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Looking for a full face mask without the bulk? The ResMed AirFit F30 offers a breakthrough minimal-contact full face design that sits comfortably under your nostrils while still providing CPAP air to your nose and mouth.
Recently I tried out the F30 for myself and I’m here to help you decide if this compact full face design is the right match for your sleep apnea therapy.
My comprehensive ResMed AirFit F30 full face mask review explores the unique hybrid design, including how it holds up in different sleeping positions and pressure settings. If you enjoy sleeping on your side or struggle with CPAP claustrophobia, this may be the mask for you.
Eric Ott - CPAP Product Specialist
"The F30's under-the-nose design significantly reduces pressure points compared to traditional full face masks, but I found the seal strength noticeably weaker at higher pressures. There's a clear trade-off between comfort and seal integrity."
Table of contents
ResMed AirFit F30 at a glance
What makes the AirFit F30 stand out from other masks?
The AirFit F30 represents ResMed's response to the growing demand for claustrophobia-friendly, compact full face masks. What truly sets this mask apart is the combination of full face coverage with minimal contact points.
The F30 bridges the gap between traditional full face masks and more minimal nasal cradle designs, making it particularly valuable for those who need nose and mouth coverage but struggle with the bulkiness of conventional full face options.
Score: 77.5/100 | Seal Quality: 8.5/10 | Comfort: 6/10 | Value: 7.5/10
- Under-the-Nose Cushion — Eliminates pressure points across the nose to minimize discomfort
- Magnetic Headgear Clips — Self-guiding attachments make it easy to put on and take off
- QuietAir Diffusion Vent — Gently diffuses exhaled air at just 21 decibels, similar to a whisper or rustling leaves
- Quick-Release Elbow — Makes midnight bathroom breaks easier with one-handed disconnection
- Compact Frame Size — Allows for better visibility and reduces claustrophobia
- 360° Swivel Tube Connection — Adds flexibility for multiple sleeping positions
Is the AirFit F30 right for you?
The AirFit F30 is a great mask for...
✓ Minimal contact across the nose
✓ CPAP claustrophobia
✓ Mouth breathing
✓ Back sleepers
✓ Side sleepers
✓ Light sleepers
✓ Reading/watching TV before bed
✓ Glasses
✓ Nightly bathroom trips
✓ Frequent sinus congestion
You should try another CPAP mask if...
✗ High CPAP pressure (15+ cmH₂O)
✗ Very small or very large face
✗ A lot of facial hair
✗ Medical implants (magnets)
✗ Frequently an active sleeper
✗ Primarily sleep on your belly
✗ Prefer a very strong seal
The F30 is best for back and side sleeping
During my testing, I evaluated the mask's performance across multiple sleeping positions and pressure settings.
The F30 works for:
- Back sleepers
- Side sleepers
- Occasional active sleepers
The AirFit F30 has a good to excellent seal within the most commonly used pressures, 7-11 cmH₂O.
| Position | 5-10 cmH2O | 10-15 cmH2O | 15-20 cmH2O |
|---|---|---|---|
| Back | 9.5/10 | 9.5/10 | 6.5/10 |
| Side | 9.5/10 | 9/10 | 4/10 |
| Stomach | 9.5/10 | 8.5/10 | 4/10 |
From my testing notes:
"The F30 maintains excellent seal integrity at pressures below 15 cmH₂O, but becomes progressively more prone to leaks above this threshold. I noticed significant seal breakage during mouth movements and facial expressions at higher pressures."
The AirFit F30 is pretty quiet at low to moderate CPAP pressures
The AirFit F30 performs impressively well in noise testing, producing only 21 decibels during operation—about the same noise level as a whisper.
