ResMed AirFit N30i vs Respironics DreamWear Nasal Mask

Nasal mask users are sure to be excited by a few new players in the market. Traditional, full-coverage nasal masks are now getting a minimalist makeover! These new masks are lightweight, sit below the nose to keep the face open, and allow for freedom of movement through the night. The most popular is the Philips Respironics DreamWear Nasal Mask, part of the DreamWear family of masks that recently hit the 10 millionth mask sale milestone. A member of ResMed's renowned AirFit family of masks, the ResMed AirFit N30i, hopes it can attain the same status. Let’s see how they stack up against each other.

Here, Jose Acosta, CRT, a respiratory therapist, does a side-by-side comparison between these two popular masks.

The ResMed AirFit N30i Nasal Mask features a top-of-the-head tube design with a connection that rotates 360°. This allows the user to sleep in any position and move freely through the night. The headgear has a one-size-fits-all design to accommodate all types of CPAP users. The SpringFit frame provides a stable, personalized fit. Air flows directly through the frame for a soft and secure seal. If you sleep on one side, air will flow on the opposite side to maintain a consistent flow throughout the night. The N30i mask is designed to slide on and off easily. The quick release elbow makes it easy to disconnect the mask from the tubing if you need to get up in the middle of the night.

Similarly, the Philips Respironics DreamWear Nasal Mask is designed with the elbow at the top of the head. This prevents the hose from being tangled and keeps it out of the way for unrestricted sleep. Users can sleep in any position—stomach, side, or back—and move freely throughout the night. The headgear comes in three sizes: small, medium, and large. In this revolutionary design, air flows directly through a soft, flexible silicone frame. Fabric wraps also provide a soft touch on the user’s cheek. The DreamWear mask is easy to put on and take off.

The ResMed AirFit N30i Nasal Mask features an innovatively designed curved cushion that cradles the nose. The cushion sits directly underneath the nose, not in it. This design eliminates pressure on the bridge of the nose, a common complaint with nasal mask wearers. The contoured design enhances both comfort and compliance. Cushions are color-coded and available in four sizes: small, small wide, medium, and wide.

The Philips Respironics DreamWear Nasal Mask is uniquely designed to offer the benefits of a pillow mask without inserting anything into the nose. This eliminates pressure points, discomfort, and irritation in the nostrils or on the bridge of the nose. Cushions come in four sizes: small, medium, medium-wide, and large. What makes the DreamWear family of masks unique is their universal design that allows the user to quickly and easily switch cushion types without changing masks. Thus, you can change from the cushion to gel pillows which will give a slightly different feel but the same comfortable results.

The N30i Mask Frame is low-profile and is equipped with SpringFit technology, designed to adjust to different facial profiles to provide a broad range of fit. Additionally, this frame is soft and stable, with a hollow design that allows airflow to flow efficiently through it. 

The DreamWear Nasal Frame is slip-resistant and built of soft silicone for air to flow effectively through the nasal cushion. The frame promotes a stable seal that will remain intact all night. You can even add additional comfort by placing soft wraps around the frame (sold separately).

The ResMed AirFit N30i Nasal Mask is open around the eyes and includes a top-of-the-head swivel tube that offers freedom of movement and an open line of sight. Users can easily wear glasses to read or watch TV while falling asleep. The cushion cradling the nose, rather than covering it, enhances comfort and promotes stability. It is ideal for users who may have claustrophobia.

The Philips Respironics DreamWear Nasal Mask minimizes facial coverage. The mask offers a clear line of sight to read or watch TV. Again, it is ideal for users who may have claustrophobia. With this style of mask, CPAP patients can sleep in any desired position and have a reduced amount of skin irritation and soreness. 

There are two ResMed AirFit N30i Nasal Mask starter pack options. First, pick either a standard medium or small frame. Each starter pack comes with small, small-wide, and medium cushions and a fitting guide. To switch between cushion sizes, simply pull and align the arrows for the next cushion you want to try on.

The Philips Respironics DreamWear Nasal Mask start pack comes with a medium mask frame, fabric wraps, headgear, and all four cushion sizes (small, medium, medium-wide, and large). This allows a new user to test and decide which size is most suitable for therapy.

Both the ResMed AirFit N30i Nasal Mask and the Philips Respironics DreamWear Nasal Mask are compatible with any CPAP and BiPAP machine. No special adapters are required.

We asked Jose Acosta, CRT, an on-site respiratory therapist at The CPAP Shop for his thoughts on the ResMed AirFit N30i Nasal Mask versus the Philips Respironics DreamWear Nasal Mask.

Both masks have a similar design; they connect on top of the frame and distribute pressure down the sides. The DreamWear has three frame sizes (S, M, L) while N30i only has two (S, M). However, the N30i’s SpringFit frame allows for extra flexibility making it more universal. Both masks offer soft sleeves for comfort and to help reduce lines on the face.

When it comes to headgear, both masks are similar and are adjustable with Velcro. They each offer four different cushion sizes: N30i (S, SW, W, and M) and DreamWear (S, M, MW, L). The DreamWear fit pack includes all the sizes so you can pick the right cushion immediately. Again, both masks are very quiet and both feature vents on the top of the frame and on the cushion.

The only major difference between the two masks is that with the DreamWear, you can start as a nasal mask, switch to the nasal pillows, and even switch to a full face if necessary which only requires a few add-ons.

The CPAP Shop offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on both the AirFit N30i and DreamWear Nasal masks. Order yours today and test it out risk-free! As always, if you have any questions, our knowledgeable staff is only a phone call away. Call us at 866-414-9700 today!