ResMed AirFit F40 vs AirFit F30 & F30i
ResMed's AirFit F40 promised a softer cushion and a smaller frame than the F30 and F30i bestsellers. Two years on, is it the upgrade to make — or do the originals still hold their ground? Here's the honest comparison.
What changed in the AirFit F40, how it compares to the F30 and F30i, who each mask suits, and what you'll pay.
The AirFit F40 at a Glance
ResMed launched the AirFit F40 on 6 March 2024, rolling it out gradually across world markets. It builds on the AirFit F30 and F30i — two of the most widely used full face masks in CPAP therapy — with a redesigned cushion and a noticeably smaller frame.
The mask is sold through authorised ResMed retailers, medical equipment suppliers and online CPAP stores including CPAPeuropa.com. Prices vary by country, but generally fall between €150 and €220.
Five Standout Features
What ResMed changed, and why it matters night to night:
Ultra-Soft Cushion
A softer silicone seal with a reworked shape, aimed at reducing the pressure marks some users reported on earlier models.
Compact Frame
Less bulk across the face, which opens up the field of vision compared with the F30.
QuietAir Venting
The same diffuse vent technology used across the range, dispersing exhaled air gently and quietly.
Four-Part Assembly
Frame, cushion, headgear and elbow. Fewer components means less to disassemble at cleaning time.
Quick-Release Clips
Headgear clips that let you take the mask off without readjusting the fit each morning.
Proven Platform
Built on the AirFit line, which has been refined across several generations of full face masks.
Key Differences Explained
Four areas separate the F40 from its predecessors. Two are genuine improvements; one is a step backwards depending on how you look at it.
Cushion Design
- F40: Redesigned cushion with a softer silicone seal and slightly altered shape, aimed at reducing leaks and pressure points.
- F30 / F30i: Effective seal, but some users report pressure points or discomfort over longer nights.
Frame & Headgear
- F40: Smaller, more compact frame than the F30 — less bulk on the face, broader field of vision. Headgear stays familiar.
- F30 / F30i: Slightly larger frame; the F30i routes the tube over the top of the head.
QuietAir Elbow
- All three models use the same vent technology, so noise levels are comparable across the range.
- Exhaled air is dispersed rather than directed, which matters if your partner sleeps beside you.
Headgear Clips
- F40: Returns to traditional plastic clips.
- F30i: Uses magnetic clips, which many users find faster to attach — particularly with reduced hand dexterity.
Worth knowing: the return to plastic clips on the F40 is the one change that divides opinion. If magnetic clips were the reason you chose the F30i, the F40 is a downgrade on that specific point.
Who Is the AirFit F40 For?
The F40 is aimed at full face mask users who've struggled with discomfort or pressure marks, and at anyone who wants a smaller mask without giving up the full face seal. It suits:
- Mouth breathers: the full face design covers nose and mouth, so therapy continues even when you breathe through your mouth.
- Active sleepers: the lighter frame and stable seal hold position through the night, limiting leaks when you change sides.
- People with facial hair: the cushion adapts reasonably well to facial contours, including beards and moustaches.
- Anyone who dislikes bulk: if a mask across the bridge of the nose has bothered you, the smaller frame is the main draw.
Construction and Daily Use
- Four main parts — frame, cushion, headgear and elbow — making assembly and cleaning straightforward.
- Quick-release clips on the headgear for adjustment and removal without losing your fit.
- QuietAir elbow with a diffuse venting system that keeps noise down for both you and your bed partner.
Why the AirFit F30 Is Still the Right Choice for Many
The F40 is newer, but newer isn't automatically better for every face. Here's where the F30 holds its ground:
- Comfort: it remains one of the most comfortable full face masks available, even with the F40 on the market.
- Open field of vision: the under-the-nose design leaves the view unobstructed — valued by readers and anyone who wears glasses in bed.
- Seal: effective for most users. Some still experience leaks, but that's common to every CPAP mask, the F40 included.
- Noise level: the same QuietAir elbow keeps it among the quietest masks in the range.
- Availability: stocked widely across Europe, with replacement cushions and headgear easy to source.
What Users Report About the F40
- Comfort: the redesigned cushion is generally described as softer and less prone to creating pressure points than the F30.
- Lightweight feel: the smaller frame is frequently mentioned as an improvement, with a more open field of vision.
- Quietness: the QuietAir elbow draws consistent praise.
- Ease of use: the reduced part count and quick-release clips make daily handling simple.
- Leaks: feedback here is genuinely mixed. Some users get a near-perfect seal; others don't. Fit remains highly individual and no mask is universally reliable on this point.
Price, Warranty and Compatibility
The price of the AirFit F40 varies by retailer and country, typically landing between €150 and €220. Two things worth checking before you buy:
- Insurance coverage: private health insurance may cover part or all of the cost of a CPAP mask. Check the terms with your provider.
- Price comparison: compare several retailers before ordering. Bundle pricing on mask-and-machine sets is often better value than buying separately.
Warranty
- Duration: warranty length varies by country and retailer. For ResMed masks it generally falls in the range of 1–2 years.
- What's covered: manufacturing defects and material failures. Normal wear on the cushion and headgear is not covered, nor is damage from improper use.
- How to claim: contact the retailer you bought from. They'll advise on repair or replacement.
Device Compatibility
The AirFit F40 works with most CPAP and BiPAP machines on the market, including older models, via the standard 22 mm tubing connection. If you're pairing it with a travel machine such as the AirMini, check whether a specific connector is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I upgrade from the F30 to the F40?
What's the difference between the F30 and the F30i?
Will a full face mask work if I only breathe through my nose?
How often should I replace the cushion and headgear?
Can I wear glasses with these masks?
Does a full face mask leak more than a nasal mask?
The Verdict
The AirFit F40 delivers real improvements in comfort and profile, addressing the pressure-point complaints that some F30 users reported. The softer cushion, smaller frame and focus on reducing facial marks make it a sound choice if those were your specific frustrations.
For everyone else, the F30 and F30i remain excellent masks and share most of what makes the F40 good — the same QuietAir venting, the same under-the-nose design, the same open field of vision. If your current mask seals well and you sleep through the night, there's no need to change.
Please note: mask fit is highly individual, and what works well for one person may not suit another. This guide is for information only and is not medical advice. If you're changing masks or struggling with leaks, discomfort or therapy tolerance, speak to your sleep specialist or equipment provider.
