ResMed AirFit F20 with Snugz Liners: Solving the Cushion Compression Issue

Does your ResMed AirFit F20 mask feel squished when you use comfort liners? Are you experiencing more air leaks with your liner than without it?

Fortunately, there’s a simple fix.

As the makers of Snugz CPAP mask liners, we frequently hear from F20 users who’ve experienced this exact issue. The good news? It’s not a compatibility problem—it’s a technique opportunity. 

With one small adjustment to how you apply your mask, you can enjoy all the comfort benefits of Snugz liners without the cushion compression that causes leaks.

We’ll explain why the F20’s cushion design creates this unique challenge, show you the exact technique that solves it, and share additional tips to ensure your F20 and Snugz work together perfectly for better, more comfortable sleep.

Understanding the F20’s Cushion Design

The ResMed AirFit F20 is one of the most popular full-face CPAP masks on the market, and for good reason. It offers an excellent balance of comfort, seal quality, and field of vision that works well for a wide range of CPAP users.

The F20 features several design elements that contribute to its popularity:

• InfinitySeal cushion technology that adapts to different facial shapes and sleep positions throughout the night. The soft, flexible silicone cushion moves with you as you shift positions, maintaining a good seal without requiring excessive headgear tension.
• Plush headgear with magnetic clips that make nightly application quick and easy. The QuietAir vent diffuses air gently, reducing noise and minimizing air disturbance for bed partners.
• Modular frame design that allows you to switch between different cushion sizes without replacing the entire mask, making it cost-effective if your sizing needs change.

But here’s what makes the F20 unique when it comes to mask liners: the cushion is notably softer and more pliable than many other full-face masks. While this flexibility contributes to comfort and adaptability, it also means the cushion can compress more easily when additional fabric is added to the equation.

Masks with firmer cushions—like the Fisher & Paykel Simplus or Vitera—maintain their shape more rigidly when liners are applied. The F20’s softer approach prioritizes adaptability, which is excellent for comfort but requires a slightly different technique when using accessories like Snugz.

Why the F20 Cushion Can Compress with Liners

When you stretch a Snugz liner over your F20 mask cushion, you’re adding a layer of snug-fitting fabric that exerts gentle pressure around the entire cushion perimeter. For most masks, this pressure distributes evenly without significantly affecting the cushion’s shape.

The F20’s softer cushion material, however, is more responsive to this pressure. The fabric’s tension can cause the cushion to compress inward, particularly at the nose bridge area where the cushion is thinner and more delicate.

Think of it like this: if you wrap a rubber band around a firm sponge, the sponge maintains its shape. Wrap that same rubber band around a soft marshmallow, and you’ll see compression. The F20’s cushion is designed to be that soft, adaptable marshmallow—which is great for conforming to your face, but means it can deform when the liner is applied.

This compression is most noticeable at the nose bridge because:

• This area has less cushion material to begin with
• The nose bridge experiences the most facial contour variation
• The liner fabric naturally creates more tension across curved surfaces
• This is where your face first contacts the mask during application

When the cushion compresses at the nose bridge, it changes the seal geometry. Instead of spreading naturally across your nose, the compressed cushion may create gaps, allow air to escape, or feel uncomfortable against your skin.

The Solution: Proper Application Technique

Here’s the key technique that solves the compression issue: manually spread the F20 cushion open with your fingers as you apply the mask to your face, focusing especially on the nose bridge area.

This takes about 10 extra seconds but makes all the difference. Here’s exactly how to do it:

1. Step 1: Install your Snugz liner on the F20 mask following the standard full-face liner instructions. Make sure the liner is pulled inward enough to cover all of the silicone cushion, with the seam without the black line aligned with the inner edge of the cushion.
2. Step 2: Before applying to your face, give your Snugz a few gentle stretches with your hands. This pre-stretching helps relax the fabric slightly and reduces initial tension on the cushion.
3. Step 3: Hold the mask up to your face starting with it positioned slightly higher than the final position, so your nose sits in the middle of the mask opening.
4. Step 4: Use your thumbs to gently spread the nose bridge portion of the cushion open. Place your thumbs on either side of the nose bridge area and press outward gently, creating space within the cushion. You should feel the cushion material spread apart slightly.
5. Step 5: While maintaining this gentle spreading pressure with your thumbs, slide the mask down over your nose bridge. This spreading motion helps the cushion material distribute more naturally across your nose contours rather than compressing.
6. Step 6: Once the mask is in position, release the spreading pressure and adjust your headgear as normal.

