Looking for a full face mask that’s great for active sleepers but also reduces CPAP claustrophobia? ResMed's AirFit F30i full face CPAP mask may just be the right fit for you.
This innovative mask features a compact under-the-nose cushion and top-of-the-head hose connection, so you can sleep comfortably in almost any position without worrying about your mask slipping out of place or being pulled by your CPAP hose.
My in-depth AirFit F30i review features real-world testing, including multiple sleeping positions and pressure settings. What I've found is an impressive overall score of 91.4/100, making it one of our highest-rated masks yet.
From my testing notes:
"The F30i offers a surprising level of comfort, a wide range of size options, an excellent side sleeping experience, and effortless position changes for active sleepers. If your pressure is under ~15 cmH2O and you breathe out of your mouth, I think the F30i is a fantastic choice that is absolutely worth your consideration."
Table of contents
Resmed's AirFit F30i at a glance
The AirFit F30i has a lot to offer, starting with the low-profile shape that eases feelings of claustrophobia.
Combining the under-the-nose cushion with the top-facing hose connection makes it easy to find a comfortable sleeping position, even if you toss and turn or sleep on your belly.
Compared to older masks that feature bulky designs and front-facing hose connections that limit mobility, the AirFit F30i truly stands out as one of our best full face CPAP masks.
Score: 91.4/100 | Seal Quality: 9.88/10 | Comfort: 9.5/10 | Value: 7/10
Top-of-head hose connection—Eliminates bulk making it easier to adjust from one sleeping position to another.
360-degree swivel elbow—Reduces hose tangling and pulling, even for active sleepers.
Under-the-nose cushion—Creates an open line of sight and removes pressure points across the bridge of the nose.
Accordion-style frame—Provides better flexibility with movement and adapts to the contours of your head.
Self-guided magnetic headgear clips—Make it easy to put the mask on and take it off without losing your mask fit.
QuietAir vent technology—Keeps noise levels at just 25 decibels, similar to a whisper or rustling leaves.
From my testing notes:
"With the F30i's top-of-head hose connection, changing positions doesn't even get a second thought. It just happens so seamlessly and naturally that it's easy to forget you're connected to a CPAP machine at all."
Is the AirFit F30i right for you?
F30i is good for...
✓ Mouth and nose breathing
✓ Active sleepers
✓ Any sleeping position
✓ CPAP claustrophobia
✓ Watching TV/reading before bed
✓ Glasses
✓ Nighttime bathroom trips
✓ Any CPAP pressure
You should keep looking...
✗ Thick mustache
✗ Very light sleeper
✗ Poor shoulder range of motion
✗ Poor elbow range of motion
✗ Struggle with finger dexterity
✗ Medical implant
✗ Extra small faces
✗ Stomach sleeping at 15+ cmH2O
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The F30i works for every sleeping position
My team tested the AirFit F30i in every sleeping position and at multiple pressure settings. Overall, I'm happy to say it performs well across the board—no matter your sleeping preferences or pressure setting.
The F30i is great for:
- Back sleeping
- Side sleeping
- Stomach sleeping below 15 cm H2O
- Active sleeping
Keep in mind that full face masks are usually suggested for people who require higher CPAP pressures.
| Position | 5 cm H2O | 10 cm H2O | 15 cm H2O | 20 cm H2O |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Back | 10/10 | 10/10 | 9.5/10 | 9/10 |
| Side | 10/10 | 10/10 | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Stomach | 10/10 | 10/10 | 10/10 | 10/10 |
From my testing notes:
"Side sleeping with the F30i is very easy and comfortable, though at higher pressures you will start to notice air flowing through the hollow frame more and more. It isn't necessarily loud, just something to get used to."
The AirFit F30i may not work for all light sleepers
The AirFit F30i features QuietAir vent technology that muffles noise to:
- 25 decibels from 1 meter away
- 18 decibels from over 1 meter away
Resmed's QuietAir technology involves strategically placed air vents—one along the front of the mask and another at the top of the elbow—which gently release exhaled air back into the room. However, if you tend to rest with your face turned towards your partner, they may notice a small stream of air if they sleep right beside you.
