Comparison

Comparison of AirFit P30i vs. DreamWear Pillows: Which Full Face Mask is Best for You?

Posted on by CPAP Store
27
Sep

When it comes to selecting a nasal pillow CPAP mask, two popular choices stand out: the ResMed AirFit P30i Pillows and the Philips Respironics DreamWear Nasal Pillow Masks. Both masks are designed to provide a comfortable and efficient experience for users who require CPAP therapy. However, the AirFit P30i is often considered the better option for various reasons. Below is a detailed comparison between these two nasal pillow masks, focusing on key features like design, comfort, performance, noise levels, and overall user experience.

1. Design and Structure

AirFit P30i Pillows Mask

  • Top-of-the-head tube design: The AirFit P30i has a unique design that places the CPAP tubing at the top of the head. This feature is ideal for users who move frequently during sleep, as it allows for greater freedom of movement without becoming entangled in the hose.
  • Minimalist frame: The P30i is designed with a hollow frame that allows air to flow through both sides, ensuring consistent air pressure delivery even if you sleep on one side. This open frame design enhances the mask’s durability and performance.
  • Interchangeable cushions: The mask is part of the P30i/N30i series, meaning it has interchangeable nasal pillows and nasal cushions. This flexibility makes it suitable for different user preferences.

DreamWear Nasal Pillow Mask

  • Under-the-nose pillows: The DreamWear Nasal Pillow Mask features a design where the nasal pillows sit just under the nostrils. This design is less intrusive and is ideal for users who prefer a less obtrusive seal.
  • Top-of-the-head connection: Similar to the P30i, the DreamWear Nasal Pillow Mask also connects the tubing at the top of the head, which allows for better freedom of movement during the night. However, it lacks the hollow-frame design that is unique to the AirFit P30i.

Assessment: The AirFit P30i provides better airflow distribution and flexibility due to its hollow-frame design, offering more freedom of movement and durability.

2. Comfort

AirFit P30i Pillows Mask

  • Soft nasal pillows: The P30i’s nasal pillows are designed for maximum comfort, sealing gently at the nostrils without creating excessive pressure. The frame’s soft, silicone material enhances comfort, making it feel barely noticeable while sleeping.
  • Minimal contact: With the top-of-the-head tubing and minimal face contact, the AirFit P30i ensures a light and comfortable experience that reduces the sensation of being encumbered by the mask.

DreamWear Nasal Pillow Mask

  • Gentle nasal pillows: The DreamWear Nasal Pillow Mask’s under-the-nose design avoids direct contact with the nostrils, which can be a comfort preference for some users. However, some users report slight discomfort if the nasal pillows are not positioned perfectly.
  • Soft silicone frame: The DreamWear Nasal Pillow Mask also features a soft silicone frame, but some users find that the mask may slip during the night if not properly adjusted.

Assessment: The AirFit P30i nasal pillows offer a more secure fit and superior comfort for those who prefer a snug seal with minimal contact on the face.

3. Performance and Stability

AirFit P30i Pillows Mask

  • Sealed nasal pillows: The AirFit P30i features snugly fitting nasal pillows that provide a highly secure seal. This reduces the likelihood of air leaks, even when shifting positions during the night.
  • Hollow frame for consistent airflow: The hollow frame design ensures that if one side of the mask is obstructed (such as when you lie on it), air continues to flow through the other side. This consistent airflow improves overall CPAP therapy efficiency.

DreamWear Nasal Pillow Mask

  • Nasal pillow fit: The DreamWear Nasal Pillow Mask’s under-the-nose pillows are designed for comfort but may not offer as secure a fit as the P30i. This can result in minor air leaks, especially for active sleepers.
  • Less rigid support: The DreamWear Nasal Pillow Mask provides good stability, but it may shift during the night if the headgear is not properly adjusted, leading to possible air leaks.

Assessment: The AirFit P30i offers greater stability and more consistent performance, making it better suited for those who tend to move frequently during sleep.

4. Noise Levels

AirFit P30i Pillows Mask

  • QuietAir vent technology: The P30i is equipped with ResMed’s QuietAir vent technology, which significantly reduces noise during exhalation. This makes the mask extremely quiet, contributing to a more peaceful sleeping environment for both the user and their bed partner.

DreamWear Nasal Pillow Mask

  • Quiet performance: The DreamWear Nasal Pillow Mask is relatively quiet, though it does not feature an advanced noise-reduction technology like QuietAir. Users have reported occasional increases in noise levels when there are air leaks.

Assessment: The AirFit P30i provides a quieter experience, thanks to its advanced QuietAir technology, making it a better choice for a noise-free sleep environment.

5. Ease of Use and Maintenance

AirFit P30i Pillows Mask

  • Easy assembly and cleaning: The AirFit P30i is user-friendly and easy to disassemble for cleaning. Its fewer parts make it simple to maintain.
  • Flexible sizing options: The P30i comes with multiple size options for nasal pillows, allowing users to easily find the perfect fit for their facial structure.

DreamWear Nasal Pillow Mask

  • Simple design: The DreamWear Nasal Pillow Mask is also easy to assemble and clean. Its design is straightforward, making it a convenient option for most users.
  • Sizing options: The DreamWear Nasal Pillow Mask offers different nasal pillow sizes, though some users find it more challenging to get a perfect fit compared to the AirFit P30i.

Assessment: Both masks are comparable in terms of ease of use and maintenance, offering straightforward assembly and cleaning processes.

6. Final Verdict: Why the AirFit P30i is the Superior Choice

While both the AirFit P30i and DreamWear Nasal Pillow Mask offer top-tier features, the ResMed AirFit P30i stands out as the superior option for most users. Its hollow-frame design, quiet performance, stability, and comfort provide a better overall experience, especially for active sleepers who require consistent airflow and a secure fit. The nasal pillows in the P30i offer a more reliable seal, and the QuietAir technology ensures a more peaceful environment.

The DreamWear Nasal Pillow Mask is still a solid option for users who prefer under-the-nose pillows and want a mask that avoids direct contact with the nostrils. However, for those seeking better performance and comfort, the AirFit P30i is the more favorable choice.

By understanding the differences between these two masks, you can make an informed decision and choose the CPAP mask that best meets your needs for comfort, performance, and overall experience.