3 Reasons CPAP Users Are Obsessed With The New F&P Solo Nasal CPAP Mask

The first CPAP product release of 2024 has finally arrived in the form of the new Fisher & Paykel Solo Nasal CPAP Mask, and CPAP users are already calling in to get their mask swapped to this innovative, revolutionary design. But why has it caused such a stir among the sleep apnea community? Having been on the market for less than a month, Aeroflow Sleep is here to tell you exactly what the buzz is all about; including sleep expert insight and product reviews from patients like you.

There are 3 primary reasons CPAP users are obsessed with the Fisher & Paykel Solo Nasal CPAP Mask: fewer CPAP mask leaks, new auto lock technology, and one size fits all headgear. Jumping right in with what our sister site’s patients have said about this product, you’ll first hear about the benefits of sleep movement with Angel’s 5-star review…

“The F&P Solo Nasal Mask is absolutely wonderful! I haven’t been able to enjoy a nasal cushion mask, because I’m a side sleeper and move a lot. So normally, [I] experience a lot of leaks but not with this mask…with their new technology, it stays right in place.” - Angel W.

Sure, there are alternatives to finding a CPAP mask that best suits your sleeping position; we acknowledge that. This patient’s experience is exciting in its own way for them, but it is not necessarily unique to the F&P Solo. The same review could very well have been written about the Fisher & Paykel Evora or Brevida masks.

Another reviewer gets to the good stuff, saying…

“I’ve tried the Solo Nasal Mask, and it seals great and is very comfortable. Absolutely love how easy it is to adjust! F&P has hit a home run in that area…” - Chris H.

Yes, the auto lock technology built into the headgear of the Fisher & Paykel Solo Nasal CPAP Mask is the #1 best feature. It’s actually the world’s first autofit CPAP mask, allowing you to stretch to fit the conventional straps over your skull; like a rubber band. If you’re not completely comfortable, there’s a user-friendly, one-touch adjustment. All you have to do is gently hold your nasal cushion on either side to adjust.

Did we mention that the Solo Nasal CPAP Mask is one size fits all too? Gone are the days of over tightening your headgear. In fact, inside research performed by Fisher & Paykel revealed 93% of trial users described the Solo Nasal CPAP Mask as “simple” or “very simple” to operate. However, a sizing guide is still necessary for the nasal cushion itself, which comes in small, medium, large, and wide cushion sizes. A fitpack is not currently available from Aeroflow Sleep.

It truly is a new era for CPAP users when it comes to the Fisher & Paykel Solo Nasal Mask, but mask fit is just the tip of the iceberg. Let’s see how it stacks up when you begin introducing other CPAP machine and mask parts into the equation.

As you know, sleep therapy or CPAP therapy requires four pieces of equipment: a PAP device, mask, tubing, and humidifier water chamber. Unfortunately, not all pieces are compatible, so it’s important to know if your current setup works with the Fisher & Paykel Solo Nasal CPAP Mask before you make the switch.

We understand that making a change from one CPAP mask to another may be daunting. It could be a total gamble! Should you really choose to go with the F&P Solo over something more reliable; something that’s been around long enough to hold water against the competition? That’s why we’re also going to compare this new mask to a tried and tested favorite: the ResMed AirFit N30i CPAP Mask.

A quick glance at this list of features will help as we take a look at both products:

The obvious difference between the F&P Solo is that it doesn’t come with top-of-head tubing like the ResMed AirFit N30i. Top-of-head tubing is exactly what it sounds like; your CPAP hose connects at the top of your head rather than at the front of your face. Your CPAP therapy pressure is then pushed through a hollow mask frame to its mask cushion. Patients also find this adaptation to be perfect for active sleepers, who toss and turn in the middle of the night or do not stay in one sleeping position, because the tubing port swivels 360°.

Of course, a nasal CPAP mask is already the preferred option for patients who are active sleepers. Remember Angel’s product review earlier? Sleep experts know that side sleeping is best for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA,) but this position is difficult for some to maintain or achieve. A nasal CPAP mask gives you the flexibility to move easily without worrying about breaking the seal, which is why either the Solo Nasal CPAP Mask or the aforementioned ResMed AirFit N30i would work here.

Both also come with technical support via their smartphone apps; Fisher & Paykel provides step-by-step user guides and instructions on how to fit, adjust, and clean your new Solo Nasal CPAP Mask (or any of their other products) through the myMask app. ResMed has the same thing in its very similarly named myAir app.

Where the ResMed AirFit N30i really has a leg up on our newcomer is in its whisper quiet operation at only 24 decibels as they perform for the human ear. The second reviewer, Chris, only gave F&P Solo a 4-star review, because he claimed, “It seems rather noisy. Before this, I was using the ResMed AirFit P10 [Nasal Pillow] CPAP Mask, and it seems like the Solo is at least twice as loud. In fact, last night, after not being able to fall asleep because of the noise, I fell back on the P10.”

That said, we can’t dismiss how the F&P Solo CPAP Mask trumps the ResMed AirFit N30i not only in its autolock technology but also in its one size fits all headgear. A silicone mask frame doesn’t have any elastic, and, therefore, doesn’t offer much give. You will need to undergo mask sizing for the mask frame as well as the mask cushion if you try the ResMed AirFit N30i.

That’s just one product comparison though. To know if the Solo Nasal CPAP Mask is right for you, it’s important to be open to the possibilities and ask yourself if a nasal mask is even right for you. There are 3 types of CPAP masks, and nasal CPAP masks are not inherently better than full-face masks or nasal pillows masks. What matters is what you’re comfortable with and what your unique sleep apnea conditions or CPAP therapy require.

If this isn’t an inherent need, you may ask your dedicated Aeroflow Sleep Specialist about trying either a full-face CPAP mask or nasal pillows option too. The former full-face mask is great for sleep apnea patients who suffer from a deviated septum, have chronic sinus infections or respiratory issues, or breathe through their mouth during the night. They’re also recommended by doctors if you’re prescribed bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP,) because the mask is less likely to leak due to high air pressure settings.

Meanwhile, nasal pillows are perfect for sleep apnea patients with facial hair, because they cradle beneath your nose and away from your surrounding lip line.

Digesting everything we’ve talked about so far when it comes to the Fisher & Paykel Solo Nasal CPAP Mask, there’s still one final factor you ought to consider: cost. Ordering the mask from an online retailer at regular price may seem like an okay option right now, but again, this is only the first month it’s on the market. As the demand grows, basic economics tells us that the price will go up, and you’d need to replace CPAP supplies out of pocket if you go the route of e-commerce.

Don’t bother! Aeroflow Sleep can check your eligibility for a new CPAP mask that’s covered up to 100% through insurance, and we’ll ensure those replacement mask parts are covered too. To begin, we simply need to verify that your insurance plan is in-network with us; we’re even accredited by Medicare and Medicaid. That Solo Nasal CPAP mask may be closer than you think, so fill out our form now and be the envy of every CPAP user with the latest in mask technology coming to your doorstep soon!