepers, this lightweight mask features easy adjustments and premium materials at a reasonable price point. Its travel-friendly design and simple assembly make it accessible for everyone.

However, dedicated stomach sleepers may find this mask challenging. Since it doesn't save your fit settings between uses, you'll need to readjust the mask each night, which could lead to slight variations in fit and comfort over time.

The F&P Solo Mask Series comes in two variants: the F&P Solo Nasal Mask and the F&P Solo Nasal Pillows Mask. Here's a brief look at their differences and similarities:

Key Features

The F&P Solo mask series introduces several groundbreaking features that set it apart from traditional CPAP masks. Regardless of the version you choose, you’ll enjoy:

• AutoFit™ Technology: This world-first innovation allows you to fit the mask with a simple stretch over the head, eliminating complex strap adjustments.
• AutoLock™ Technology: Ensures a secure seal throughout the night by adapting to movement and pressure changes, maintaining comfort and effectiveness.
• Minimal Design: Both versions feature a compact and lightweight design to offer a clear field of vision and reduce feelings of claustrophobia.
• F&P myMask™ App: A companion app that provides personalized support for fitting, cleaning, and troubleshooting to help you quickly get started and learn how to take care of your new mask. Something we especially appreciated about this app is that there is no account or signup required; simply download and open.
• Interchangeable Components: The headgear is compatible with both nasal and nasal pillows versions, offering flexibility for the mask to accomodate different needs and preferences.

Who is it for?

The F&P Solo is suitable for a wide range of people, including:

• Those who are new to therapy and are seeking an intuitive and easy-to-use mask

• Nose breathers looking for a more comfortable and less intrusive mask option

• Back and side sleepers

• Those who prefer minimal facial coverage or are prone to CPAP claustrophobia

• People with arthritis or mobility issues who may struggle with traditional mask adjustments

Who will benefit the most?

The F&P Solo is particularly beneficial for:

• Those who are new to CPAP and appreciate simple mask setups

• Frequent travelers due to its lightweight and compact design

• Those with dexterity challenges, as it features simple adjustments and easy maintenance

• Those who prioritize a clear field of vision and minimal contact with their face

• Light sleepers with low therapy pressures (this is especially true for the nasal version)

• Back sleepers who don't change positions often

• Those with magnetically-sensitive implants, since both versions of the F&P Solo are magnet-free

• Those with long hair that might get caught in adjustment straps with other masks

Who should avoid this mask?

While the F&P Solo does many things well, we think there are better masks out there for light sleepers with high therapy pressures. The Solo Nasal Pillows seal very well at all pressures, but that pressure can still feel quite intense at 15+ cmH2O. This is a common problem with nasal pillow masks, and not a fault of the Solo, specifically.

On the other hand, the Solo Nasal cushion doesn’t perform well at higher pressures and is prone to minor leaks that can require uncomfortably tight adjustments to remedy. It also tends to be louder than other masks at pressures above 12 cmH2O.

Lastly, if you're a dedicated stomach sleeper, we'd encourage you to instead consider the AirFit N30i, AirFit P30i, DreamWear Nasal, or DreamWear Nasal Pillow. While the Solo provides a passably comfortable fit for stomach sleepers–especially at lower therapy pressures–a tube-up mask is almost always going to be a better choice for this sleeping position.

Now that we have a better understanding of the needs and preferences this mask does and doesn't work for, let's go through our test results, starting with an overall score and breakdown by category.

As you can see, the Solo Nasal offers a more comfortable fit, whereas the Nasal Pillows have a higher seal quality. In every other category, though, these masks appear to be equals.

Here's a brief breakdown of the pros and cons of each to explore a bit more nuance between the two versions.

Solo Nasal Mask Pros & Cons

Solo Nasal Pillows Pros & Cons

F&P Solo Nasal Mask Seal Quality Report

Curious about how the Solo will work for your pressure setting and position preference? Here's a breakdown for each version, starting with the Solo Nasal:

F&P Solo Nasal Pillows Seal Quality Report

You'll notice that while the nasal pillows tend to hold their seal very well across all pressures and sleeping positions, the nasal cushion doesn't fare as well. This is especially true if you're a stomach sleeper or have a therapy pressure nearing 20 cmH2O.

F&P Solo Nasal Mask Noise Ratings

Take a look below to see how the Solo stacks up when it comes to volume at different pressures, as well as comfort in different sleeping positions.

F&P Solo Nasal Pillows Noise Ratings

At higher pressures, the Solo Nasal Mask is much louder due to a pocket of air pressure created between the nostrils. Since the nasal pillows seal just inside the nostrils, they do not have this same noise issue. 