This quiet performance comes from ResMed's QuietAir diffusion vent system, which disperses exhaled air through multiple small openings rather than directing it through a single vent.
| Pressure Setting | Noise Rating | Testing Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 5 cmH2O | Great | "Mask noise is what I'd expect at 5 cmH2O. Seal quality is good but took some adjustments to lock down." |
| 10 cmH2O | Good | "Mask is expectedly louder at 10 cmH2O, but not disruptively so. Seal quality is strong, but prone to small leaks." |
| 15 cmH2O | Good | "At 15 cmH2O, noise levels increase noticeably. This is the point I decided to bump up to a larger cushion size for better seal integrity." |
| 20 cmH2O | Acceptable | "Seal is surprisingly leaky when back and side sleeping at high pressures. Would not recommend this mask above 15 cmH2O." |
Pros and cons of the AirFit F30
What you'll love:
Under-Nose Cushion — Eliminates bridge-of-nose pressure points
Save Your Fit — Easy on/off without readjusting straps
Quiet Operation — Whisper-quiet at 21 decibels
Open Field of View — Read or watch TV before sleep
Quick Disconnect — Easily separate your mask from your tubing for quick bathroom trips
Potential drawbacks:
Limited Sizing Options — Only small and medium cushions available
Poor Pressure Performance — Seal quality and noise really deteriorate above 15 cmH₂O
Headgear Stability Issues — One-size-fits-most design doesn't work for everyone
Plastic Frame Creaking — Noticeable noise when you move
Difficult to Position — Some users struggle to line up the mask with the nostrils
From my testing notes:
"I noticed the mask frame produced occasional creaking noises with movement. This seemed specific to the plastic frame arms that connect to the upper headgear straps, creating potentially disruptive sounds even with normal breathing when sleeping on my back."
What are customers saying about the AirFit P10?
Customers love that the ResMed AirFit F30 is quiet, unlike older masks that can be noisy even with a good seal.
The under-the-nose design prevents irritation across the bridge of the nose
Stays sealed well while side sleeping, though the headgear does occasionally shift.
Customers wish there were more sizing options beyond small and medium cushions
My full review of the AirFit F30
To get a good feel for the AirFit F30, my team and I created a 100 point rubric that examined 10 different categories ranging from seal, comfort, cost, fit, user-friendliness, and more.
Overall this mask received a total score of 77.5/100. While there are some newer versions that score a bit better, this is a good alternative if you need a compact full face mask.
The AirFit F30 excelled (9/10 or higher) in the following areas:
- Open face design
- Security
- Easy maintenance
Seal quality (8.5/10)
The F30 seals well at low to medium pressures but struggles at higher settings. For most users below 15 cmH₂O, it provides a reliable seal in standard sleep positions. The under-the-nose cushion seals both the mouth and nostrils, though the seal around the nostrils needed to be adjusted some.
Facial hair seemed to affect the seal. I found even my medium amount of stubble seemed to weaken the seal around my mouth, causing leaks. So if you have facial hair , you’ll want to keep looking.
Comfort (6/10)
I really appreciated how the low-profile shape reduced pressure across the bridge of the nose, but the F30 design still creates pressure points on the sides of the nose. When this happens, it occasionally blocks CPAP air from flowing into both nostrils. This is more likely to be a problem for side sleepers.
While the soft cloth headgear is comfortable, the one-size-fits-most design may not provide a secure fit for those with very small or large heads. The crown strap may also require occasional adjustments during the night.
Cost of ownership (7.5-8/10)
The AirFit F30 is priced comparably to other full face masks, but its yearly maintenance costs can add up.
The mask falls right at the cutoff of an 8/10 for affordability in my scoring rubric. However, I highly recommend pairing it with the Circadiance Featherweight Short Tube for greater freedom of movement and reduced tube drag. So with that added cost, I think it's more of a 7.5/10.
Below is a breakdown of initial costs and replacement parts:
User friendliness (6/10)
The mask is easy to use in some ways but could improve in others. The quick-release elbow makes it easy to disconnect the hose from the front of the mask. The magnetic clips also work well, making it easy to take the mask off and put it on without adjusting your straps, even in the dark.
However, the headgear may be difficult to adjust for those with arthritis, shoulder injuries, or other dexterity issues. During my testing, it often took me a couple of tries to adjust the top strap and secure it into place.
Openness (9.5/10)
For a full face mask, the F30 is remarkably open. In fact, it's probably one of the most claustrophobia-friendly full face CPAP masks on the market. The under-the-nose design eliminates the feeling of having your entire face covered, while still providing mouth and nose coverage.
When you're wearing the mask, you can slightly see the cushion in your periferal view, but it's much less intrusive compared to traditional full face designs. You may not forget it's there, but it's a huge improvement from the older styles we've seen.
