ResMed P30i user review

I had one of first N30i masks a while back to review. N30i review That didn't go well at all.

The latest version of the same basic headgear is the ResMed P30i. The "P" meaning it has nasal pillows instead of nasal cushions. The same company makes the P10, no doubt one of the most popular masks available. Does this one match that? In a word YES! You can convert your N30i to the P30i simply by purchasing a replacement nasal pillow in the size you want and snapping it in.

The nasal pillows on this changes everything about how it works. There are still faults, but the ability of the pillows to adapt make those faults less to deal with. Just like with the P10, the pillows can really be tugged on and yet maintain a seal. Once you use and become comfortable with a top mount hose, nothing else is as comfortable. You just never have to wake up to move the hose, unwrap the hose, or deal with it. Just doesn't wake you. Next up, and possibly a critical change, is the venting. The P30i pillow has a different diffuser than the P10. But just as effective. Possibly even more effective! You really have to make an effort to feel exhaled breath with this design. Some have had an issue with the P10 not diffusing enough exhaled air. That should never be an issue with the P30i as it also vents near the top hose connection. Just like the Dreamwear, this gives additional venting without distracting the user. One time I heard air from the top vent hitting the pillow in over two weeks. So with the venting not waking you, the hose not waking you, I sleep with less disturbance. Much less. I don't get any pressure on my lip area like the N30i gives.

I breathe easier through this mask than any other with the possible exception of the Phillips Nuance Pro. I would say they are equal. Better overall than the P10 as it can shift with the headgear a bit. When sleeping on your side I don't really feel any change in air volume. Occasionally this could be felt with the Dreamwear.

Leaking....That was a problem I could not fix with the N30i design. The P30i should work well for about anyone. I get occasional "zero" leak nights with it. The times it isn't zero are still low leak and no doubt an occasional mouth breathing would be involved. I am convinced that really good seal of the mask makes for lower AHI readings. This mask isn't quite as perfect at sealing as the Nuance Pro. But at least equal to the Dreamwear and better than the P10. YOU WILL HAVE TO LEARN HOW TO FIT AND WORK WITH THIS FOR A GOOD SEAL! Part of that is because of the headgear. First instinct is to tighten it if you have any leaking. I have gone to the extreme end of that, as well as running it too loose for experimenting. Just like the P10, too tight does NOT promote better seal. The shape of the pillows form a good seal when the internal pressure pushes against them. Work with that instead of against it. There is a happy medium, but know that it might be on the more loose side instead of tighter when you first try this mask! Due to the headgear, the pillows stay put very well. You can literally push your nose into the pillow full face into it. Or sleep on your side. Stays put. I did get it to move a bit on a Down pillow, but still less than others. Better than the Nuance Pro that was previously my best at this. Due to the top venting, burying your head into the covers or pillow makes little difference.

Not one time have I had nostril irritation with this. I have run the P10 a lot before, but even with it I would occasionally have a bit of irritation. Minor. This fits very well and stays in place. I am thinking that keeps irritation down. BTW, sizes of the P10 pillows may be the same if you use the P30i, I use medium in both.

This mask is a pleasant surprise. I was expecting much less with just the pillow change! Right now I see this as my everyday mask going forward.

What is not good? Well, I will point out that the "springy" headgear ResMed touts is BS. One is that it is larger that the Dreamwear. You get used to it, but you can feel it more on the pillow. But the biggest thing I do not like about it is that it changes tension as your body heat raises the temp of the headgear. You have to allow a bit for that. It becomes softer and that makes the tension more loose. The entire headgear is "stickier" than the Dreamwear. So it doesn't slide across the pillow quite as easily. You get used to it. The hose attachment at the top has two tabs you squeeze to release the hose. Sounds good. But is tricky to insert when you get back into bed. Especially if trying to be quiet. If you don't squeeze the tabs and slowly release them there is a loud snap as it fits in. I prefer to just wiggle off the hose. But that doesn't work as well on this as it does the Dreamwear so I have learned how to finesse the clip on connector. The strap on the Dreamwear is better. Maybe I will see if it will fit on the P30i. Not a problem but the Dreamwear stays in place better. Because there is no venting noise at the pillow, that means NO noise from there. But don't think there is no noise. Both the Dreamwear and the N-P30i have noise from airflow coming down the headgear into the cushion/pillow. Not a problem once you get used to it, but different from other masks so be prepared for that.