F&P Solo Nasal Mask Positional Comfort Ratings

F&P Solo Nasal Pillows Positional Comfort Ratings

As far as comfort is concerned, both masks are quite comfortable in any position, the nasal cushion wins in this category. For stomach sleepers, the nasal pillows will likely push up into the nose more than the nasal cradle cushion does.

Since the nasal cushion has plastic stability wings which the nasal pillows do not, a looser fit is encouraged to prevent feeling those plastic wings while side or stomach sleeping. 

Testing Results & Notes Overview

Our team thoroughly evaluated the F&P Solo Nasal Pillow and Nasal mask across various performance categories. The mask demonstrated overall solid performance, with notable strengths in several areas.

Both versions excel in terms of ease of fitting, simple maintenance, user-friendliness, cost-effectiveness, minimal facial coverage, and security. We found them exceptionally easy to use and appreciated how little time was needed to fit and adjust the mask initially.

In terms of sleeping positions, both versions are quite comfortable for back and side sleeping. While the Solo is an acceptable choice for short-term stomach sleeping, we would recommend a tube-up mask for dedicated stomach sleepers instead.

Areas where the mask could be improved include its adjustability and sizing options. Our team found the more rigid design of the split-tail strap to be a bit limiting for those with larger heads.

As far as seal quality is concerned, the Nasal Pillows performed exceptionally well, even at high pressures. The Nasal cushion, on the other hand, did well up to 12-15 cmH2O, where minor leaks started to appear while stomach sleeping. At 20 cmH2O, the Solo Nasal really struggled to keep a good seal.

Even more notably, however, was the mask volume above 12-15 cmH2O. While the pillows performed well, the nasal cradle cushion was noticeably louder at these pressures despite being very quiet at lower pressures.

What we like

Based on our internal testing, here are the positive aspects of the F&P Solo:

• Easy and Quick Fitting (Both): Our team rated both versions a 9/10 for fitting, with most wearers achieving a comfortable fit in seconds without assistance or a mirror.
• Asymmetric Adjustments (Both): It's incredibly easy to make minor adjustments on either side of the Solo to quickly fix a pesky leak during a position change. This is especially nice in the middle of the night when noisy velcro straps might wake a bed partner.
• Simple Maintenance (Both): We scored it 9/10 for maintenance, as its three-part design makes cleaning faster and more manageable compared to more complex CPAP masks. The Nasal Pillow cushion may need slightly more attention, but it isn't really a concern.
• User-Friendly Design (Both): We gave it 9/10 for user-friendliness, finding it suitable for any experience level and those with arthritis or difficulty reaching above their head.
• Cost-Effective (Both): Our team rated it 9/10 for cost of ownership, noting its competitive initial purchase cost and reasonable recurring costs for annual maintenance.
• Minimal Facial Coverage (Both): We scored it a perfect 10/10 for openness, appreciating its minimal facial coverage and unobstructed field of vision.
• Excellent Seal Quality (Pillows): Our team awarded a 9.7/10 for seal quality, finding it ensures efficient CPAP therapy with minimal leaks at various pressures and sleeping positions. The AutoLock feature maintains the mask effectively and is easy to dial in for a leak-free fit in most circumstances.
• Outstanding Performance for Back Sleeping (Both): We rated it a perfect 10/10 for back sleeping, noting excellent seal stability, comfort, and low noise levels.
• Very Good for Side Sleeping (Both): Our team scored it 9-10/10 for side sleeping, finding it comfortable with only slight adjustments needed, even at higher pressures.
• Effective AutoLock Technology (Both): We found the AutoLock mechanism helps maintain seal integrity during sleep and moderate movements.
• Travel-Friendly (Both): Our team appreciated its compact and lightweight design, making it easy to pack and carry during travel.

What we think could be improved

While our team found the F&P Solo excels in many areas, we identified a few aspects that could be improved:

