11-06-2018, 10:03 AM
ResMed AirFit N30i
I just received the N30i yesterday (having a family member with sleep apnea in Canada made this possible), so only able to use 1 night so far. These are my first thoughts, and are subject to revision.
Like most people, I was hoping that the N30i would be quieter than the Dreamwear nasal cushion. It might be slightly quieter, but there is still definitely noise with inspiration. So, that is disappointing.
The frame of the N30i is bigger than the Dreamwear frame. The N30i has built in wraps around the frame. This is in contrast to the Dreamwear, which has removable felt wraps. The headgear of the N30i is similar to the Dreamwear headgear, although seems to be a bit thicker. The frame comes in small or medium. I wear a small Dreamwear frame and got a small N30i frame, and the dimensions are similar, although the N30i frame is bulkier.
The nasal cushions that come with the N30i are labeled as small, small wide, and medium. The small wide cushion is approximately the same size as a small Dreamwear cushion and is very similar in appearance. The small cushion and the medium cushion are shaped like a V and wrap more around the nose. I usually wear a small Dreamwear cushion, but preferred the medium N30i cushion.
The N30i cushions are made of silicone and plastic; the silicone sits against the nose; the front portion (which faces away from the wearer), holds the silicone cushion, and is made of clear plastic. The vents are in the plastic portion. The N30i seems to vent more air compared to the Dreamwear cushion. This may be an issue depending on sleeping position and bed partner. The Dreamwear cushion basically has one jet that comes out the middle, but the N30i vents more diffusely, although still quite strongly.
I sleep on my back, so the venting did not cause any issues. If I slept on my side, it might be an issue.
The hose attachment for the N30i is at the top of the frame. This is identical to the Dreamwear. There is a quick release mechanism for the N30i which works well. I think the Dreamwear attachment swivels more freely, so it seems easier to move the hose around, but this is only a minor difference.
Overall, I like the cushion of the N30i better than the Dreamwear as I think it is easier to maintain a seal. I think the noise levels are the same with both, size is similar, headgear is similar.
So, I don't see a major advantage to the N30i, with the exception of the size/shape of the nasal cushions, which might seal better for some people than the Dreamwear cushions. I know the Dreamwear replacement cushions are relatively inexpensive, widely available, and they last a long time. I have no idea about costs for replacing the N30i cushions, and don't know how durable they will be.
I'll keep using the N30i and will update if I have any additional observations.
Like most people, I was hoping that the N30i would be quieter than the Dreamwear nasal cushion. It might be slightly quieter, but there is still definitely noise with inspiration. So, that is disappointing.
The frame of the N30i is bigger than the Dreamwear frame. The N30i has built in wraps around the frame. This is in contrast to the Dreamwear, which has removable felt wraps. The headgear of the N30i is similar to the Dreamwear headgear, although seems to be a bit thicker. The frame comes in small or medium. I wear a small Dreamwear frame and got a small N30i frame, and the dimensions are similar, although the N30i frame is bulkier.
The nasal cushions that come with the N30i are labeled as small, small wide, and medium. The small wide cushion is approximately the same size as a small Dreamwear cushion and is very similar in appearance. The small cushion and the medium cushion are shaped like a V and wrap more around the nose. I usually wear a small Dreamwear cushion, but preferred the medium N30i cushion.
The N30i cushions are made of silicone and plastic; the silicone sits against the nose; the front portion (which faces away from the wearer), holds the silicone cushion, and is made of clear plastic. The vents are in the plastic portion. The N30i seems to vent more air compared to the Dreamwear cushion. This may be an issue depending on sleeping position and bed partner. The Dreamwear cushion basically has one jet that comes out the middle, but the N30i vents more diffusely, although still quite strongly.
I sleep on my back, so the venting did not cause any issues. If I slept on my side, it might be an issue.
The hose attachment for the N30i is at the top of the frame. This is identical to the Dreamwear. There is a quick release mechanism for the N30i which works well. I think the Dreamwear attachment swivels more freely, so it seems easier to move the hose around, but this is only a minor difference.
Overall, I like the cushion of the N30i better than the Dreamwear as I think it is easier to maintain a seal. I think the noise levels are the same with both, size is similar, headgear is similar.
So, I don't see a major advantage to the N30i, with the exception of the size/shape of the nasal cushions, which might seal better for some people than the Dreamwear cushions. I know the Dreamwear replacement cushions are relatively inexpensive, widely available, and they last a long time. I have no idea about costs for replacing the N30i cushions, and don't know how durable they will be.
I'll keep using the N30i and will update if I have any additional observations.