Another important note—this mask features a hollow frame tube, which moves CPAP air from the top of your head, down past the ears, and toward the front of the mask. Most people are able to tolerate this design, but if you are very sensitive to sound, you may want a mask with a traditional hose placement.
| CPAP Pressure | Noise Rating | Testing Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 5 cm H2O | Great | "There was a subtle sound coming from the air filling the mask." |
| 10 cm H2O | Great | "I noticed a small bump in the noise here but it was still pretty quiet." |
| 15 cm H2O | Good | "The exhalation vents are noticeably hissing. I could hear the vented air hitting the bed. This could disturb a bed partner." |
| 20 cm H2O | Acceptable | "It was loud. I probably wouldn't recommend this mask at or abovethis pressure." |
From my testing notes:
“This mask works for most people but in terms of drawbacks, the biggest one is easily the design and placement of the exhalation vents at the front of the mask. At pressures over 12-15 cmH2O, the vents are both too low and too loud to recommend to either stomach sleepers or light sleepers.”
Pros and cons of the Resmed AirFit F30i
What you'll love...
Freedom of movement—The 360° swivel and top-of-head hose connection practically eliminates hose tangling and pulling even if you toss and turn
Excellent seal quality—Maintains a reliable seal up to 15 cmH2O in any sleeping position, even for active sleepers
Small facial footprint—Under-the-nose design reduces pressure points and red marks across the top of the nose
Saves your fit—Self-guiding magnets secure the mask without having to adjust your headgear
Wide range of sizes—Available in 4 cushion sizes and 3 frame sizes
Potential drawbacks...
Higher price point—Premium features come with a premium cost of around $159
Not ideal for facial hair—Thick mustaches may interfere with the under-the-nose seal
Not as quiet at high pressures—The front-facing vents can get a bit loud above 15-20 cm H₂O
Dexterity concerns—Some people find it difficult to reach up above their head and push the elbow into the top of the frame
Beware sensitive sleepers—The hollow frame design places air tubing near the ears which may disturb some sleepers
What are customers saying about the AirFit F30i?
Customers love the F30i’s comfort, compact cushion, and unique shape, which minimize pressure points.
The top-of-head hose connection keeps the hose out of the way, making side sleeping and active sleeping easier.
Maintains a secure seal all night, even for those who toss and turn.
Perfect for those who wear glasses or want an open line of sight to read before bed.
A comfortable solution for people who want to prevent air leaks without needing a chinstrap.
My full review of the AirFit F30i full face CPAP mask
To fully evaluate this mask for our AirFit F30i review, my team and I used a detailed 100-point scoring system that addresses 10 important categories, including seal quality, fit, comfort, maintenance, user-friendliness, and overall design.
The mask earned a total score of 82.3/100, reflecting strong performance in comfort and versatility for different sleeping positions.
If you're an active sleeper and want a full face mask with minimal facial footprint and freedom of movement, you can't go wrong with the F30i.
The AirFit F30i scored an excellent rating of 9/10 or higher in the following categories:
🧡 Seal quality
🧡 Comfort
🧡 Facial footprint
🧡 Security
🧡 Adjustability
🧡 Easy fit
🧡 Sizing options
Seal quality (9.875/10)
The F30i provides a strong, secure seal for an under-the-nose full face mask. It performed well in all sleep positions, needing only small adjustments at higher pressures.
The silicone cushion stays comfortable and secure while adapting to facial movements. The nasal seal is reliable without causing irritation under the nose.
Keep in mind that the seal quality could be affected if you have a thick mustache, but I had no issues with a short mustache and goatee. The only time I experienced minor leaks was while laying on my back at higher pressures (15-20 cm H₂O), but they were easy to fix.
Comfort (9.5/10)
This mask is very comfortable, thanks to the small facial footprint, adaptive cushion, and soft-touch headgear.
The hollow silicone frame and padded headgear hold the mask in place without rubbing or creating pressure points. And I really didn’t notice any irritation around the tip of the nose or outside of the nostrils, even when the headgear was tightened to accommodate higher pressure settings.
It was easy to get comfortable while side sleeping, though the under-the-nose design can close off one nostril in certain positions.
Stomach sleeping is also possible, but you may need to reposition the nasal seal to keep it from pushing into the nose. If you require higher-pressure CPAP therapy (15-20 cm H₂O), you may notice that the exhalation vents become louder and more noticeable.
Cost of ownership (7/10)
At $159, the F30i falls in the premium range for CPAP masks, but that price falls in line with most newer full face masks. However, it is about $60 more than the Philips DreamWear full face mask which offers a similar design.
This mask hits a 7/10 for affordability, including upfront cost and replacement parts. While there are older full face masks that offer a lower price tag, the AirFit F30i offers durability, comfort, and performance, making it a solid choice for those prioritizing sleep quality.
