Dream Wear Mask - My opinion

Lucyhere · Post by **Lucyhere** » Tue Oct 20, 2015 12:53 pm

Pugsy wrote:
Lucyhere wrote: Pugsy, I see that you are presently using the Airfit P10. Are you planning to change to the new Dream Wear mask? Which one do you like better and why? Thank you
If you read through most of my comments I think you will see that I am pretty much a nasal pillows girl.
I prefer the least amount of stuff on my face and head as is possible.
For that reason the P10 or even the Tap Pap would likely make it ahead of the DreamWear. It's just me and something that has always been on my list of preferences.
While the DreamWear mask has a lot of positive attributes to it....the overall bulk (while it isn't horrible) is still more than what I prefer.

I won't be sending the DreamWear back to cpap.com but it isn't going to become my primary mask. I am going to keep it around just in case something happens and I can't use a nasal pillow mask for some reason (maybe a pimple might come up in my nostril or ingrown nasal hair or something).
I am planning on giving the DreamWear at least 2 weeks though...just because it is what I do when I try out a mask that I sort of like. If I hate something it won't make it to night #2.

I have several masks that I have tried over the years that I could use and be successful with them and I have kept a few for the "just in case" reason. I don't do much changing around though even if I have them handy. It's just me and how I am. For me there's a primary mask and several "just in case" masks.

The P10....the nothingness of the headgear and the pretty much silent vent diffusing system is why it will likely remain in #1 position....at least until some other nasal pillow mask comes along that is better.

I wasn't trying the DreamWear out of any need or want to replace the P10....I was just trying it to be trying something new and different.

We all have different wants and needs when it comes to any mask and my wants and needs and preferences could very well be totally different from your wants and needs.
And the other way around...what you want or need could be totally irrelevant to me.

There's not going to be any mask out there that totally pleases everyone....it just isn't going to happen.
There will be masks that please a large number of people though and I wouldn't be surprised if the DreamWear slides into that "it pleases a large number of people" category.
It's a nice little mask and will fulfill the needs of a good many people. I think the gentleness of the air dispersal with the cradle will appeal to especially the people who don't care for the directness of the air volume with the nasal pillow masks.
It's fairly easy to get and keep a good seal with it and I would also think that there would be less of a potential for "claustrophobia" issues with it.
It's not going to please everyone though...just like a few in this thread have decided it isn't for them for whatever reason and have elected to return it.

Bottom line is each person has to decide what their own personal needs, wants and preferences are and then work on finding a mask that takes care of most of whatever is on that list. No mask is ever totally perfect though....even the P10 isn't totally perfect for me...it just beats out the competition in checking off most of my boxes.

After over 6 years using a nasal pillow mask...it is really going to take a special new kind of mask to get me to change from nasal pillows...not that I want to or need to though.

You answered questions I hadn't even thought about. Since I believe I can get return insurance, I'll probably give this mask a try. There is always the hope that this one will be THE perfect mask. Thanks.

gasp · Post by **gasp** » Tue Oct 20, 2015 5:15 pm

10/22 update: Last night was fabulous on this mask! The first night on a new mask had the expected results of waking up many times wondering what new thing is on my face. However, much sooner than expected, I slept like a baby last night with one restroom awakening.

My vanity concern of wrinkles from the mask pushing up on the eye area aren't happening. Other concerns also a non issue. The mask sits so lightly on my face I hardly know it's there. Straps on the side of my face don't bother me and the "strap" covers are just right The nasal mask seals so gently it feels like silk. There is no pressure as some have reported, under the nose or on the area over my teeth.

For me, a looser fitted head gear, achieving a 'just right' tightness, just enough to keep the nasal mask in place, is the solution.

I am grateful this new nasal mask design was made and am officially changing to this mask full time.

Forgot to add, I looked at my numbers and leaks were less, obstructed zero, centrals same. AHI .5

First review:
I just received the mask and tried it on under pressure. So far, so good. There are only two concerns. The vanity concern is whether the upward pressure the straps have on on my eyes will encourage wrinkles under them. The performance concern is if my nose will get sore from so much contact with a mask. Ok, three concerns. If I will adjust to straps being on my face. I'm also a less mask on my face is better type of person.

Head gear/leaks:
I love the head gear. A top of the head hose connect is a must for me. My current headgear fits a lot tighter to perform properly. I didn't think the DreamWear fitting so loosely would stay sealed without leaks. I tossed around back and forth and the nasal area didn't unseat. No leaks when on my side either.

