Two new facemasks are just now available to the United States this quarter: the ResMed AirFit N20 nasal mask and the F20 full-face mask for positive airway pressure (PAP) treatment of sleep apnea.

According to ResMed, these masks are now designed to fit nearly everyone. Testing showed that the N20 fit 99 percent of patients tested, and the F20 fit 97 perfect – regardless of facial structure, gender or age. The website says that the mask is a culmination of 3 years of research and development.

The new masks boast 3 new improvements to make it the company’s most technologically advanced mask:

• New technology in the cushion part of the mask
• Magnetic straps to make getting the mask on and off easier for the full-face mask
• Headgear and mask designed specifically for women

What’s new with the ResMed Airfit masks?

Arguably the most important part of the machine is the mask, in both comfort and sealing ability. If neither is perfect, then the rest of the equipment doesn’t matter. With the N20 and F20, both masks feature brand new technology: a sealing mask called the InfinitySeal. It’s an adaptive, silicon cushion that features specially-designed “infinity” loops and varying thickness levels designed to reduce blowout and provide support at the sides of the nose.

The frame is also soft and flexible with integrated padding. ResMed says this will help to keep the seal as the wearer moves and changes position during sleep. The cushion also is adaptable to the facial contours of each patient, increasing comfort, improving fit and reducing leakage.

How are they easier to put on and take off?

A new feature for the full-face masks is the nasal masks popular magnetic clips. They make the headgear easier to get off and on as well as make it easier to adjust the straps for the wearer. It also helps in simplifying the cleaning process. Those wearers with dexterity and strength issues will find this is the best option for them. A quick-release elbow makes even connecting and disconnecting the tubing easier, without having to remove the mask.

Can women find masks that will actually fit their faces?

Women’s heads are definitely not the same as men’s. So ResMed added a mask designed just for women with a smaller size range. They even made them more attractive with lavender accents on the headgear.

How do I size my mask?

While sizing can be a challenge, ResMed has broken it down for you in 4 easy steps:

Step one: You can print your ResMed sizing guide here. Remember to print to scale, as you’ll have to trim your guide from the paper.

Step two: While in front of a mirror, hold your sizing guide to your face. The top of the guide should correspond with the top of your nasal bridge.

Step three: The lower part of the guide indicates which mask size is best for your face. The size that aligns with the crease below your lower lip will be your best fit.

Step four: If you’re between sizes, we recommend selecting the larger option for greater comfort.

For a more in depth review of these masks from someone who wears one, check out Peter Stanza’s review here.

Choosing the best CPAP mask for you can be daunting at first. Different brands and different kinds of masks make the choosing confusing. Look at this article for help on what will be the best choice for you. Following through properly with your therapy will be of great benefit to you in the long run in terms of your mental and physical health.

At the Alaska Sleep Clinic we realize that it’s often the mask that will make or break a person’s success with CPAP therapy, so we have a very liberal exchange policy to help you find the best.  We carry a wide, multi-brand variety of masks to choose from, so if you don’t like the one you purchased, bring it back within 30 days and we’ll exchange it with another mask of your choosing.  Our goal is to not only find the mask that you can live with, but one that will give you a better life.

If you live in Alaska and struggle with getting a good night’s sleep or feel that you may have sleep apnea, request a free 10-minute phone consolation with our sleep experts and schedule a sleep study.