A new study, conducted by The American Academy of Sleep Medicine and Dr. John Malouf (founder of SleepGP sleep clinic in Coolangatta, Queensland, Australia, and Allegra Boccabella, research associate)  found that women are more likely to have sleep disorders associated with daytime sleepiness and feel more affected by the symptoms of their sleep disorder.

The study found that women are more likely to experience depression, excessive sleepiness during the day, and trouble sleeping at night. Although there are many similarities in how sleep disorders manifest in men and women, there are more significant differences than previously believed.

Understanding the differences in presentation of sleep disorders between men and women will ensure that women are being given accurate diagnosis and treatment options. 

Women are being diagnosed more and more with sleep disorders.  Another trend in sleep medicine providing women with more options of better sizing and designs made specifically for women.

In this article, we’ll review a popular mask for the treatment of sleep apnea in women: the ResMed AirFit N10 for Her.

ResMed AirFit N10 Nasal Mask Specifications

ResMed’s AirFit N10 for Her nasal mask is a modified version of the ResMed AirFit N10. It has been ranked as the “overall first choice by patients when compared to industry-leading CPAP nasal masks.”

This nasal mask features:

• Therapy pressure between 4 to 40 cm H20
• Operating temperatures between 41 to 104 degrees F (5-40 degrees C)
• Operating humidity between 15% to 95% non condensing
• Noise emitted at 30 dBA (uncertainty of 3 dBA)
• Dimensions 19.0’’ (H) x 6.10’’ (W) x 4.33’’ (D)
• Service life is dependent on the care, intensity of usage, maintenance, and environmental conditions in which the mask is used in and stored.  
• Dead space is the empty volume of the mask to the end of the swivel, when using the large cushions it’s 104mL.

ResMed does not use BPA, PVC, DEHP, phthalates, or natural rubber latex in the making of the Air Fit N10 for Her nasal mask.

Pros of the AirFit N10 for Her

The design of the AirFit N10 for Her has been designed with women’s features in mind.  Smaller sizes of cushion and head straps and a sleeker design that meets the contours of a woman's face without compromising function when compared to the base model.

The AirFit N10 for Her features a unique under-the-eye frame that allows patients the visual freedom to wear glasses, watch tv, or read a book before bed. This features removable strap cushions that rest against your face comfortably while ensuring a quality seal. The removable support cushions ease the washing process.

Another great feature is that all of the stitching is on the inside of the frame, reducing the likelihood of the mask/headgear from snagging throughout the night. It also comes in a pink and gray finish.

ResMed highlights the minimalistic design of this mask and the key-clips.  The key-clips are magnetic and create a solid clasp with little effort.  

The magnetic key-clips also allow for easy removal and reattachment. This is a great feature for those that use the bathroom during the night.

The lightweight design and flexible tubing allow for all sleeping positions without compromising the seal.  

The AirFit N10 for Her nasal mask has passive venting to reduce rebreathing.  

AirFit N10 Troubleshooting

This nasal mask is no exception to occasional problems.  Although the vast majority of these issues can be resolved with a simple fix.  Knowing those simple fixes can greatly improve consistency in your sleep therapy.

The Mask is Noisy

The most common reasons that the AirFit N10 nasal mask could be noisy are blockages in the venting, incorrectly assembled mask, or air leaks.  

First, check the venting.  Always use a soft bristle brush to clean the vent.

Should that not correct the noisy mask, try to disassemble the mask and reassemble it following the instructions provided with your mask.  

Another solution is to refit or reposition the mask.  Readjust the headgear straps to ensure the mask is close enough to form a quality seal.  

Mask Leaking Around Face

There are a number of reasons that could cause the mask to leak around your face.  The mask may need to be repositioned.  The AirFit N10 for Her has the ResMed logo on it.  Make sure that the logo is facing downward on the bottom of the cushion.  

Another solution is to pull the mask away from your face to reposition.  While repositioning the mask, check to make sure the lower corners of the mask are completely covering your nose.  Re-adjust your headgear to bring the mask closer to your face to ensure a quality seal.

Follow the instructions provided and refit your mask.  Check the cushion to ensure that it is also in the correct position.  The cushion membrane may be folded. Use a pinching motion to ease the cushion back into the correct form.  

You may simply have the wrong size mask.  You will need to speak with your sleep medicine provider.  ResMed has as sizing template for the AirFit N10 for Her that should be used to ensure accurate sizing.

Incorrect Fit

The mask may be incorrectly assembled. Disassemble the mask and reassemble following the instructions provided. The cushion might be dirty.  Clean the cushion to see if that resolves the issue.

If those two options do not resolve the incorrect fit, then seek out assistance from your sleep medicine provider.  The mask may be the wrong size. Always make sure that your sleep medicine provider is using the ResMed’s fitting template to ensure accurate sizing.

Staff and User Reviews

Nichole Roche, the DME at Sleep Resolutions, gives her review of this nasal mask. “I think it has many good features. The best feature, in my opinion, is the easy click magnets this makes fitting a breeze but it is also a great benefit for the ease of the mask user. There are other benefits to this mask such as a soft frame, clear field of vision and it was designed to tolerate a higher pressure.”

One user wrote the following review of the Airfit N10 for Her. “Considering the small size of this mask, you would think it would "shift." However, the straps are well engineered to hold it comfortably in position. It is also extremely light and the diffusing for removal of air provides very comfortable exhaling. The tubing for the mask is also very light and small and stays with your head as you shift positions. For people who are having a difficult time with nasal pillows, this would be an excellent "temporary use" mask. However, since it is so comfortable, I have given up my pillows masks. Now I only use this one. I did not find any problems with pressure under my nostrils, as one reviewer found. When I first started using it, I kept it tighter than it needed to be. That might have been the problem. It does not have to fit very tight. Experiment with the straps over your head to get the right fit. Once you get it, you never need to change it.”

As always Sleep Resolutions wants to make sure that you find the right equipment for your unique needs.  We offer a free sleep assessment that is scheduled with one of our Sleep Education Specialist FREE of charge.  Just click this link to get signed up.