At first it wasn't obvious that the fit should be so far forward or so loose and I kept trying to get the headgear positioned toward the back of my head. Once I loosened the straps and let the headgear come toward my face, the mask was more comfortable with less pressure under my nose and it sealed right away.

Air flow:
I am used to a feeling of more direct air flowing into my nose. This mask seems to have adequate air, but is more diffused. I get the same feeling, like I may not be getting enough airflow, when using a nasal mask vs direct flow through the nares via pillows or direct seal style of pillows.

Smell:
No toxic plastic smell. Yay!

My beloved ComfortLite 2 has been discontinued so . . . something better work!

Physician · Post by **Physician** » Tue Oct 20, 2015 5:46 pm

Tried the Dreamwear again. It is second to the Mirage FX because the Dreamwear was definitely noisier, too easy to develop air leaks (audible and feel-able) when straps pull up on the facial skin, and the Deamwear exerts too much pressure on the upper lip and teeth. I find the enclosure of the Mirage FX to be like a comforting blanket, and miss that sensation.

Will try it further and readjust straps.

UMTerp · Post by **UMTerp** » Wed Oct 21, 2015 10:21 am

I posted on a different thread but my question may be more suited to this one...

I am a newbie to CPAP and got the Dreamwear mask as my initial mask two weeks ago. I really like it except now I am getting a very sore, red spot right under my nose between my nostrils.
I have tried Ayr with Aloe and Neosporin during the day but it still hurts at night. Can't really put a bandage at that spot and don't want to interfere with the air flow from the cushion.
Called the DME and they suggested increasing the humidity (it on auto now).
Any other suggestions?

Thanks!

UMTerp

Pugsy · Post by **Pugsy** » Wed Oct 21, 2015 10:35 am

UMTerp wrote: am a newbie to CPAP and got the Dreamwear mask as my initial mask two weeks ago. I really like it except now I am getting a very sore, red spot right under my nose between my nostrils.
I have tried Ayr with Aloe and Neosporin during the day but it still hurts at night. Can't really put a bandage at that spot and don't want to interfere with the air flow from the cushion.

How about one of those tiny round bandaids over the area at night until things heal up?

Masks in general shouldn't cause abrasions or sore spots and when they do then the usual suspect is either wrong size or poor fit (usually too tight).

Lansinoh lanolin ointment/cream might offer a little more of a barrier and promote healing. It's found in the baby aisle of most stores where bottles and nipples are sold.

While healing take a close look at size and fitting. This mask is so soft it should not be causing skin irritation unless something if a bit off with either size or fit and the most common cause of a mask causing broken skin or bruising is the straps are too tight.

Physician · Post by **Physician** » Wed Oct 21, 2015 10:47 am

UMTerp wrote:I posted on a different thread but my question may be more suited to this one...

I am a newbie to CPAP and got the Dreamwear mask as my initial mask two weeks ago. I really like it except now I am getting a very sore, red spot right under my nose between my nostrils.
I have tried Ayr with Aloe and Neosporin during the day but it still hurts at night. Can't really put a bandage at that spot and don't want to interfere with the air flow from the cushion.
Called the DME and they suggested increasing the humidity (it on auto now).
Any other suggestions?

Thanks!

UMTerp

Need to make certain it is not a staph and/or strep infection. Infections are increased when a foreign object is adherent to the skin, and close or on the nose. The nasal mucosa is often filled with Staph. When I had this once, I used Bacitracin in each nostril six times a day, and used soap the water washes on the sore eight times a day and there was rapid resolution. Wouldn't use Neosporin as some people are allergic to the Neomycin component.

Luthie2006 · Post by **Luthie2006** » Wed Oct 21, 2015 11:49 am

I had to order the Small Frame, and I will see if that is any better than the Medium. For me, the "jury is still out" if this will be the mask for me.
I really am having a problem with the adjustment part that you fold over piece, laying on my side on it. It feels like I am lying on a rock. Maybe I am just used to the Airfit P10, where it is a one piece sold headband sort of gear and not one that has the adjustment piece to it.

curems · Post by **curems** » Wed Oct 21, 2015 3:52 pm

Luthie2006 wrote:I had to order the Small Frame, and I will see if that is any better than the Medium. For me, the "jury is still out" if this will be the mask for me.
I really am having a problem with the adjustment part that you fold over piece, laying on my side on it. It feels like I am lying on a rock. Maybe I am just used to the Airfit P10, where it is a one piece sold headband sort of gear and not one that has the adjustment piece to it.

