N30 vs N30i Mask (Vent Holes)

[JaxDeepSleep]

Hi All - Total newbie to CPAP and to the forum. I am still trying to sort out a mask that works well for me. My RT had me try an N30 to start and I did pretty well with that except for the hose coming out the front (I'm a side sleeper on occasion so it becomes an issue). Overall though, my impressions of those first nights with the N30 were amazing. I felt completely different in the morning - more rested with lungs more expanded. I'm used to waking up feeling like someone's been sitting on my chest otherwise. That first night I was having 16 events per hour, but waking felt great. So we swapped the N30 for an N30i which is much better for my side-sleeping I found, BUT, and this is a big BUT, it seemed to lack pressure and did not do anywhere near the same job in keeping my airways open as the N30 did. It seemed to have less pressure overall. The very obvious difference that I realized right away is that the N30i has a series of vent holes in the front of the mask that let out quite a bit of air/pressure. What's with this...isn't that like the mask having a leak? The N30 had no such venting at all, so all the pressure from the Auto Machine ResMed Airsense10 was going into my airways. How can these two masks do the same job? I also found the problematic N30i was leaving my mouth very dry (both used with a full humidifier). Can anybody explain these differences and how they work? Thank you in advance!

[Pugsy]

All masks have some sort of venting holes available. They have to have them so that the carbon dioxide we exhale with our every breathe goes out into the room air and we don't keep rebreathing it.

The N30 has a more diffused venting system and it isn't easily felt unless you hand is right on the vent holes but rest assured...it vents even though you don't feel it. That's what make the diffused venting system of any of their masks so night. Doesn't hit your bed partner and doesn't bounce back in your face.
The ResMed AirFit P10 nasal pillow mask has the same diffused venting.
https://www.resmed.com/au/en/healthcare ... t-n30.html

ResMed's first nasal mask with QuietAirTM diffused venting, designed to disperse exhaled air and minimise noise

[Pugsy]

Dry mouth is usually from mouth breathing unless you are taking some sort of medication that dries out the mouth.

It is very possible that you simply mouth breathed more with the N30i for some reason or other.

[JaxDeepSleep]

Many thanks Pugsy. That's exactly what I needed to know. It just seemed to me that the N30i did not provide the same pressure as the N30. Perhaps it is a fitment issue as both have different fittings for nose. I'll try again tonight. I appreciate you taking the time for the prompt reply. No medications that would explain the dryness, but again, with the N30 the pressure was so much that it discouraged me opening my mouth and have all the pressure escape that way, whereas the N30i it wasn't as big of an issue so not as naturally inclined to keep my mouth shut with the N30i. I'll have to check elsewhere for a pressure link. I should download the app to take a look at a more detailed report. I'm just looking at the device report which does give to smiley faces for leak monitoring.