DreamWear vs ResMed AirFit N30i Nasal Mask: Compared

Introduction

The Philips DreamWear Under the Nose and the ResMed AirFit N30i are the two leading under-the-nose nasal masks with top-of-the-head tubing, and they represent the same idea executed by the two biggest names in sleep therapy. Both seal beneath the nose rather than over the bridge, both keep the hose off your face, and both are sold as fit packs with multiple cushion sizes included.

Where they differ is in the frame. The DreamWear is built around a hollow silicone frame that carries the airflow through the frame itself, while the AirFit N30i uses a conventional SpringFit frame with a swivel tube connection at the crown. This comparison is based on the specifications published on the product pages at CPAP Machines Canada. Any questions about which mask suits your therapy are best discussed with your healthcare provider or sleep specialist.

Quick Comparison Overview

The table below summarizes key published details for both masks.

Neither mask is compatible with the ResMed AirMini travel CPAP. Both are listed with current pricing on their product pages; at the time of writing the DreamWear is the lower-priced of the two.

Frame Design: The Real Difference

The DreamWear's defining feature is that the frame is hollow and the air travels through it. There is no separate tube running down the side of your head — the soft silicone frame itself is the air pathway, with fabric wraps giving a soft touch against the cheek. Philips designed it so that it feels like you are not wearing a mask, and the company reports that users rated DreamWear more stable, more comfortable, and more appealing than their prescribed mask.

The AirFit N30i takes a more conventional approach: a SpringFit frame designed to flex and adapt to the shape of your face, with the tube connecting at the top of the head on a swivel so you can turn freely through the night. ResMed's published data reports that 86% of users found it sealed really well and 90% found it very easy to fit and adjust.

Sizing, Headgear, and Flexibility

The DreamWear offers more configuration options. Two headgear styles are available — Standard and "With Arms" — and the Fit Pack includes four cushion sizes (Small, Medium, Large, and Medium-Wide) with a Medium frame, while the Kit includes two cushion sizes with both Small and Medium frames. Its most distinctive advantage is that the DreamWear platform uses one frame with three interchangeable cushion styles: nasal, pillow, and full face. If you later decide you want to switch cushion style, you may be able to keep the frame and headgear you already own.

The AirFit N30i keeps things simpler: two frame sizes (Standard and Small) and a starter pack with three cushions — Small, Small-Wide, and Medium. The Small-Wide option is particularly useful if the base of your nose is wider than standard sizing accommodates. As with all masks in this family, the frame is sized to your head while the cushion is sized to your nose, and the two are chosen independently.

If you are also weighing a pillow-style mask on the same frame concept, our AirFit N30i vs AirFit P30i comparison covers the cradle-versus-pillows decision in detail.

What's in the Box

Both masks are covered by our 30-day Risk-Free Mask Guarantee, so an eligible mask can be exchanged if the fit does not work out. Both should be cleaned daily and replaced roughly every 6 months, and replacement cushions for each are available in our CPAP mask parts collection.

Which Users May Prefer Each Mask

These masks solve the same problem in two different ways, and both have strong published user feedback. The decision usually comes down to frame feel, sizing range, and whether you value the interchangeable-cushion platform.

The DreamWear Under the Nose may suit users who:

• Want the softest possible frame feel — flexible silicone with fabric wraps
• Prefer airflow through the frame rather than a separate tube down the head
• Want the widest cushion size range, including a Medium-Wide option
• May later want to switch between nasal, pillow, or full face cushions on one frame
• Want a choice of headgear styles (Standard or With Arms)
• Are looking for the lower-priced of the two

The AirFit N30i may suit users who:

• Prefer ResMed's SpringFit frame and are already in the ResMed ecosystem
• Want a swivel tube connection at the crown for turning freely at night
• Need the Small-Wide cushion option for a wider nostril base
• Want three cushion sizes in the box to trial at home
• Value the published fit data — 86% seal satisfaction, 90% ease of fitting

Frequently Asked Questions