This would be a good first mask choice for new users. VERY LOW profile when in place. Very comfortable. Easily the most comfortable mask I have tried. Easy to clean. Easy to put on. If you don't like fooling with a hose all night, this is one mask you must try. I am not paid in any way for this, everything bought out of my pocket. As bad a review as I gave the N30i, the P30i more than makes up for it!

What size frame did you get and how does it compare to the Dreamwear frame size? I'm between a small and medium on the Dreamwear and can wear either but generally go for the small since it means less strap tension is required.

I have the "standard" frame.There is also a small size.
The springy part at the top is supposed to fit more sizes than the Dreamwear would. But, like every other "one size fits all" there are compromises. Stretching a small to fit might make it too tight on the nostrils.

I would say that the standard P30i/N30i frame is very close in fit to the medium Dreamwear. The Dreamwear is a lot less bulky, especially at the top, but the way it fits to your face is similar.

Actually, cpap.com shows frame sizes of "Standard" or "Small". I believe the thinking is that the accordian top part of the frame can stretch enough for larger heads.

That is true. I didn't look into the frame size, where it now seems I should have! I edited my post to show that.

The problem with the stretch is that it is going to increase tension some. Not saying it isn't going to help some face sizes. But saying I don't think the added size and weight of the stretch part is worth any improvement they claim for me. I would prefer the Dreamwear in that regard. Now if they had some type of a chin strap with this, the stretch would be a really usable feature. It would keep the tension off the nose part. Maybe someone will make one that hooks in where the back headstrap goes and that would double as a chin strap for those that use them.

realshelby wrote: ↑

Wed May 08, 2019 9:48 am

Now if they had some type of a chin strap with this, the stretch would be a really usable feature.

I thought about trying to rig my own chinstrap to the frame....thought I could solve 2 problems at once -- keep Dreamwear frame from slipping up while I sleep and keep mouth closed. But the angle didn't quite work out. I wonder if any of the manufacturers have thought of that.


I prefer the P30i. I've been using this for about 2+ weeks. I have retired the Dreamwear and gel pillows for now.
For me:

• P30i frame fits me better. I had to tape the Dreamwear to both sides of my face to keep it from shifting while sleeping. No tape needed for the P30i.
• P30i doesn't slip off the back of my head (I have hair on the back of my head so the straps all slide with the hair) because it's slightly higher on the head.
• P30i is much quieter, which I expected because the F30 was so quiet too. The Dreamwear made a whistling sound. Both make more noise if the outflow air hits a blanket or something.
• Dreamwear pillows are a tiny bit larger and the gel "stopper"-looking thing might make a better seal, but no real complaints about the P30 either. (P30 might be a tiny bit lighter because no gel)

Overall, I'd have been OK sticking with the taping and the Dreamwear if it weren't for the noise & if P30i wasn't available. But overall I've been very satisfied with the P30i.

Time for a follow up! I have used this mask for many weeks now. Except for a week or so of travel where I use the P10 and an HDM Z1.

This is the only mask where I can say I am not waking up every night to fix a leak, fix the hose, or move something to fix the noise the vent makes hitting a sheet or pillow. The times I have woken to fix a vent noise or leak can be counted on one hand.

I am having zero sore nose issues. From the start this just didn't irritate me. While I do have some light strap marks and my hair is mashed down, these are minor.

I still think the softer springier headgear is not as good as the Dreamwear. But I do breathe better through this than the Dreamwear and part of that is the headgear.

My leak rates are not as perfect as the Nuance Pro was. But there are nights where it is pretty much zero leak. Worst was 8 lpm. I don't notice the leaks beyond the couple times I yanked it off my face during the night.

AHI scores are running a bit higher with this mask. I have seen over time that different masks do effect AHI scores. I had my first night with over a 2 AHI recently. I am averaging just over a 1 AHI. Which I know some would like to have regardless . I was running well under 1 with the Nuance Pro. BUT......I suspect the reason I am having a higher AHI is my sleep is much better! I am not waking up to fix the hose or leaks. Sleep has been deep at times and lately my standard 2-3 am wakeup is shorter and I go right back into deep sleep. I feel like the top mounted hose is a big part of this, added to the mask being comfortable and the venting of the pillow part just cannot seem to make noise or blow air that you feel. For the first time in the 11 months I have been using this I am not looking or thinking about a different mask. That is about as positive a review as I can make!