This minimal, open-face design is a good fit for:
- CPAP claustrophobia
- Nighttime reading
- Watching TV before bed
- Wearing glasses
Security (9.5/10)
Despite some issues with the crown strap occasionally slipping, the F30 is overall pretty secure. The headgear design distributes tension across multiple contact points, while the magnetic clips stay secure with movement.
The one area that falls short would be very active sleepers. The triple-action swivel at the front of the mask helps with flexibility, but since there is no short tube included (like you'd see with the AirFit P10 or N30), you're more likely to feel tube dragging and resistance when you change positions.
Just a quick note: this issue can be remedied by adding the Circadiance Featherweight Short Tube, which will give you more freedom to move.
Maintenance (10/10)
The F30 has a pretty simple design that makes cleaning and maintenance easy. There are no hard-to-reach areas to worry about and the mask disassembles into only four pieces:
- Cloth head strap
- Hard mask frame
- Silicone mask cushion
- Quick-release elbow
According to the manufacturer's guidelines, the cushion should be wiped down after each use, and the entire mask should be disassembled and cleaned weekly with mild soap and warm water.
Adjustability (8.5/10)
The F30 offers a good amount of adjustability with 5 velcro straps that are easy to adjust and provide a range of fitting options.
- 2 along the lower jaw
- 2 near the temples
- 1 across the crown of the head
These adjustments hold well over time, though the upper straps can only be tightened so much before it starts to put pressure on the tip of the nose. Additionally, the one-size-fits-most headgear can be limiting for users with very small or extra large head sizes.
Fitting (7/10)
Fitting this mask properly takes a little time and patience. During testing, I found that it took longer to find a comfortable seal with this mask compared to others I have tried, like the newer AirFit F40. Each time the team increased CPAP pressure, it required additional adjustments to keep the seal in place.
Getting the nostrils to align with the mask was also a challenge, and if you get it wrong it causes uneven pressure points along each side of the nose.
That said, once the F30 is properly fitted, the mask performs pretty well, even if the initial setup period is frustrating.
Sizing (5/10)
The AirFit F30 sizes leave a lot to be desired, especially for a full face mask. People with larger faces or wider noses may struggle to find a comfortable, leak-free fit with the F30.
Headgear |
One-size-fits-most |
Frame |
One-size-fits-most |
Cushion |
Small
Medium
|
What to consider before buying the AirFit F30?
If you're considering the AirFit F30, here are some things to keep in mind.
Not ideal if you struggle with fine motor skills or dexterity
The F30 may not be the best mask if you have arthritis, shoulder injury, or struggle with dexterity. While it's relatively easy to take apart and put back together, getting the mask fitted may be difficult for some.
Mask is not designed for large heads or noses
You are probably better off choosing a different mask if you need a size large. The F30 only offers one-size headgear and frame, plus small and medium cushion sizes.
Active sleepers may want a mask with a short tube between the mask and hose
The F30 does not come with a short tube. The purpose of this piece is to reduce pulling and dragging on your mask when you move around in bed.
Not the best full face mask for stomach sleepers
While this isn't the worst full face mask for stomach sleepers, there are better options out there that put less pressure on the side of the nose when you rest your head against the pillow.
How does the AirFit F30 stack against other masks?
AirFit F30 vs. AirFit F40
The F40 has a similar shape to the F30, but it improves on its predecesor's design in almost every single way for a similar price. Both work well for back sleepers and people with claustrophobia, but overall I think the AirFit F40 is the better option all around.
See our AirFit F40 review to learn more.
Choose AirFit F30 if you need:
🔸Compatible with AirMini
Choose AirFit F40 if you need:
🔸Strong seal
🔸Active sleeper-friendly
🔸Facial hair-friendly
🔸Side sleeper-friendly
🔸High pressure CPAP
🔸Universal fit
AirFit F30 vs. AirFit F20
The AirFit F20 is one of ResMed's most popular full face masks, featuring a traditional design that covers both the nose and mouth. It is one of Resmed's most popular masks, offering a universal fit that works for 97% of wearers.
Read our AirFit F20 review.
