The ResMed AirTouch F30i Clear Full Face CPAP Mask is the newest model in the F30i series for CPAP and BiPAP therapy. Its two most visible innovations are a transparent polycarbonate frame and a top-of-head tubing connection, designed for active sleepers.

It is engineered to support comfortable nightly therapy using a dual-channel airflow system and a ComfiSoft™ cushion, which maintains stable pressure between 4 and 30 cm H₂O.

This article will review what’s new, how it fits with the F30i/X30i platform, and what studies say about comfort and adherence.

What’s New in the AirTouch F30i Clear Mask 

The ResMed AirTouch F30i Full Face CPAP Mask is the newest version of the F30i platform. It features a transparent polycarbonate frame, replacing the older fabric-wrapped Comfort version. According to ResMed, this clear design simplifies cleaning, improves durability, and enhances visibility, all without changing the mask’s core therapy performance. You can see the new design specifications on ResMed’s official AirTouch F30i Clear product page.

The clear frame offers a practical benefit: you can easily inspect the connections and cushion interface for any wear, dust, or buildup. This is a significant maintenance improvement. Unlike the previous Comfort frame, this new polycarbonate material resists moisture absorption and simplifies daily hygiene routines. 

When it is time for a replacement, components like the AirTouch F30i Clear Replacement Frame are available at Sleeplay, allowing you to replace just the clear frame if needed. This focus on visibility aligns with patient feedback, which, as noted in the official ResMed patient brochure, reports better comfort and less visual obstruction during nightly use.

While the frame material is new, the AirTouch F30i Clear keeps the same core design elements that users rely on. This includes the popular top-of-head tube connection and the magnetic headgear interface, just like the AirFit F30i Full Face Mask. This consistency ensures a seamless transition for anyone upgrading from an older F30i setup, as no changes to fit or routine are required. The mask also remains compatible with the same AirFit F30i & AirFit X30i Headgear, which makes finding replacement parts and managing your setup easier.

Key updates:

• Transparent polycarbonate frame replacing the fabric Comfort version

• Easier daily cleaning and visual inspection

• Same top-of-head tubing design for unrestricted movement

• Magnetic headgear connection compatible with F30i and X30i masks

• Available replacement parts: F30i Clear Frame and F30i Cushion

Design and Structure: How It Works During Therapy

The ResMed AirTouch F30i Full Face CPAP Mask uses a transparent, optical-grade polycarbonate frame. This frame houses internal dual air channels that are engineered to distribute airflow symmetrically to both sides of the cushion. This design ensures smooth, laminar airflow and provides balanced pressure delivery during therapy, helping minimize turbulence and potential leaks.

The mask’s materials are chosen for specific medical and functional purposes. The AirTouch F30i Clear Mask’s frame is made from polycarbonate, selected for its dimensional stability, impact resistance, and low weight. The elbow and swivel components use thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) and polypropylene for flexibility and smooth rotation. The AirTouch F30i Cushion features a dual-layer system: a ComfiSoft™ outer textile and an AdaptiSeal™ silicone core, which keeps it flexible under variable pressure. This combination of medical-grade materials is free of latex, PVC, phthalates, and BPA, and aligns with ISO 10993 biocompatibility standards.

The dual internal air channels inside the frame are key to the mask’s performance. They maintain a consistent flow of pressurized air from the CPAP hose directly to the cushion, balancing the pressure across both sides. The mask is verified to operate within a pressure range of 4 to 30 cm H₂O. Its flow resistance is very low, measuring less than 1.0 cm H₂O at 50 L/min, and its acoustic performance is rated at approximately 20 dBA at the vent outlet. These engineering parameters help reduce pressure fluctuations and unintentional leaks as you sleep, improving therapy reliability. This is supported by the integrated QuietAir™ vent array, which disperses exhaled air smoothly to lower sound and drafts.

Functionally, the mask’s top-of-head tubing connection and 360° rotating swivel allow for unrestricted movement during sleep. This placement keeps the hose out of your field of vision and reduces drag on the cushion seal, a common source of leaks. The swivel connection meets the ISO 5356-1 standard (22 mm hose fitting), ensuring universal compatibility with most CPAP and BiPAP systems.