• Limited Adjustability (Both): We scored it 6.5/10 for adjustability, as its limited adjustment points may not accommodate all users, especially those with very small or large head sizes. It’s worth noting, though, that while specific adjustment points may be lacking in terms of precision when compared to competitors, the adjustments that are available are very easy to make and effective at solving leaks and discomfort.
• Sizing Options (Both): Our team rated the one-size-fits-most approach for the headgear 6/10 for sizing, noting it may not be ideal for users with larger head sizes. We would have appreciated a larger headgear size with a wider footprint at the back of the head.
• Comfort for Stomach Sleepers (Both): We found it performs poorly for stomach sleeping (scoring 5-8/10), with potential discomfort and seal issues at higher pressures. A tube-up mask is still likely a better choice for stomach sleepers.
• Nose Tip Pressure (Pillows): Some wearers may experience discomfort around the nose tip, particularly during stomach sleeping or at high pressures, due to the design of the nasal pillows, which are fused with the cushion. This differs from a nasal pillow mask such as the P10, which features pillows that move more independently.
• Headgear Stability (Both): While generally secure, we found the headgear can occasionally shift during vigorous movement, requiring readjustment. It’s noteworthy, though, that despite headgear slippage, the mask did manage to maintain its seal integrity in most cases.
• Cleaning Considerations (Pillows): While the mask's overall maintenance is straightforward (rated 9/10), our team noted that the interior edges of the cushion may require some extra attention during cleaning. This isn't a major issue, but it's worth mentioning.
• High-Pressure Noise (Nasal): Since the nasal cradle cushion uses one large opening to serve air to both nostrils, it can tend to create a bit of an air pocket between the nostrils. This amplifies the sound of air going into the nose and is noticeably louder than the nasal pillow cushion at the same pressure level.

Pricing and Value

Based on our testing results and research, the F&P Solo offers excellent value for its price point. Here's a breakdown of its pricing and value proposition:

Cost of Ownership

At a 9/10 rating for cost of ownership, the Solo provides great value for money. This high score is attributed to two main factors:

• Competitive Initial Cost: The mask's purchase price is competitive within the CPAP mask market, making it an attractive option for both new and experienced users.
• Reasonable Recurring Costs: The annual maintenance expenses, which include replacing cushions and headgear, are considered reasonable, especially given the mask's high quality and performance.

Value-Added Features

The F&P Solo Nasal Pillows Mask includes several features that enhance its overall value:

• AutoFit and AutoLock Technology: These innovative features contribute to ease of use and consistent performance, potentially reducing the need for frequent adjustments or replacements.
• F&P myMask™ App: The companion app provides additional support for fitting, cleaning, and troubleshooting, enhancing the user experience without additional cost.
• Versatility: With high performance scores for back and side sleeping (10/10 and 9-10/10 respectively), the mask offers versatility that could eliminate the need for multiple mask types for different sleep positions.

Considerations

While the overall value is high, there are a few factors to consider:

• Stomach Sleepers: The lower performance for stomach sleeping (5-8/10) might reduce the value for users who primarily sleep in this position.
• Limited Adjustability: The 6.5/10 score for adjustability reflects the mask's one-size-fits-most approach. The headgear comes in only one size, and while the split tail at the back offers some flexibility, it's not designed to accommodate very large head sizes. This limitation means some users might struggle to achieve an optimal fit, potentially affecting comfort and seal quality.

Seal Quality

Description: A rating of the mask's seal quality at varying pressures and in various sleeping positions.

Notes (Nasal Pillows): Overall, the Solo's unique adjustments mean you are more empowered than ever to quickly fix mask leaks. Very impressed with the mask's seal, which is likely thanks to the nasal pillows.

Notes (Nasal Cradle): The Solo Nasal seals well at lower pressures, but above 15 cmH2O, it begins to struggle and requires a tighter fit to stop minor leaks. However, tightening the Solo Nasal causes the plastic stability wings to put pressure on the sinuses, which tends to make breathing more difficult.

Comfort

Description: A rating of how comfortable the mask is to sleep in, considering factors like irritation, pressure points, headgear thickness while side-sleeping, and availability of comfort accessories.

Notes (Nasal Pillows): The mask is very lightweight and comfortable. The cushion is soft and bouncy and moves well with position changes. However, when sleeping on the stomach, the cushion does tend to push up into the nose, which may result in soreness for some. Also, the nasal pillows may cause irritation and take some getting used to. They are not as comfortable as the AirFit P10's.

Notes (Nasal Cradle): The nasal cradle is more comfortable and feels like an air cushion resting under the nose. It doesn't irritate inside the nostrils, unlike the nasal pillow version, though I was more aware of the sides of my nose with the nasal cradle version. It uses hard plastic stability wings on either side of the cushion to improve seal quality for side sleepers, which I can't say I really noticed. I expected to feel them digging into my face in more extreme positions, but while I could tell they were there, I didn't find any issue with them except while stomach sleeping at high pressures.

Cost of Ownership

Description: A rating of the affordability of maintaining your mask for one year.