The spreading motion doesn’t require significant force—just enough to counteract the fabric’s compression and allow the cushion to settle naturally. Think of it as guiding the cushion into its optimal shape rather than forcing anything.

Additional Tips for F20 + Snugz Success

Beyond the nose bridge spreading technique, these additional considerations will help you get the best results:

• Pre-stretch your Snugz before first use. When liners are brand new, the fabric has maximum tension. Give them several good stretches with your hands before applying to your mask for the first time. Some users even prefer to wash their Snugz once before first use to soften them slightly.
• Check your liner positioning carefully. Make sure you’re pulling the seam without the black line far enough into the mask. If this seam sits on the outer edge of the cushion rather than the inner edge, it can create additional compression and leave lines on your face.
• Start high, slide down. This application approach works particularly well with the F20. By starting with the mask higher and sliding down over the nose bridge, you’re working with gravity and natural facial contours to achieve a better seal.
• Adjust headgear tension appropriately. The F20 doesn’t require excessive tightness to seal well. If you’re overtightening to compensate for compression issues, you’ll create more problems. Use just enough tension to maintain seal without creating pressure points.
• Monitor your cushion condition. If your F20 cushion is worn, stretched, or has been in use for more than 3-6 months, it may be naturally losing its shape. A worn cushion will compress more easily with a liner. Consider replacing the cushion if you notice degradation.

When You Might Need Adjustments

Even with proper technique, you might need some fine-tuning. Here are signs to watch for:

• Increased leak readings on your CPAP machine, especially if they’re higher than before you started using Snugz. Remember that some micro-leakage through the Snugz fabric is normal and beneficial—but if your machine shows large leaks or you’re experiencing noisy leaks that wake you, revisit your technique.
• Pressure marks or red lines in new locations, particularly across the nose bridge. This suggests the cushion isn’t spreading naturally over your facial contours.
• Feeling like the mask is “collapsing” inward against your face during use. This indicates too much cushion compression.
• Difficulty achieving the same comfortable seal you had before adding Snugz. The liner should enhance comfort, not complicate it.

If you experience any of these issues, slow down during application and really focus on that nose bridge spreading motion. It may feel awkward at first, but most users report it becomes second nature within a few nights.

F20 vs. Other Full-Face Masks: Compatibility Comparison

While we’re focusing on the F20 in this article, it’s worth noting how it compares to other popular full-face masks when using Snugz liners:

Masks with firmer cushions like the Fisher & Paykel Simplus, Vitera, or ResMed F30 typically don’t require the spreading technique. Their cushions are rigid enough that liner fabric doesn’t cause compression.

The ResMed F20 offers the softest, most adaptable cushion experience, which many users prefer for comfort—but requires the extra application step we’ve outlined.

Does this mean you should switch masks? Absolutely not. The F20’s cushion design provides excellent comfort and seal quality for many users. The 10-second spreading technique is a small trade-off for the benefits of both the F20’s design and the comfort improvements Snugz provides.

If you’re considering alternatives purely for easier liner application, we’d recommend mastering the technique first. Most F20 users who learn the spreading method report it becomes automatic and effortless.

Why Snugz Are Still Worth It with the F20

You might be wondering: if the F20 requires extra technique, why bother with Snugz at all?

The answer is simple: because the benefits far outweigh the 10 extra seconds of application time.

Snugz liners provide F20 users with:

Reduced skin irritation and pressure marks from the mask cushion sitting against bare skin for hours each night. The moisture-wicking fabric keeps your skin cooler and drier, preventing the sweaty, slippery interface that often leads to mask shifting and leaks during sleep.

