If there is one full-face CPAP mask that comes up more than any other in Canada, it is the ResMed AirFit F20. It has been a top seller for years, recommended by sleep clinics and CPAP retailers alike, and it consistently ranks as the most widely used full-face mask in the country. But popularity does not always mean it is the right choice for every user. This review covers exactly what makes the AirFit F20 work so well, who it suits, and where it has limitations so you can decide confidently before you buy.
What Is the ResMed AirFit F20?
The ResMed AirFit F20 is a full-face CPAP mask that covers both the nose and mouth, creating a seal across the nose bridge, cheeks, and under the lower lip. It is designed for mouth breathers, people with nasal congestion, and patients prescribed higher CPAP pressure settings where a nasal-only mask is less effective.
The mask uses ResMed's InfinitySeal cushion, a flexible silicone cushion designed to adapt across different face shapes and pressure settings without requiring a precise fit. The frame is modular, meaning the cushion, headgear, and frame can each be replaced independently without buying a whole new system. Magnetic headgear clips make fitting and removal fast, and a quick-release elbow lets you disconnect from the tubing without removing the mask entirely.
Key Features of the AirFit F20
The InfinitySeal cushion is the defining feature of the F20. Rather than a rigid silicone seal that must sit perfectly against your face, the InfinitySeal flexes and adjusts as you move, which helps maintain the seal when you shift sleeping positions. For side sleepers who struggle with full-face masks displacing during the night, this adaptability makes a real difference.
The QuietAir elbow, included on all current F20 masks, diffuses exhaled air through a mesh vent rather than directing it in a single stream. This significantly reduces the noise of exhalation and the uncomfortable sensation of airflow on a bed partner's face. It is a small detail that matters a great deal for nightly comfort.
The modular design is one of the most practical aspects of the F20 for long-term users. When your cushion wears out every one to three months, you replace just the cushion rather than the entire mask. Headgear and frame parts are similarly available separately, which keeps the ongoing cost of using this mask lower than buying complete replacement systems.
ResMed AirFit F20 vs AirTouch F20: What Is the Difference?
The ResMed AirTouch F20 is a variant of the F20 that replaces the silicone InfinitySeal cushion with a UltraSoft memory foam cushion. The foam adapts to the contours of your face with gentle pressure rather than relying on silicone contact. For users who experience skin irritation from silicone cushions, or who find silicone leaves marks even at comfortable strap tension, the AirTouch F20 is worth considering.
The trade-off with memory foam is replacement frequency. The UltraSoft cushion should be replaced every month to six weeks, which is faster than the standard silicone cushion. It also cannot be washed in water, only wiped with alcohol-free wipes. If that maintenance requirement suits your routine, the foam cushion comfort is genuinely superior for many users.
Both versions share the same frame, headgear, and QuietAir elbow. The cushion is interchangeable, so you can start with one type and switch to the other without replacing the full mask.
ResMed AirFit F20 for Her
The ResMed AirFit F20 for Her is a version of the F20 sized specifically for smaller faces. It comes in small and extra-small cushion sizes and uses softer, plush headgear designed for a more comfortable fit across narrower facial dimensions. The design is otherwise identical to the standard F20, with the same InfinitySeal cushion technology and QuietAir elbow.
Women and users with smaller faces who find the standard F20 frames too wide or too heavy often find the for Her version seals more reliably without requiring over-tightening. The cushions are interchangeable with the standard F20 frame if you want to mix and match sizes.
Who Is the AirFit F20 Best For?
The AirFit F20 suits mouth breathers most directly, since it is the only mask type that delivers therapy regardless of whether you breathe through your nose or your mouth during sleep. It also works well for patients on higher pressure settings, where the larger contact area of a full-face mask maintains a more stable seal than nasal options.
Back sleepers generally find the F20 easier to use than side sleepers, though the InfinitySeal cushion's flexibility makes it more forgiving for side sleeping than many competing full-face designs. If you are a consistent side sleeper, the ResMed AirFit F30i with its top-of-head hose routing may be a better fit, but for most back and combination sleepers the F20 performs well.
New CPAP users who do not yet know their breathing habits during sleep often start with a full-face mask to avoid therapy gaps from accidental mouth breathing. The F20's guided fit and magnetic clip system make it one of the more beginner-friendly full-face options available.
AirFit F20 Quick Specs
| Feature | Detail |
| Mask type | Full face (nose and mouth) |
| Cushion technology | InfinitySeal silicone (F20) or UltraSoft memory foam (AirTouch F20) |
| Sizes available | Small, medium, large (for Her: extra small and small) |
| Headgear | Magnetic clip system |
| Hose connection | Front-exit QuietAir elbow |
| Cushion replacement | Every 1 to 3 months (silicone) or every 1 to 2 months (foam) |
| Compatible machines | ResMed AirSense 10, AirSense 11, and most standard CPAP machines |
Replacement Parts and Ongoing Costs
One of the advantages of the F20's modular design is that you rarely need to replace the complete mask. The cushion wears out fastest and should be replaced on schedule to maintain the seal. The headgear stretches over time and typically needs replacing every six months. The frame itself lasts considerably longer and only needs replacement if it cracks or warps.
Keeping replacement cushions on hand means you are never caught with a leaking mask waiting on delivery. Browse the full range of CPAP mask parts at PAPSmart including F20 cushions, headgear, and elbows for all three F20 variants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the ResMed AirFit F20 good for side sleepers?
The InfinitySeal cushion is more forgiving than many full-face designs when you shift positions, but the front-exit hose creates more leverage against the pillow than top-of-head designs. Side sleepers who struggle with full-face masks may find the AirFit F30i a better option, but many F20 users sleep comfortably on their side with a CPAP pillow.
What is the difference between the AirFit F20 and the AirTouch F20?
The cushion material. The AirFit F20 uses a silicone InfinitySeal cushion that lasts one to three months and can be washed. The AirTouch F20 uses a memory foam UltraSoft cushion that needs replacement every month to six weeks and can only be wiped, not washed. Both share the same frame and headgear.
What size AirFit F20 do I need?
Most users find medium fits best. ResMed includes a sizing guide with the mask, and most retailers include a fit gauge to help you measure. If you have a smaller face, try the small cushion or consider the F20 for Her range.
How often do I need to replace the AirFit F20 cushion?
Every one to three months for the silicone cushion. Signs it needs replacing include increased leaks, visible discolouration or stiffening of the silicone, or the need to tighten headgear beyond its original setting.
Is the AirFit F20 compatible with the ResMed AirSense 11?
Yes. The AirFit F20 connects via standard 22mm tubing and is fully compatible with the AirSense 10, AirSense 11, and most other standard CPAP machines.