Structural Components & Functions

Compatibility with AirFit F30i and AirFit X30i Systems

The AirTouch F30i Clear shares its frame and headgear with the AirFit F30i Full Face Mask and the AirFit X30i Oral-Nasal Full Face Mask, but it uses its own validated cushion system.

Mechanically, the frame geometry, magnetic headgear clips, and elbow/swivel assembly of the AirTouch F30i Clear are identical to the AirFit F30i and AirFit X30i systems. This means you can freely interchange the frame and headgear between these models, as long as they are all from the magnetic variant family. You can use the same Headgear for AirFit F30i and X30i or swap in an AirTouch F30i Clear Replacement Frame. All models also share the top-of-head tube connector and QuietAir™ elbow design, ensuring the same hose alignment and freedom of movement.

Here is the important distinction: clinical validation. Although the cushions might physically connect across the F30i and X30i frames, ResMed has not clinically validated this cross-use. As detailed in the ResMed AirTouch F30i Clear Professional Overview, each cushion’s internal venting, airflow channel, and CO₂ washout design are different, which may alter pressure performance. For this reason, you should only use the AirTouch F30i Cushion with the F30i frame.

For patients upgrading from an existing magnetic version of the AirFit F30i, the transition is simple. You can reuse your existing AirFit F30i Standard Frame System and headgear and just purchase the new cushion. However, non-magnetic variants of the AirFit F30i are not validated for interchange with AirTouch F30i Clear components, so you would need to replace the full system. 

In terms of wider system compatibility, the F30i Clear mask works with most CPAP machines. It can connect to the ResMed AirMini Travel CPAP when using an adapter like the Snugell AirMini Hose Connector or the ZephAir CPAP Tubing Connector. It is also compatible with heated tubing options like the ClimateLineAir 10 Heated Tube and ClimateLineAir 11 Heated Tube for better humidity control.

Compatibility Table: Simplified Overview

Quick Note: This focus on validated systems is critical, as studies show mask choice impacts therapy. According to research published in Chest, “Oronasal masks are associated with higher residual AHI and lower adherence compared to nasal masks.” (Andrade RG S et al., Chest 2018).

Comfort and Performance: What the Studies Show

Clinical evidence shows that mask comfort and fit directly influence CPAP adherence. This link is a critical factor in the success of long-term positive airway pressure therapy, as highlighted in the official 2019 AASM PAP Guideline.

The AASM guideline also notes that a well-fitted mask improves adherence by reducing therapy interruptions. This is supported by further research. A 2020 clinical review on the side effects of CPAP found that skin irritation and nasal dryness are two of the leading causes of therapy intolerance. Addressing these symptoms is key. For instance, a foundational study on humidification demonstrated that adding a heated humidifier significantly reduces nasal symptoms and congestion for CPAP users.

The AirTouch F30i Clear’s design directly addresses these common research-backed complaints. Its under-the-nose configuration avoids pressure on the sensitive nasal bridge, which helps prevent the red marks and irritation many users report. The ComfiSoft™ fabric layer provides a breathable, soft surface that minimizes friction and heat buildup, tackling the irritation and dryness issues identified in the clinical reviews. This works with the AdaptiSeal™ silicone core, which maintains a stable sealing pressure even as your facial muscles shift during sleep. These elements work together to sustain adherence by keeping the mask comfortable, which is a key goal for all masks in our Full Face Masks Collection.

When comparing mask types, some studies have noted differences. A 2018 study in Chest found that oronasal (full-face) masks are sometimes associated with higher therapeutic pressures and slightly lower adherence than nasal interfaces. However, newer under-nose full-face designs like the AirTouch F30i Clear help address these traditional drawbacks by distributing airflow more evenly and reducing the upward pressure and leak points that can make older full-face models uncomfortable.

Comfort and Performance Summary

Safety Notes and Magnet Guidelines

The AirTouch F30i Clear uses magnetic headgear clips that must be kept at least 150 mm (6 inches) away from implanted medical devices.

These magnets are part of the Headgear for AirFit F30i and X30i attachment system, which allows for fast and secure connection without needing to use mechanical buckles. This magnetic system is shared across both the AirFit F30i and AirTouch F30i models and improves usability during your daily setup. While convenient, this system must always be handled according to ResMed’s 2024 magnet clip guidelines and contraindication notices.

