The mask is where CPAP therapy either works or it doesn’t. Your machine can be perfectly calibrated, your pressure precisely set, and your data clean, but if the mask leaks, causes pain, or keeps you awake, none of that matters. Most early therapy drop-off traces back to a mask problem, not a machine problem.
ResMed makes some of the most widely prescribed CPAP masks in the world. Their AirFit and AirTouch lines cover every major mask style, and they’re compatible with both the AirSense 10 and AirSense 11, as well as most other CPAP devices. This guide explains each mask type, how to choose the right one, and what to know about fit, compatibility, and ongoing CPAP mask care.
The Four ResMed Mask Types
ResMed masks fall into four categories based on how they seal and what they cover. Each suits a different combination of sleeping style, breathing pattern, and pressure setting.
| Mask Type | Best For | Not Ideal For | Popular Models |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nasal pillow | Active sleepers, facial hair, low-pressure prescriptions | Mouth breathers (without chin strap), high pressure | AirFit P10, AirFit P30i |
| Nasal mask | Most sleepers, mid-range pressure, nose breathers | Severe nasal congestion, mouth breathers | AirFit N20, AirFit N30 |
| Full-face mask | Mouth breathers, high pressure, nasal congestion | Claustrophobia, active sleepers who shift a lot | AirFit F20, AirFit F30 |
| Hybrid mask | Users who want nasal pillow seal with mouth coverage | Those new to CPAP (adjustment curve) | AirFit F30i |
Nasal Pillow Masks: Minimal Contact, Maximum Freedom
How They Work
Nasal pillow masks use two small silicone inserts that seal directly at the nostrils. They’re the least intrusive option on the market. There’s no frame sitting across the bridge of your nose, and your field of vision stays completely clear.
Who They Suit Best
Active sleepers who shift positions frequently do well with nasal pillows because there’s less mask to catch and pull. They’re also the easiest option for people with facial hair, since the seal point is small and specific rather than relying on a broad silicone cushion across the cheek.
However, nasal pillows don’t work well at high therapy pressures. Above roughly 12 cm Hâ‚‚O, the direct airflow into the nostrils can become uncomfortable. If your prescription is above that range, your clinician will likely steer you toward a nasal or full-face mask instead.
Popular ResMed Models
- AirFit P10: Extremely lightweight, minimal headgear, popular among CPAP veterans who want as little mask as possible. Available in a ‘for Her’ version with a lighter fit.
- AirFit P30i: Top-of-head tube connection, which makes side-sleeping easier and reduces hose pulling during the night.
Nasal Masks: The Most Commonly Prescribed Option
How They Work
Nasal masks cover the nose from the bridge down to just above the upper lip. They use a cushion that seals against the skin and provide a stable, consistent seal across most face shapes.
Who They Suit Best
Nasal masks are the starting point for most new CPAP users because they balance comfort, effectiveness, and ease of adjustment. They work across a wide pressure range and are less likely to cause claustrophobia than a full-face mask.
The main limitation is straightforward: if you breathe through your mouth while sleeping, the pressurized air escapes and therapy effectiveness drops. A chin strap can help, but confirmed mouth breathers generally do better with a full-face mask.
Popular ResMed Models
- AirFit N20: One of the most prescribed nasal masks in Canada. The InfinitySeal cushion adapts to different face contours, which reduces the fitting precision required.
- AirFit N30: Cradle-style cushion that rests under the nose rather than against it, reducing contact points and pressure marks.
- AirFit N30i: Top-of-head tube entry combined with the N30 cushion design, for those who want nasal mask coverage without the standard front-facing connection.
Full-Face Masks: For Mouth Breathers and Higher Pressures
How They Work
Full-face masks seal from the bridge of the nose down below the lower lip, covering both the nose and mouth. They’re larger than the other options and require more headgear contact points, but they solve the mouth-breathing problem completely.
Who They Suit Best
If you wake up with a dry mouth or sore throat after CPAP therapy, you’re almost certainly exhaling through your mouth overnight. A full-face mask is the reliable fix. They also perform better at higher pressures than nasal or pillow options.
