AirFit F20 vs AirTouch F20: Which Full-Face CPAP Mask Is Right for You?
The ResMed AirFit F20 and the ResMed AirTouch F20 share the same frame, headgear and InfinitySeal bubble - but their cushions are completely different. One uses classic silicone, the other ultra-soft memory foam. This guide helps you make the right choice.
Overview of Both Masks
The AirFit F20 is one of the world's best-selling full-face CPAP masks. Its silicone cushion conforms to the contours of the face and provides reliable sealing for most patients. It is available in sizes XS, S, M and L, and comes in an AirFit F20 For Her version designed for smaller face profiles.
The AirTouch F20 uses exactly the same frame but replaces the silicone cushion with a UltraSoft memory foam cushion that moulds to the heat and pressure of your face. The result: a softer contact, less pressure on the nasal bridge, and typically fewer red marks in the morning.
Comparison Table: AirFit F20 vs AirTouch F20
| Criterion | AirFit F20 (silicone) | AirTouch F20 (memory foam) |
|---|---|---|
| Cushion material | Soft silicone | UltraSoft memory foam |
| Contact comfort | Good | Excellent - very soft |
| Facial marks | Possible if overtightened | Reduced thanks to foam |
| Seal quality | Very good | Very good |
| Cushion maintenance | Washable daily in warm water | Gentle wipe only - no soaking |
| Cushion lifespan | 1 to 3 months | About 1 month (foam degrades faster) |
| Replacement cushion cost | More affordable | Slightly higher |
| Headgear compatibility | Identical | Identical |
| Available sizes | XS, S, M, L | S, M, L |
| For Her version | Yes | No |
Pros and Cons in Detail
AirFit F20 - Who Is It For?
- Pros: easy maintenance (washable), longer lifespan, lower long-term cost, XS size available.
- Cons: may leave marks if overtightened, silicone contact is less immediately soft than foam.
- Best for: users who want a reliable, easy-to-clean mask with controlled cushion replacement costs.
AirTouch F20 - Who Is It For?
- Pros: immediate comfort from memory foam, less pressure on the face, fewer morning marks, highly appreciated by pressure-sensitive patients.
- Cons: more delicate maintenance (no soaking), shorter lifespan, not available in XS.
- Best for: patients who complain about marks, nasal bridge pain, or who have sensitive skin.
InfinitySeal Technology: Shared by Both
Both masks share the same InfinitySeal bubble, which self-adjusts to facial movements during the night. This design reduces leaks even when you change sleeping position. The magnetic headgear also makes quick fitting and removal easy.
Can You Swap Cushions Between Them?
Yes. The AirFit F20 and AirTouch F20 cushions are compatible with the same frame. You can buy an AirFit F20 frame and alternate between a silicone and a foam cushion. This is a good strategy to find what suits you best without buying a completely new mask.
Practical Questions Before Choosing
- Do you wake up with painful red marks? → Try the AirTouch F20.
- Are you careful about daily cleaning? → The AirFit F20 is more forgiving (washable).
- Is your cushion budget limited? → The AirFit F20 is cheaper to replace.
- Do you have a small face or need XS? → Only the AirFit F20 offers this size.
See Also
Frequently asked questions about AirFit F20 vs AirTouch F20
Both masks share the exact same frame, headgear and InfinitySeal air bubble. The only real difference is the cushion. The AirFit F20 uses a soft, durable, washable silicone cushion. The AirTouch F20 uses an UltraSoft memory foam cushion that moulds to the warmth of your face. The result: different contact feel and different maintenance.
For many patients, yes. UltraSoft foam feels softer than silicone on contact and spreads pressure more evenly across the face. It reduces morning marks and the feeling of a hard point on the nasal bridge. This is particularly useful if you have sensitive skin or find the AirFit silicone too firm. The trade-off is a foam cushion that wears out faster.
Around 1 month with daily use. Foam degrades faster than silicone: it absorbs skin oils and gradually loses its sealing capacity. ResMed recommends a monthly replacement. For comparison, an AirFit F20 silicone cushion lasts 1 to 3 months. The yearly cost of AirTouch cushions is therefore higher, which is something to factor into the decision.
The AirTouch F20 cushion must never be soaked in water. Immersion destroys the foam structure. Wipe it daily with a soft damp cloth, with no aggressive soap. Let it air-dry, never in direct sun or with a hairdryer. The frame and headgear can be washed normally in warm soapy water once or twice a week.
The AirTouch F20 is generally the better choice for sensitive skin. UltraSoft foam is gentler than silicone, especially on prolonged-contact areas like the nasal bridge and cheekbones. If you tend to get redness, persistent marks or irritation with a silicone mask, switching to AirTouch often brings immediate relief.
Yes. Both cushions are compatible with the same frame. You can buy an AirFit F20 frame and then alternate between a silicone and a foam cushion as needed. It's a good strategy to test both without buying a full new mask. The magnetic headgear is also identical between the two models.
Both models offer very comparable sealing thanks to the shared InfinitySeal technology. On patients with smooth skin and no beard, AirFit F20 silicone holds perfectly. On patients with sensitive skin that reacts to silicone with micro-movements, AirTouch can paradoxically hold better thanks to its softness. In the end, headgear adjustment matters more than cushion choice for leak control.