Notes (Nasal Pillows): Prices are subject to variation but on average, here's what you can expect to pay for your first year of therapy with the solo:

• Initial Complete Mask: ~$119
• Replacement Cushions (x3): ~$105
• Replacement Headgear (x1): ~$40
• Replacement Frame (x1): ~$33
• Total Cost: ~$297

User Friendliness

Description: A rating of how easy or difficult it is for those with dexterity limitations or arthritis to make adjustments to the mask, disassemble it, and reassemble it. Also considers fit & save features and the presence/ease of quick-release hose connections.

Notes (Both Versions): The Solo is incredibly easy to adjust and comes apart with very little effort. No reaching above the head is required outside of donning the mask. However, it does not have a convenient option to quickly release from the hose. We found that the best option is to disconnect the hose at the short tube. While you might opt to remove the mask entirely, it's still not quite convenient, especially if it takes you more time to fit your headgear due to long or big hair.

Openness

Description: A rating of the mask's openness, with points awarded for a more minimalistic, less claustrophobic design with a wide field of view. Points are deducted for forehead support bars.

Notes (Both Versions): The Solo Nasal is about as open as a CPAP mask can be.

Security

Description: A rating of how well the mask stays in place after a night of tossing and turning.

Notes (Both Versions): While the headgear doesn't always stay completely in place, the mask does a very good job of maintaining its fit even when the straps shift from where they were initially seated.

Maintenance

Description: A rating of how many individual parts a mask has, which influences how much time you can expect to spend on daily and weekly maintenance. Also considers hard-to-reach areas that are difficult to clean and how often certain parts should be replaced.

Notes (Both Versions): The Solo consists of just three parts and is quite easy to clean. There are a couple of edges inside the cushion that aren't effortless to reach, but with a good soak, this becomes a non-issue. The Solo adheres to a typical replacement schedule, and you can expect to replace the cushion every three months with proper maintenance.

Adjustability

Description: A mostly objective rating of how adjustable the mask is, the types of adjustments that are available, and how well those adjustments hold over time.

Notes (Both Versions): The F&P Solo has exactly two adjustments: looser and tighter. The headgear cannot be adjusted, only fit, so if it doesn't work for you, it simply doesn't work. However, thanks to the Solo's unique AutoFit technology, it is nearly effortless to make asymmetric adjustments to accommodate a wider range of positions, situations, and anatomy. It does seem that the mask is mildly prone to adjusting itself while changing sleeping positions, though it's easy to remedy this with a simple push or pull.

Fitting

Description: A rating of how long it takes to fit your mask and considers how severe the mask's rejection factor is—if the mask doesn’t fit for you, what range of options is available to dial it in to your needs?

Notes (Nasal Pillows): Of the masks on the market, this is likely the easiest to fit in seconds. The mask doesn't save your fit like a mask with magnetic clips might, though it's very easy to return to your fit with minimal work. Still, there will be some variation in your fit from night to night.

Notes (Nasal Cradle): I had a bit more trouble fitting the nasal version of the mask compared to the nasal pillow. Not that it was any more difficult in terms of adjustments and fitting, but I couldn't figure out what angle the mask wanted to be worn at. Even at low pressures on my back, I experienced an air leak at the top of the cushion, which I remedied by adjusting the headgear position. Still, I would like the split tail strap to separate farther than it does.

Sizing

Description: A rating of how many size options are available for cushions, headgear, and frames.

Notes (Both Versions): Four cushion sizes are available for the Nasal version (wide cushion available as an optional extra), but only three for the Nasal Pillows. While there is only one size for headgear, it tends to accommodate a range of head sizes. However, the split tail strap only separates so far due to its rigidity, and since it isn't adjustable, it may not work well for very large heads.

The F&P Solo Mask Series represents a significant advancement in CPAP mask technology, offering a blend of simplicity, comfort, and effectiveness.

With its innovative AutoFit™ and AutoLock™ technologies, it provides an excellent solution for many CPAP users, especially those new to therapy or those who prioritize ease of use.

The mask's high performance in back and side sleeping positions, coupled with its easy maintenance and travel-friendly design, make it a strong contender in the CPAP mask market. However, potential buyers should consider their specific needs, particularly if they are primarily stomach sleepers, require extensive adjustability, or need a mask that performs well at high therapy pressures.

All things considered, we can confidently recommend the Solo Nasal as a competent companion for your therapy journey if you're a back or side sleeper with an average or lower therapy pressure. For stomach sleepers and those with high therapy pressures, there are certainly better options out there that we would encourage you to explore.

If you're looking for a CPAP mask that combines innovation, simplicity, and effectiveness, the F&P Solo Mask Series is definitely worth considering. Experience the difference that AutoFit™ technology can make in your CPAP therapy.