The tradeoff is size and complexity. Full-face masks have more surface area that can leak, more straps to adjust, and a larger footprint on your face that some users find uncomfortable. That said, the AirFit F20 and F30 have both significantly improved on older full-face designs.
Popular ResMed Models
- AirFit F20: The most widely used full-face mask in the ResMed line. The InfinitySeal cushion tolerates a wider range of face shapes without requiring as precise a fit.
- AirFit F30: Minimal-contact full-face design that seals under the nose rather than across the bridge. Smaller and less obtrusive than the F20, popular with users who found traditional full-face masks claustrophobic.
- AirFit F30i: Combines the under-nose seal with a top-of-head tube, giving active sleepers more freedom to move.
AirTouch Masks: Memory Foam Cushions
The AirTouch line uses memory foam cushions instead of silicone. Memory foam conforms to your face shape over time, which can improve the seal for users who struggle with silicone options, particularly those with irregular contours or skin sensitivity.
- AirTouch N20 and F20: Drop-in replacements for the silicone AirFit N20 and F20 frames. If you already own an AirFit frame, you can switch to a memory foam cushion without replacing the whole mask. The same frame works with both cushion materials.
ResMed Mask Compatibility: What Works With What
All current ResMed AirFit and AirTouch masks are compatible with the AirSense 10 and AirSense 11 machines. They also work with the AirCurve bilevel devices. If you’re using a non-ResMed machine, check the connector type. ResMed uses a standard 22mm tubing connection that is compatible with most CPAP devices on the market, though some third-party adapters may be required. When in doubt, confirm with your respiratory clinic before purchasing. Avant Respiratory’s team can verify compatibility with your specific device.
Getting a Proper Mask Fit
Mask sizing matters more than most new users realize. ResMed offers multiple sizes for most of their masks, small, standard, and large for the frame, and separate sizing for cushions in some models. The right size depends on the distance between the bridge of your nose and your upper lip, and the width of your nostrils if you’re using pillow masks.
A mask that’s too large leaks at the sides. One that’s too small creates pressure marks and discomfort. Neither problem is fixed by tightening the headgear. In fact, over-tightening accelerates cushion wear and can actually increase leaking by distorting the seal.
The only reliable way to find the right fit is a professional fitting with a respiratory therapist. Avant Respiratory’s clinicians carry the full ResMed mask range and can size you properly before your first night of therapy, which removes a significant amount of early frustration.
When to Replace Your ResMed Mask Components
| Component | Replacement Schedule |
|---|---|
| Mask cushion / pillows | Every 1 to 3 months |
| Mask frame | Every 6 months |
| Headgear | Every 6 months |
| Elbow / clips | Every 6 months |
Cushions are the component that needs the most attention. Skin oils, cleaning agents, and regular compression all degrade the silicone over time. A cushion that’s lost its elasticity feels fine at first but leaks progressively more as the night goes on. If you’re waking up with marks on your face or hearing air noise near the seal, a new cushion often solves the problem immediately.
Most extended health plans in Canada cover mask components on a set schedule. Avant Respiratory can confirm what your plan covers and help you order replacements before your current parts fail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are ResMed masks compatible with other CPAP machines?
Most ResMed masks use a standard 22mm connection and work with non-ResMed machines. Confirm tubing compatibility with your specific device before purchasing.
How do I know which ResMed mask size I need?
ResMed includes a sizing guide with most masks, but a professional fitting is more reliable. Face shape, nasal bridge width, and the distance from nose to upper lip all affect the correct size.
What’s the difference between AirFit and AirTouch?
AirFit uses silicone cushions. AirTouch uses memory foam. The frames are often interchangeable, so you can try both cushion types without buying a new mask.
My mask keeps leaking. What should I check first?
Start with cushion condition. If it’s more than two months old, replace it. Also check that you’re not over-tightening the headgear, since this distorts the seal. If the leak persists after a new cushion, the mask size may be wrong.
Can I use my old ResMed mask with the new AirSense 11?
Yes. All current AirFit and AirTouch masks are compatible with both the AirSense 10 and 11.