- Initial mask price: $159
- Replacement cushions: $59 every 1-3 months
- Replacement headgear: $36 every 6-12 months
- Total first-year cost: $372
User friendliness (8/10)
I found that the AirFit F30i offers several user-friendly features. The self-guiding magnetic headgear clips save your fit between sessions and the quick-release elbow make it easy to take nighttime bathroom trips without having to remove your mask.
Assembly and disassembly are pretty simple, with the mask cushion disconnecting from its frame with minimal effort. The headgear adjustments are straightforward and easy to reposition.
The biggest limitation is that the top-of-head hose connection requires you to reach above your head, which can be challenging if you struggle with dexterity or mobility limitations, such as arthritis or shoulder injury.
Open-face design (10/10)
For a full face mask, the F30i has an impressively compact footprint that leaves your line of vision totally open. The under-the-nose design and top of the head connection minimize bulk at the front of the face.
The only visible part in your peripheral vision is the top of the cushion, which extends just slightly past the tip of the nose.
I highly suggest this mask if you need to accomodate any of the following preferences:
- CPAP claustrophobia
- Nighttime reading
- Watching TV before bed
- Wearing glasses
Security (10/10)
The F30i's stability is outstanding, even for very active sleepers. The accordion-style frame adapts to head movements while maintaining a secure fit, and the four-point headgear anchors the mask firmly without requiring excessive tightening.
The combination of the flexible silicone frame and secure headgear means this mask stays firmly in place regardless of position changes throughout the night.
From my testing notes:
"The F30i isn't going anywhere, despite your best efforts. This mask is incredibly secure and will have no issues staying in place for even the most active sleepers."
Maintenance (8.5/10)
Despite the unique design, the AirFit F30 is made up of just 4 parts:
- Hollow silicone mask frame
- Silicone cushion
- Adjustable cloth headgear
- Quick-release elbow
Daily cleaning involves wiping down the cushion, while weekly cleaning requires disassembling all parts and washing with mild soap and warm water.
The hollow tube frame needs slightly more attention than traditional headgear. Every week it must be thoroughly washed and rinsed inside and given extra time to drip dry.
Adjustability (9.5/10)
The F30i offers excellent adjustability with four velcro fit tabs.
- 2 velcro tabs along the cheek bones
- 2 velcro tabs along the jaw
The top straps typically need to be adjusted once during initial setup, while the lower straps may need to be tightened every once in a while, especially if you use a higher pressure setting.
The mask loses half a point here because the design limits the amount of tension around the mouth. This means that back sleepers at higher pressures will need to tighten the mask more than they might with other full face masks.
Fitting (9/10)
During my AirFit F30i review process, the initial fitting was quick and easy to understand. The headgear naturally sits in the correct position and is easy to secure. The mask cushion aligns naturally with contours of the face, as long as you have the right cushion size.
If leaks occur, adjusting the lower headgear straps usually resolves the issue without compromising comfort. For those who struggle with fit, it's worth exploring the various cushion and frame size options before giving up on this mask.
Sizing (10/10)
ResMed offers an impressive range of sizing options for optimal personalization.
The one-size-fits-all headgear features a generous adjustment range to accommodate various head sizes. This versatility ensures nearly everyone can find a comfortable, effective configuration.
Our complete AirFit F30i masks come in a size standard headgear, but if you need a small or a large you can order an AirFit F30i Assembly Kit.
| Headgear | One-size-fits-all |
| Frame | Large, standard, small |
| Cushion | Wide, medium, small wide, small |
What to consider before buying the AirFit F30i
Despite its many strengths, there are a few practical limitations to consider while considering our AirFit F30i review results.
May cause air leaks at very high pressures
The F30i may leak at above 20 cmH2O, particularly if you sleep on your back.
Creates noise at high pressure settings
The front-facing exhalation vents can be noisy at higher pressures, which may be disruptive for light sleepers or bed partners.
Seal may be impacted by thick facial hair
Some people with thick mustaches find it difficult to maintain a secure seal while wearing an under-the-nose cushion.
Not safe for medical implants
If you have a medical implant, such as a pacemaker or insulin pump, it's important to keep your device at least 6 inches away from magnets at all times. Please talk to your doctor before ordering a magnetic mask.
Hollow frame tubing must be air dried each day
After each session you'll need to allow your hollow frame tubing to hang dry so that the moisture from your mask does not stay trapped from one night to the next.
How does the F30i compare to other masks?
AirFit F30i vs. DreamWear Full Face Mask
The Philips Respironics DreamWear Full Face is the closest competitor to the Resmed AirFit F30i, sharing a similar top-of-head design and under-the-nose cushion. However, the AirFit F30i offers a more flexible frame to accommodate movement.
