All life jackets are designed to float the wearer face up. The difference between these inflatables and say a paddling style PFD is that all of the flotation in the inflatables is on the upper chest and around the neck. Combine the location of this flotation with the substantially larger mass of the airbag as compared to foam, and these inflatables make it difficult to achieve a face down, function swimming orientation even for strong swimmers in dry suits in flat water.

My testing experiences have also shown that the inflated PFD's also limited arm movements, particularly my ability to raise my arms high enough to make strong, efficient swimming strokes.

The paddling style PFD's carry more of their flotation lower on the torso and even on the back. They are also designed with low or no bulk near the shoulders and neck, making them much more functional for arm movements and/or swimming in.

Just stuff to think about and again ideally test out in person before your life depends on it.