By Ashley – Certified Polysomnographic Technologist
At first glance, the DreamWear Nasal mask by Philips and the AirFit N30i by ResMed look very similar. However, the two masks have some key differences. In this article, we’ll compare these CPAP masks and help you decide which one will meet your needs best.
Philips Respironics DreamWear Nasal & ResMed AirFit N30i Similarities
Both masks offer the benefits of a great CPAP nasal mask. Both are lightweight thanks to innovative design, lightweight material, and hollow frames that carry the air.
The top-of-head CPAP connection with a 360-degree swivel and quick-release elbow ensures easy movement, both during sleep and if you must get up at night. The top-of-head design with a swivel allows for sleeping in virtually any position. And the quick-release elbow makes it easy to get up and go back to bed without having to remove the mask if you need to use the restroom, for example.
Unobstructed vision is another great benefit of both the Philips Respironics DreamWear Nasal and the ResMed N30i. Having nothing in your line of vision is especially helpful for and welcomed by new CPAP users or those who feel claustrophobic when using more intrusive types of masks, such as full-face masks.
And, of course, it is the hollow frame of the mask that makes the open-face design possible. It removes the need for placing the hose directly near the nose.
The nasal cradle that sits under the nose is made of soft silicone that clings gently yet snugly against the nostrils without invading them the way nasal pillows do. So, both masks offer the least invasive CPAP mask design you are looking for in a nasal mask.
The multiple cushion and frame sizes make finding a perfect fit easier than ever. To size your mask properly, you may want to refer to our mask sizing guide. You can access and print out the gauge templates by visiting the DreamWear Nasal and the N30i product pages on our website, selecting the Size Gauge tab and downloading the gauge PDFs.
Both masks feature an unobtrusive, under-the-nose design that is perfect for patients with facial hair.
Philips Respironics DreamWear Nasal & ResMed AirFit N30i Differences
Now, let’s talk about what sets these masks apart. The chart below will give you a quick but thorough bird’s eye view of the key differences between the masks.
| Philips Respironics DreamWear Nasal | ResMed N30i | |
| Weight | 74g | 82g |
| Frame Sizes | S, M, L | Standard, Small |
| Cushion Sizes | S, M, MW, L | S, M, SW, W |
| Headgear | Eyeglass-style arms + band | Single-piece velcro band |
| Frame-to-Skin Comfort | Separate fabric wraps | Integrated soft sleeves |
| Frame Fit Flexibility | Soft silicone frame | SpringFit (accordion-style) |
| Cushion | Soft silicone | Curved design with a thinner, softer center |
As you can tell, some of the differences are subtle, so let’s discuss them in more detail.
The weight is very similar, yet the Philips Respironics DreamWear mask is 10% lighter. That is not a significant difference, and both masks are about mid-tier when it comes to nasal mask weight which ranges roughly from 44 g to 145 g in the industry.
As for mask sizing, you may have noticed that the DreamWear mask has three size options for the frame and four for the nasal cushion, for a total of 12 sizing options. It also includes two different FitPack options for ease of ordering.
The N30i offers only two frame sizes while making four cushion sizes available, for a total of 8 sizing options. So, if you’ve found mask sizing a bit tricky in the past, the Dreamwear mask offers you more wiggle room.
The upgraded headgear with arms in the DreamWear Nasal mask is slip resistant and helps hold the mask more steadily in place than the previous, one-piece band design. The one-piece headband on the N30i is similar to DreamWear’s previous design.
For enhanced comfort using the Philips Respironics DreamWear mask, the soft silicone frame gently grazes your cheeks, providing optimal comfort. So does the frame on the N30i, except it offers an additional benefit of the accordion-style, self-adjusting SpringFit design at the top portion of the frame. It enables a quick fit and stays comfortably in place all night, even when the user moves in their sleep.
With the DreamWear mask, you may choose to attach the included fabric wraps to the frame for an additional bit of TLC for your face. The AirFit N30i features integrated sleeves made from soft fabric which provide a softer, more comfortable touch. You don’t have an option of removing them and can’t move them around the way you could with separate wraps. But, these integrated sleeves are always snug and in place.
The N30i has a subtle additional benefit of a cushion design that smoothly transitions from thicker side walls for added stability to a thinner soft center, giving comfort where it’s needed most.
How to Use these Nasal CPAP Masks
- Remove all packaging and inspect each mask component for visible deterioration.
- Use the fitting template to assist in selecting the right size cushion and frame or select the fit pack to get all the different sizing for the Dreamwear mask.
- Pull the frame and headgear over your head until the elbow is positioned on top and the headgear is behind your head.
- Place the cushion under your nose.
- Tighten or loosen the headgear until the cushion fits comfortably under your nose.
- For the N30i, squeeze the side buttons on the elbow and detach them from the frame. Connect the air tubing from your device to the elbow, then reattach it to the frame.
- For the Dreamwear Nasal Mask, attach the hose directly to the elbow on the top of the head.
Maintenance Tips
After each use: Cushion
Wash with a mild detergent and water or distilled vinegar and water. You can also use CPAP mask wipes if on the go.
Weekly: Headgear, frame, and elbow
- Soak the components in warm water with a mild liquid detergent. Ensure that there are no air bubbles while soaking.
- Handwash the components with a soft bristle brush. Pay particular attention to the vent holes.
- Thoroughly rinse the components under running water.
- For the frame sleeves on the DreamWear mask, squeeze with a clean towel to remove excess water.
- For the N30i, shake the QuietAir vent to remove any excess water. Leave the components to air dry out of direct sunlight. If the mask components are not visibly clean, repeat the cleaning steps.
Philips Respironics DreamWear Nasal CPAP Mask FAQ
Does this mask come with a short tube?
No. The mask comes with an elbow but no short tube. Since your CPAP circuit connects overhead, the tubing does not apply downward drag on the mask, so a short tube extension is not needed.
What is the size of the frame included in the FitPack?
The FitPack includes a medium-sized frame. The medium frame fits most people. Small and large frames are available for purchase separately.
What is the difference between the DreamWear with Arms and the original DreamWear Nasal Mask without Arms?
The Headgear with Arms is a refreshed and upgraded design to prevent unintentional mask movement during sleep. The mask uses the same nasal cushions and frame as the original DreamWear nasal mask. If you already own a DreamWear nasal mask, you can just purchase the Headgear with Arms separately to upgrade your DreamWear system.
ResMed N30i Nasal CPAP Mask FAQ
Is the N30i good for side sleepers?
Our customers are loving the N30i thanks to the improved cushion stability and note that it is great for side sleepers.
What is the difference between N30 and N30i?
The ResMed AirFit N30i has a cushion similar to the AirFit N30. The big difference from the AirFit N30 is that the hose connects at the top. The frame and the straps are a little bigger, as well. The N30i can be used with all CPAP machines except for the ResMed AirMini.
How do I know if the ResMed N30i mask will fit me?
The N30i mask has been designed to accommodate a variety of head and facial structures and sizes. For that reason, ResMed has released two different mask packs: Small and Standard. Both come with small, medium, and small-wide cushions to ensure you receive the correct fit.
Please note that if the sizing gauge on our website recommends the “Wide” size, this cushion is sold separately and does not come with either of the packs.
The difference between the two mask packs is the size of the headgear, with the standard-size headgear being a little bigger than the small one.
When you buy from RespShop, you can try the mask for 30 Days. Please check out our 30-day Mask Assurance Program.
If you are still having a difficult time deciding which mask to choose, feel free to call us toll-free at 1 (866) 936-3754 and speak to one of our highly trained sleep professionals who will gladly help you and answer any of your questions.
And wherever you are, sleep tight!
