ResMed AirFit N20
A traditional over-the-nose nasal mask with a silicone InfinitySeal cushion, a compact frame that sits under the eyes, and magnetic headgear clips. It is one of the most commonly fitted nasal masks in the US and comes in a For Her version with smaller sizing and lighter headgear colors.
The AirFit N20 has magnets in the frame and lower headgear clips (field strength up to 400 mT per ResMed). Under ResMed's updated labeling announced December 20, 2023, and the FDA notice of January 18, 2024 (a Class I recall that is a correction, not a product removal), the mask is contraindicated if you, or anyone in close physical contact with you while you use the mask, have active medical implants that interact with magnets (such as pacemakers, implantable cardioverter defibrillators, neurostimulators, cerebrospinal fluid shunts, and insulin or infusion pumps) or metallic implants or objects containing ferromagnetic material (such as aneurysm clips, embolic coils, stents, valves, electrodes, certain hearing or balance implants, ocular implants and metallic splinters in the eye). Keep the magnets at least 6 inches (150 mm) away from any implant or medical device that may be affected by magnetic interference. If this applies to you or a bed partner, stop using the mask and ask your clinician or mask provider for a mask without magnets.
Usually suits
- Nose breathers who want a stable, conventional nasal mask
- Higher prescribed pressures where pillows or cradles feel too forceful
- People who like a clear view in front of them for reading or TV before sleep
Design
- Silicone InfinitySeal cushion designed to adapt to movement and different face shapes
- Compact frame that sits under the eyes, leaving your view clear for reading or glasses
- Magnetic lower headgear clips for quick fitting and removal
- Quick-release elbow and a short flexible tube to reduce tube drag
- Plush fabric lining on the frame
- Rated for 4 to 30 cm H2O
- Not made with latex
Strengths and trade-offs
- Over-the-nose cushion tolerates higher pressures and a range of nose shapes better than most minimal masks
- Magnetic clips let you take it off and put it back on without readjusting the straps
- Silicone cushion is interchangeable with the AirTouch N20 memory foam cushion on the same frame
- Works with AirMini using a separate connection kit
- Contains magnets, so it is contraindicated for people with certain implants or a bed partner with one
- Tube connects at the front of the face, which can tangle if you move a lot
- Sits on the bridge of the nose, which can cause red marks if overtightened
- Nasal only, so mouth breathing causes leaks unless you add a chinstrap or a full face mask
Finding your size
Size by nose width. ResMed's ranges are Small 23 to 37 mm, Medium 30 to 45 mm and Large 45 to 55 mm. Measure across the widest part of your nose with a straight ruler, or print ResMed's sizing template at true scale and hold it under your nose. The ranges overlap, so if you are between sizes, try both and keep the one that seals with the least strap tension. Headgear is sold in Standard with Small and Large available separately.
How to fit it
Check the size
Use the sizing template or a ruler across the widest part of your nose and pick the cushion that matches. The cushion should cover your nostrils and sit on the bridge of your nose without pressing into the corners of your eyes.
Unclip the magnets
Detach the lower headgear clips from the frame. Leave the upper straps attached and the Velcro tabs where they are if the mask has been fitted before.
Position the mask and pull the headgear over
Hold the cushion against your nose and pull the headgear over the back of your head. The top straps should sit above your ears and the lower straps below them.
Reattach the clips
Bring each lower clip up to its magnet on the frame. The magnets guide the clip into place.
Adjust with the machine running
Turn your machine on, lie down in your usual sleeping position, and loosen or tighten the straps evenly in small steps until there is no leak into your eyes. Aim for the loosest fit that seals, since overtightening tends to cause leaks and red marks rather than stop them.
Common problems and fixes
Air leaking into the eyes
Loosen the upper straps slightly and lift the frame so the cushion is not folding at the bridge of the nose. If the leak persists at a comfortable tension, the cushion may be the wrong size; try one size smaller or larger.
Red mark or sore spot on the bridge of the nose
Loosen the straps until the seal just holds with the machine on. Persistent sores or broken skin are a reason to stop and talk with your clinician or equipment supplier about a different mask style.
Dry mouth or leak report spikes from mouth breathing
Air escaping through your mouth is not a mask fault. A chinstrap can help; if it does not, ask your clinician about a full face mask.
Mask comes off during the night
The magnetic clips can detach if you pull on the tube or press the frame into the pillow. Use a hose hanger or route the tube over the headboard to reduce pull, and check the headgear has not stretched (replace it on schedule).
Whistling or hissing noise
Make sure the cushion is fully clicked onto the frame and the elbow is seated. A noise from the vent is normal exhaled air; a new noise from the cushion edge usually means a leak or a worn cushion.
Cleaning and care
Hand wash the cushion every day in warm water with a small amount of mild liquid detergent, rinse well and air dry out of direct sunlight. Wash the frame, headgear, elbow and short tube the same way at least weekly. Do not use bleach, alcohol, scented soaps or ozone or UV cleaning devices; ResMed has not validated them for its masks.
How often to replace parts
- Mask
- 1 complete mask every 3 months (Medicare A7034, nasal interface).
- Cushion
- Up to 2 per month (Medicare A7032, nasal cushion). This is typical insurer guidance; replace sooner if the cushion tears, hardens or stops sealing.
- Headgear
- 1 every 6 months (Medicare A7035).
Supplies that can help
A soft strap that supports the jaw to help keep the mouth closed, used mainly with nasal and nasal pillow masks to reduce mouth leaks.
Soft fabric sleeves that wrap mask headgear straps to stop red lines, rubbing and hair tangles.
Pre-moistened wipes for a quick daily wipe of the mask cushion, mostly to remove skin oils between proper washes.
Plain, mild dish soap is the cleaning agent most CPAP makers and the FDA point to for masks, tubing and humidifier chambers.
A simple hook or hanger for drying CPAP tubing vertically after washing, and for keeping it off the floor.
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Frequently asked questions
Does the AirFit N20 have magnets?
Yes. The frame and lower headgear clips contain magnets. ResMed lists it as contraindicated if you or anyone in close contact while you wear it has certain active implants or ferromagnetic metal implants, and advises keeping the magnets at least 6 inches (150 mm) away from implants or devices that could be affected.
What size AirFit N20 do I need?
Measure the width of your nose: Small fits about 23 to 37 mm, Medium 30 to 45 mm and Large 45 to 55 mm. Because the ranges overlap, try the two closest sizes if you can and keep the one that seals at the loosest strap setting.
Can I put an AirTouch N20 foam cushion on my AirFit N20 frame?
Yes. ResMed designed the AirFit N20 silicone cushion and the AirTouch N20 memory foam cushion to click into the same frame, size for size. The foam cushion is wiped rather than washed and is replaced more often.
What is the AirFit N20 For Her?
It is the same mask with a smaller cushion size and lighter colored headgear, intended for smaller faces. Fit and care are the same as the standard N20.
Sources
Last reviewed October 11, 2026. How we research · Report an error