I've been using the P30i for a month and will be going back to the P10.
It's very comfortable and flexible, the pillows seal well when everything is set properly.
Unfortunately, since I have a slightly larger than average head, the back strap slides up the back of my head as I sleep and the pillows and frame come loose. I wake up several times at night to pull the strap back down into place.
Sadly, it is no a one-size-fits-all mask and ResMed seems to have addressed people with smaller heads but not larger ones.

I switched to the p30i about 3 weeks ago, really like it.

Wondering what kind of life other users are getting from the nasal pillows before switching them out?

I switched from a p10 and got probably around 6 months, maybe longer from a pair. Hoping the p30i pillows last as long.

Dog Slobber wrote: ↑

Thu Aug 08, 2019 1:04 pm

I switched to the p30i about 3 weeks ago, really like it.

Wondering what kind of life other users are getting from the nasal pillows before switching them out?

I switched from a p10 and got probably around 6 months, maybe longer from a pair. Hoping the p30i pillows last as long.

I am currently using a p10 and really like it.
What difference between the two makes you prefer the p30i?
Just a curious kind of guy,
JPB

jimbud wrote: ↑

Thu Aug 08, 2019 1:15 pm

Dog Slobber wrote: ↑

Thu Aug 08, 2019 1:04 pm

I switched to the p30i about 3 weeks ago, really like it.

Wondering what kind of life other users are getting from the nasal pillows before switching them out?

I switched from a p10 and got probably around 6 months, maybe longer from a pair. Hoping the p30i pillows last as long.

I am currently using a p10 and really like it.
What difference between the two makes you prefer the p30i?
Just a curious kind of guy,
JPB

Hi JPB,

What I like about the p30i:

• I really like the top-connect hose. I didn't like the hose-to-the-nose system on the p10. Occasionally, it would get tangled or it would pull the pillows away from my nose (especially as the straps started to loosen)
• I didn't like managing my straps, rotating, them and washing them as they stretched. It seemed like they would work fine and then one night they are just too loose and they'd then leak all night.
• The p30i front vent diffuses the air a lot more effectively than the p10. The diffused airstream is less noticeable.
• Less leaks
• I can sleep on my side better without the pillows getting pushed away.
• And most importantly, I can breath a lot easier with it. I had a Septoplasty / T. Reduction about a year ago that was only partially successful. With the p30i I can breathe so much easier than with the p10.

When the n30i came out, I got one. The nasal cradle was just not effective to help me breathe, so I shelved it. When I was insurance eligible for a new mask, I ordered a p30i, world of difference. The p30i and n30i frames are identical, so I have a spare.

The p30i is not quite as minimal as the p10, but pretty darn close.


Here's a leak comparison between the p10 and p30i.

Time for an update! While I had used the P30i continuously with the exception of going back to the Dreamwear nasal cushion and the P10 for a couple nights each to "test" for leaks, I have an update worth reporting.

One of my complaints about the original N30i was the headgear seemed too stretchy. Especially after wearing it for a few hours it seemed to take on body heat and get even softer. When the P30i version came out I immediately ordered the medium pillows nose piece replacement part. These are interchangeable with the N30i headgear. The P30i simply seals better, like the P10 the pillows are good at staying put even when laying on your side on a pillow. But even with the headgear tightened more than I wanted, up to the point it was actually putting too much pressure on my nostrils, I was getting more leaks than I wanted. Compared to other masks I have used. I think even small leaks effect my AHI score, and I know for sure if they wake you that screws the real world score all up! The problem seemed to be the angle the pillows were held in by the headgear.