Read our DreamWear mask review.
Choose AirFit F30i if you want:
🔶 Stronger seal
🔶 Flexible accordion-style frame
🔶 More freedom to move
🔶 Easy to disconnect elbow
🔶 Better quality
🔶 Longer lasting durability
Choose AirFit F30i if you want:
🔶 Lower price
🔶 Included fabric frame wraps
AirFit F30i vs. AirFit F40
Both masks feature ResMed's under-the-nose cushion design but the AirFit F40 has a traditional front-facing hose connection that is easier to reach for those with dexterity issues.
Learn more with our AirFit F40 review.
Choose AirFit F30i if you want:
🔶 Top-of-head hose connection
🔶 Maximum freedom to move
🔶 Best for side sleepers
🔶 Best for stomach sleepers
🔶 Best for active sleepers
Choose AirFit F40 if you want:
🔶 Front hose connection
🔶 Quieter operation
🔶 Better at very high pressures
🔶 Arthritis/dexterity friendly
AirFit F30i vs. Evora Full Face Mask
The F&P Evora Full Face mask offers a traditional hose connection, but with an under-the-nose cushion. If you’re looking for a mask that’s easier to adjust this is the one.
Choose AirFit F30i if you want:
🔶 Top-of-head hose connection
🔶 Maximum freedom to move
🔶 Best for side sleepers
🔶 Best for stomach sleepers
🔶 Best for active sleepers
Choose Evora Full Face if you want:
🔶 Front hose connection
🔶 Magnet-free design
🔶 Better at very high pressures
🔶 Arthritis/dexterity friendly
🔶 Greater adjustability
Checkout other CPAP masks in the Resmed’s 30i lineup
Like the AirFit F30i, the Resmed’s other AirFit 30i masks feature a top of the hose connection with a low-profile frame. Which one is right for you just depends on your breathing style and design preferences. So far the AirFit F30i is the only mask in the lineup that accommodates mouth breathing.
The AirFit N30i features a compact nasal cradle design and supports nose-only breathing. Interchangeable with the AirFit P30i cushion.
The AirFit P30i features a compact nasal pillow cushion for nose-only breathing. Interchangeable with the AirFit N30i cushion.
The AirTouch N30i features a nasal cradle cushion for nose breathers. Unlike the AirFIt N30i, this mask is entirely lined with soft-touch. cooling fabric, plus a first-of-its-kind cloth seal.
Frequently asked questions
Is the AirFit F30i good for side sleepers?
Yes, the F30i is excellent for side sleepers. The top-of-head hose connection prevents tubing from getting pinched between your pillow and face, while the under-the-nose cushion design allows your head to rest naturally against the pillow without pushing the mask out of place.
How do I clean the AirFit F30i?
Daily: Wipe down the cushion with a CPAP mask wipe or damp cloth.
Weekly: Disassemble the entire mask (hollow frame, cushion, cloth headgear, and elbow). Wash each part in warm water with mild soap. Make sure to thoroughly rinse the inside of the hollow frame. Allow all parts to air dry completely before reassembling.
What's included with the ResMed AirFit F30i?
Silicone hollow frame in your chosen size
F30i silicone cushion in your chosen size
One-size-fits-all cloth headgear (+2 magnetic clips)
Quick-release elbow (+ elbow dock ring)
User manual
Can I use the AirFit F30i with a beard?
The F30i may struggle to maintain a consistent seal with thick facial hair, particularly around the mouth and upper lip area. While some users with well-trimmed facial hair report success, those with full beards might experience more leaks than with traditional full face masks.
Is the AirFit F30i compatible with all CPAP machines?
Yes, the F30i is compatible with virtually all CPAP, APAP, and BiPAP machines that use standard 22mm tubing connections. No special adapters or configurations are required.
My final verdict for my Resmed AirFit F30i review
After extensive testing across multiple sleeping positions and pressure settings, my final verdict for this Resmed AirFit F30i review is that it is a fantastic mask for most mouth breathers, especially active sleepers who struggle with traditional full face mask designs.
With outstanding scores in seal quality (9.875/10), comfort (9.5/10), and an exceptional overall rating of 91.4/100, this mask solves many pain points of the CPAP experience and just might be the mask you’ve been looking for.
Need help? Contact us!
- Call: 1-800-356-5221
- Email: support@cpap.com
- Chat: Connectwith a CPAP Guide through our website or app