Here are the official safety requirements:

• Minimum safe distance: Keep the mask magnets at least 150 mm (6 inches) away from any active medical implant.

• Maximum magnetic field strength: The clips have a field strength of less than 400 millitesla (mT) measured at the surface.

Contraindicated for patients with:

1. Pacemakers

2. Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs)

3. Neurostimulators

4. Metallic cranial plates or hemostatic clips (especially for an aneurysm)

These requirements are in place to prevent potential device interference from the magnetic field.

The AirTouch F30i Clear complies with FDA 21 CFR 868.5905 as a Class II medical device for continuous positive airway pressure masks and meets ISO 10993 biocompatibility standards. ResMed updated all product labeling in 2024 to include these specific magnet safety instructions. Users should review the accompanying manual or the AirTouch F30i Clear Patient Brochure before use.

Magnet Safety Overview

Maintenance and Replacement Schedule

Regular cleaning and timely replacement of CPAP components prevent leaks, skin irritation, and performance loss during nightly therapy.

Cleaning frequency directly affects your mask’s longevity and seal quality. For daily cleaning, you should wipe the cushion and frame surfaces using Snugell CPAP Cleaning Tablets or any gentle options from the CPAP Wipes Collection. For a weekly deep cleaning, use a mild CPAP Soap and a Purdoux CPAP Hose 2-in-1 Premium Cleaning Brush to remove any buildup from the tubing and connectors. When drying, always hang your hoses properly using a CPAP hanger like the Sungell Hose Hanger to prevent moisture retention. To protect your skin and extend the cushion’s lifespan, you can also use products from the Mask Liners Collection to reduce friction.

CPAP parts naturally degrade over time from skin oils, mechanical stress, and cleaning cycles. The replacement intervals in the table below are manufacturer-based guidelines to ensure optimal therapy performance and hygiene. Your specific needs may vary based on usage and environment.

Replacement Table

Clean equipment ensures you receive consistent pressure delivery and prevents bacterial buildup or skin irritation. Routine maintenance also extends the life of your AirTouch F30i Clear system and, most importantly, sustains the quality of your therapy.

FAQs

1. Can I use AirFit F30i or X30i cushions with the AirTouch F30i Clear? 

The cushions from the AirFit F30i and AirFit X30i can physically connect to the AirTouch F30i Clear frame, but ResMed has not clinically validated these combinations. For consistent pressure and proper venting, use the AirTouch F30i Cushion, designed specifically for this model. 

2. How do I know which cushion and frame size fit the AirTouch F30i Clear? 

Each frame size pairs with specific cushion sizes to maintain the correct seal and airflow. You can confirm your combination using the AirTouch F30i Sizing Guide. Frames are available in Small, Standard, and Large, and cushions come in Small-Wide, Medium, and Large. 

3. Is the AirTouch F30i Clear safe to use if I have a pacemaker or metal implant? 

The mask uses magnetic headgear clips and should be kept at least 150 mm (6 inches) away from active medical implants such as pacemakers, ICDs, or neurostimulators. These magnets generate a field below 400 mT and meet ResMed’s 2024 safety standards. Always follow the ResMed Magnet Clip Guidelines for detailed contraindications. 

4. How often should I clean the AirTouch F30i Clear mask? 

Wipe the cushion and frame daily using Snugell CPAP Cleaning Tablets or products from the CPAP Wipes Collection. Once a week, wash all parts with a mild CPAP Soap and use a Purdoux Hose Brush Set for deeper cleaning. Let all components air-dry completely before reassembly. 

5. How long does the AirTouch F30i Clear cushion last? 

The cushion should be replaced about every 30 days of regular use. The ComfiSoft™ outer fabric and silicone core gradually wear down from skin oils and daily cleaning. Replacing it monthly helps maintain a secure seal and comfortable fit. Find the correct part here: AirTouch F30i Replacement Cushion. 

6. Is the AirTouch F30i Clear mask noisy during use? 

No. It includes a QuietAir™ vent array that disperses exhaled air at around 20 dBA—quieter than typical conversation. The micro-diffuser pattern softens airflow and reduces drafts, making it more comfortable for both the wearer and bed partner. 