I ordered another P30i in SMALL! I wanted to try the other sizes of pillows, just in case that would help if the small headgear did not. Getting the kit was nearly as cheap as that would have been. Well, the medium pillow size is still what works best for me. BUT....the small headgear has been a revelation! I don't have a small head. I wear medium to large in motorcycle helmets and hats. The small size headgear still sits well below my eyes when in place, actually more similar to the P10. No downside to fit with the small headgear. What using the small size has done is brought the headgear a bit more forward toward my forehead. That has changed the angle the pillows sit and made a LOT of difference in how they fit. Now I can have a relaxed fit that is quite comfy and seals with no leakage ( Resmed data screen ) and almost nothing on Sleepyhead. Even more secure when burying my head into a pillow!

Not saying you should order the small headgear. But I took a chance and tried it. Results exceeded what I hoped for.

Now I have a mask with everything good about the P10. And less of the bad. I don't know if I would go back to a front mounted hose again. Top mount hoses allow me to forget about the hose. About the only time I wake due to this mask is the occasional time the top hose vent blows on a pillow. Not often. I have on several occasions slept a full night and never had to adjust the mask, hear or feel a leak, or get a sensation the mask isn't flowing well. This is the only mask I can say that about.

Dog Slobber wrote: ↑

Thu Aug 08, 2019 2:30 pm

jimbud wrote: ↑

Thu Aug 08, 2019 1:15 pm

Dog Slobber wrote: ↑

Thu Aug 08, 2019 1:04 pm

I switched to the p30i about 3 weeks ago, really like it.

Wondering what kind of life other users are getting from the nasal pillows before switching them out?

I switched from a p10 and got probably around 6 months, maybe longer from a pair. Hoping the p30i pillows last as long.

I am currently using a p10 and really like it.
What difference between the two makes you prefer the p30i?
Just a curious kind of guy,
JPB

Hi JPB,

What I like about the p30i:

• I really like the top-connect hose. I didn't like the hose-to-the-nose system on the p10. Occasionally, it would get tangled or it would pull the pillows away from my nose (especially as the straps started to loosen)
• I didn't like managing my straps, rotating, them and washing them as they stretched. It seemed like they would work fine and then one night they are just too loose and they'd then leak all night.
• The p30i front vent diffuses the air a lot more effectively than the p10. The diffused airstream is less noticeable.
• Less leaks
• I can sleep on my side better without the pillows getting pushed away.
• And most importantly, I can breath a lot easier with it. I had a Septoplasty / T. Reduction about a year ago that was only partially successful. With the p30i I can breathe so much easier than with the p10.

When the n30i came out, I got one. The nasal cradle was just not effective to help me breathe, so I shelved it. When I was insurance eligible for a new mask, I ordered a p30i, world of difference. The p30i and n30i frames are identical, so I have a spare.

The p30i is not quite as minimal as the p10, but pretty darn close.


Here's a leak comparison between the p10 and p30i.

p10_p30i.png

I like what I am reading.
Especially the breathing part. Allergy season is starting for me, and the p10 along with congestion have been playing havoc with my flow limit graph. Sometimes I wake up and don't seem to be getting enough air. Then it settles down and I go back to sleep.
I believe you and realshelby have convinced me to try it out. Nothing to lose except a few bucks. Still have the p10's to fall back on.

I really get a kick out of your posts. Funny and serious.


Thanks for the reply,
JPB

realshelby,

I appreciate this thread, and the time and effort to put it together. (some expense too)
Maybe I have found a new go to mask. I am going to give it a try anyway.

Ordered from our sponsor cpap.com.

JPB

Please let us know how it goes after a few nights.

I am just over a year using cpap. I have bought somewhere around 13 or 14 new masks. So I have a pretty good background to judge from. And I am not selling or advertising for anyone.

I know hose hangers can really help with hose management. More important on front mounted hoses than top mounts. But I still have a hose hanger to keep tension down.

When the Dreamwear came out I simply loved the top mount hose. But I never got it to work as far as sealing. The pillows style would seal, but they are bulky and made my nose sore. The cushion style sealed well and was supremely comfortable, but would not stay in place well when on your side. That would reduce your airflow and wake me up.

The P30i is the most stable mask I have used. I can lay on my stomach and bury my head into the pillow. I don't sleep pure face down, but a bit to the side. And this mask still seals and keeps air volume up.

I can sleep all night and NEVER wake to adjust the mask, fix a leak, fix the $%^& hose. Not every night, but most. That is so much nicer than other masks......