Choose AirFit F30 if you need:
🔸Claustrophobia-friendly
🔸Fewer pressure points
🔸Open field of view
🔸Wear glasses
🔸Side sleeper-friendly
Choose AirFit F20 if you need:
🔸Stronger seal
🔸Active sleeper-friendly
🔸Facial hair-friendly
🔸Side sleeper-friendly
🔸High pressure CPAP
🔸Universal fit
🔸Large cushion size
AirFit F30 vs. AirFit F30i
Both of these masks offer a similar under-the-nose cushion. But the biggest difference is the tube connection. The F30 has a front-facing connection, while the F30i features a top-of-head connection that is much better for active sleepers and stomach sleepers.
Check out our AirFit F30i Review here!
Choose AirFit F30 if you need:
🔸More adjustability
🔸Front-facing tube release
🔸Quieter design
🔸More secure fit
🔸Compatible with AirMini
Choose AirFit F30i if you need:
🔸Less hose pulling/tangling
🔸Active sleeper-friendly
🔸Side sleeper-friendly
🔸Belly sleeper-friendly
🔸Easier fitting
🔸Stonger, more flexible seal
AirFit F30 vs. F&P Evora Full Face
F&P Evora Full Face Mask is a high-quality mask that customers and reviewers love! This mask offers a very similar design to the AirFit F30, but without the magnets and with a unique mesh headgear.
Choose AirFit F30 if you need:
🔸Easy on/off magnet clips
🔸Slightly quieter design
🔸Compatible with AirMini
Choose Evora Full Face if you need:
🔸Medical implant-safe mask
🔸More size options
🔸Stonger, more flexible seal
🔸Cooling headgear
Frequently asked questions
What is the AirFit F30 made of?
The F30 cushion is made of silicone, which is gentle on the skin and helps reduce pressure points compared to other materials. The headgear is constructed from soft, flexible nylon with ResMed's adjustable velcro straps, which loop around each corner of the mask frame.
How do you clean the AirFit F30 mask?
Start by disassembling the entire mask (elbow, head straps, mask frame, and cushion). Wash each component in mild soap and warm water, rinse thoroughly, and allow to air dry away from direct sunlight before reassembling.
Is the AirFit F30 suitable for stomach or side sleepers?
The AirFit F30 performs best for back sleepers, and okay for side sleepers with low pressures. The nasal cradle design is very comfortable but tends to leak more when side sleeping and at higher therapy pressures. It is not ideal for full-time stomach sleepers, as the hard shell makes it difficult to get comfortable when face-down.
What's included with the ResMed AirFit F30 CPAP mask?
Your purchase includes the ResMed AirFit F30 owner's manual, a soft nylon head strap, a hard plastic mask frame, a silicone cushion in your chosen size (small or medium), and a quick-release elbow.
Can I use the AirFit F30 if I have a beard?
The F30 may not provide a consistent seal if you have significant facial hair, especially around the mouth area. During testing, even moderate stubble compromised the seal quality. If you have a beard, you might consider alternatives specifically designed for facial hair.
Does the AirFit F30 work with all CPAP machines?
Yes, the F30 is compatible with all standard CPAP, APAP, and BiPAP machines that use a standard 22mm hose connection. We highly recommend pairing the F30 with a universal short tube such as the Circadiance Featherlight Short Tube for extended mobility.
Can I wear glasses with the AirFit F30?
Yes, the under-the-nose design of the F30 makes it very compatible with glasses, as it doesn't obstruct the bridge of your nose where glasses typically rest.
My final verdict: Is the AirFit F30 worth it?
With a score of 77.5/100, this mask delivers impressive comfort and visibility improvements over traditional full face masks, though it has some issues with seal integrity at higher pressures.
Overall the ResMed AirFit F30 full face mask earns a solid recommendation for some users, but there are better versions available, specifically the AirFit F40. If you meet the following conditions, you'll probably like this style of CPAP mask:
- Breath through your mouth but dislike traditional full face designs
- Experience discomfort or pressure sores on the bridge of the nose
- Primarily sleep on your back or side
- Use CPAP at low to medium pressures (below 15 cmH₂O)
Try your next CPAP mask with our 30-day mask fit guarantee!
Reach out to our CPAP Guides within 30 days of purchase if your mask isn't working for you. We'll not only refund your mask, but also help you find a new mask if you don't already have your eye on one.
Need help? Contact us!
- Call: 1-800-356-5221
- Email: support@cpap.com
- Chat: Connectwith a CPAP Guide through our website or app