7. Is the AirTouch F30i Clear compatible with all CPAP and BiPAP machines? 

Yes. The mask uses the ISO 5356-1 22 mm connection standard, which fits most CPAP and BiPAP hoses. It is fully compatible with ResMed AirSense 10, AirSense 11, and AirCurve 11 devices, as well as other systems using a standard hose interface. 

8. Where can I buy replacement parts for the AirTouch F30i Clear? 

All replacement parts are available on Sleeplay, including the AirTouch F30i Clear Frame, the Headgear for AirFit F30i and X30i, and the AirTouch F30i Cushion. Buying genuine parts ensures consistent performance and fit. 

9. Why are there two AirTouch F30i versions called Clear and Comfort? 

ResMed released two variants to suit different user preferences. The Clear version offers a transparent, easy-to-clean frame, while the Comfort version uses a fabric wrap for a softer feel. Both maintain identical airflow design, magnetic clips, and compatibility with F30i and X30i headgear systems. 

10. Can I use the AirTouch F30i Clear with the ResMed AirMini Travel CPAP? 

The AirTouch F30i Clear is not directly compatible with the AirMini Travel CPAP, but you can connect it using a compatible adapter such as the Snugell AirMini Hose Connector or the ZephAir CPAP Tubing Connector. These connectors allow you to attach standard CPAP masks and tubing to the AirMini device safely and maintain proper airflow during therapy. 

References

1. AirTouch F30i Clear | ResMed. (2025, November 5). Resmed. https://www.resmed.com/en-us/health-professionals/campaigns/airtouch-f30i-clear/#component_5 

2. AirTouch F30i Clear Full Face CPAP Mask | ResMed. (2025, November 5). Resmed. https://www.resmed.com/en-us/health-professionals/products/cpap/masks/airtouch-f30i-clear 

3. Andrade, R. G., Viana, F. M., Nascimento, J. A., Drager, L. F., Moffa, A., Brunoni, A. R., Genta, P. R., & Lorenzi-Filho, G. (2017). Nasal vs Oronasal CPAP for OSA Treatment. CHEST Journal, 153(3), 665–674. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chest.2017.10.044 

4. Clederhouse. (2019, February 18). AASM publishes clinical practice guideline on use of PAP therapy for sleep apnea. American Academy of Sleep Medicine – Association for Sleep Clinicians and Researchers. https://aasm.org/clinical-guideline-pap-therapy 

5. Ebben, M. R., Narizhnaya, M., Segal, A. Z., Barone, D., Krieger, A. C., Ebben, M. R., Narizhnaya, M., Segal, A. Z., Barone, D., & Krieger, A. C. (2014). A randomised controlled trial on the effect of mask choice on residual respiratory events with continuous positive airway pressure treatment. Sleep Medicine, 15(6), 619–624. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sleep.2014.01.011 

6. Ghadiri, M., & Grunstein, R. R. (2020). Clinical side effects of continuous positive airway pressure in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea. Respirology, 25(6), 593–602. https://doi.org/10.1111/resp.13808 

7. Kapur, V. K., Auckley, D. H., Chowdhuri, S., Kuhlmann, D. C., Mehra, R., Ramar, K., & Harrod, C. G. (2017). Clinical Practice guideline for diagnostic testing for adult Obstructive sleep apnea: An American Academy of Sleep Medicine Clinical Practice Guideline. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, 13(03), 479–504. https://doi.org/10.5664/jcsm.6506 

8. Lebret, M., Martinot, J., Arnol, N., Zerillo, D., Tamisier, R., Pepin, J., & Borel, J. (2016). Factors contributing to unintentional leak during CPAP treatment. CHEST Journal, 151(3), 707–719. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chest.2016.11.049 

9. Massie, C. A., Hart, R. W., Peralez, K., & Richards, G. N. (1999). Effects of humidification on nasal symptoms and compliance in sleep apnea patients using continuous positive airway pressure. CHEST Journal, 116(2), 403–408. https://doi.org/10.1378/chest.116.2.403 

10. Updated Information on Masks with Magnets for Mask Users – CPAP – Magnet Guidelines | Resmed. (2025, February 28). Resmed. https://www.resmed.com/en-us/cpap-mask-magnet-clip-guidelines/