Extended cushion life because Snugz absorbs the facial oils, sweat, and skin cells that normally break down silicone cushions over time. Many F20 users report their cushions lasting significantly longer when protected by Snugz.

Cost savings compared to disposable liners. At two Snugz liners lasting up to 90 days versus single-use disposables, you’re saving money while reducing waste.

Better seal consistency throughout the night. The fabric grips your skin gently, keeping the mask positioned correctly even as you shift positions during sleep.

Once you’ve practiced the spreading technique a few times, it becomes completely automatic. You’ll barely think about it—but you’ll definitely notice the comfort difference.

When to Seek Professional Assistance

While the cushion spreading technique solves the issue for most F20 users, sometimes additional support is helpful:

Contact your sleep equipment provider if you’re experiencing persistent leaks despite using proper technique, if you notice significant changes in your AHI readings, or if you develop new skin irritation or pressure sores.

They can help with pressure setting adjustments for your specific mask and liner combination, mask sizing verification (you might benefit from a different F20 cushion size), and determining if cushion replacement is needed.

Reach out to our Snugz team if you have questions about liner installation, want personalized fitting advice for your specific situation, or need clarification on any of the techniques described here.

Remember, effective CPAP therapy depends on equipment that works well for your unique needs. Don’t struggle in silence—getting expert help ensures you achieve the best possible results.

The Bottom Line

The ResMed AirFit F20’s softer cushion design is a feature, not a flaw. It provides excellent comfort and adaptability for many CPAP users. When combined with Snugz liners and the proper spreading technique, you get the best of both worlds: the F20’s adaptive comfort plus enhanced protection, reduced irritation, and extended mask life.

The cushion compression issue isn’t a compatibility problem—it’s simply a matter of technique. By taking 10 extra seconds to spread the nose bridge cushion open as you apply your mask, you’ll achieve a natural fit that seals well and feels comfortable all night long.

Thousands of F20 users enjoy better sleep with Snugz every night. With the right approach, you can too.

Ready to experience the difference? Check out our full-face Snugz liners or reach out to our team with questions about your specific setup.

Frequently Asked Questions About AirFit F20 & Snugz

Why does my F20 cushion feel squished when I use Snugz liners?

The F20 has a softer, more flexible cushion than many other masks. When you add a Snugz liner, the fabric creates gentle compression that can deform this softer cushion material, especially at the nose bridge. 

Using the spreading technique described above counteracts this compression and allows the cushion to settle naturally on your face.

Do I need to spread the cushion every time I put on my mask?

Yes, but it quickly becomes second nature. The spreading motion takes about 10 seconds and becomes part of your automatic mask application routine. Most users report they stop thinking about it consciously after just a few nights.

Will spreading the cushion damage my F20 mask?

No. The gentle spreading motion we describe is well within the cushion’s design tolerance. You’re not forcing or overstretching the material—just guiding it into its natural shape as it settles on your face. This technique actually helps the cushion maintain its intended geometry.

Are there other masks that don’t require this extra technique with Snugz?

Yes. Masks with firmer cushions like the Fisher & Paykel Simplus, Vitera, or even other ResMed models typically don’t experience compression with Snugz. 

However, many users prefer the F20’s softer cushion feel and find the simple spreading technique a worthwhile trade-off.

My F20 cushion seems worn out—could that be causing issues with my liner?

Absolutely. ResMed recommends replacing F20 cushions every 3-6 months depending on usage. A worn cushion has less structural integrity and will compress more easily when a liner is applied. If your cushion shows signs of stretching, tearing, or becoming sticky, replacement will likely improve both your seal and how it works with Snugz.

Can I still use Snugz if I have trouble with the spreading technique?

If you’ve tried the technique several times and still experience issues, reach out to our team. We can provide personalized troubleshooting advice. In rare cases, we might recommend alternative comfort solutions or suggest trying a different mask model that works better with your specific needs and preferences.