Do you have high pressures (I'm sorry if you already said this and I don't remember)? Mine are min 6 and max 12, and the sides still feel soft and pliable for me. I have a lot of trouble with headgear usually being too large and the small frame on the DreamWear is wonderful for me. I hope the small works for you.

UMTerp · Post by **UMTerp** » Wed Oct 21, 2015 6:09 pm

Thank you both Pugsy and Physician!

I got some Lamisol and have some Bactricin. I will try both and will try to loosen the head straps. I also got some velcro so the back straps won't ride up.
I really appreciate your help!

UMTerp

~jimnsc · Post by **~jimnsc** » Wed Oct 21, 2015 7:39 pm

Hey Guys and Gals - I've read most of your posts here but could find "zero" reviews on the host's site. I used to be one who would try anything to improve my cpap experience but maybe I'm just getting old 'cause I really don't see the need to try this nasal mask for several reasons. 1) You don't get the usual "all sizes included," 2) How does one select the correct size headgear or pillows with no experience? and 3) I know before I even try it (Based on your comments here) it wouldn't touch my AirFit P-10 in performance. I hear "louder," stronger exhaust, air in your face, etc. My wife has never complained about noise or air from the P-10 so I guess it's still number one with me! Thanks for saving me some $. If you really like it - review it. The absence of reviews speaks volumes......

Pugsy · Post by **Pugsy** » Wed Oct 21, 2015 8:00 pm

~jimnsc wrote: The absence of reviews speaks volumes......

Not really...I have only been using mine for 7 nights now....they were just shipped out last week so I haven't done a review yet and maybe the others who got it last week are also waiting.
Also some people got theirs from other sources and thus couldn't put a review at cpap.com.

~jimnsc wrote:You don't get the usual "all sizes included,"

You do get a "fit pack" of 4 sizes of the nasal cradle cushions...Small, Medium, Medium Wide and Large.
It ships with the medium size frame which is probably going to work for the majority of people but Small and Large are available for additional purchase.
The headgear adjustability greatly increases the sizing versatility of the medium frame.

~jimnsc wrote:I know before I even try it (Based on your comments here) it wouldn't touch my AirFit P-10 in performance.

You are probably right. It hasn't beat out my P10 but I really wasn't looking for it to.
I just wanted to try something new.
It will get a good review from me when I get around to writing one.
For what it is supposed to do... it does a good job and it will fill the needs of a lot of people.
Just because it doesn't knock the P10 out as my primary mask doesn't mean it is a crap mask and besides...not everyone likes the P10 anyway. The DreamWear is definitely more stable than the P10 and the "noise" ....well I only hear it when it hits the bed covers or my arm or something. Otherwise the vent noise is fairly quiet.

Physician · Post by **Physician** » Wed Oct 21, 2015 9:02 pm

Physician wrote:Tried the Dreamwear again. It is second to the Mirage FX because the Dreamwear was definitely noisier, too easy to develop air leaks (audible and feel-able) when straps pull up on the facial skin, and the Deamwear exerts too much pressure on the upper lip and teeth. I find the enclosure of the Mirage FX to be like a comforting blanket, and miss that sensation.

Will try it further and readjust straps.

ADDITION: Although the Dreamwear is not as good as the Mirage FX, forgot to mention a positive of the DM mask: The exhaust vents do NOT blow inferiorly. So for people who sleep on their right or left sides, the exhaust will not blow on your hands. Wish ResMed would not have the exhaust go inferiorly. ResMed could block off the lower ports and enlarge the lateral and superior ports.

garagelogician · Post by **garagelogician** » Wed Oct 21, 2015 9:44 pm

Update on using the lightweight short hose from the Sleepweaver:

It does indeed work, there are male and female ends on that hose with standard size connections. It is pretty light, but not nearly as flexible as the short tubes that Respironics includes with other masks like the Amara View or Wisp. Because of this, I don't think it is a very good solution. It is a shame that Respironics did not include that on this mask system.

Other than that, my DreamWear is still a great mask for me... I plan on using it for years to come. The holy grail of masks (for me) has been found. My quest is over.

49er · Post by **49er** » Thu Oct 22, 2015 4:32 am

Before you read my review which is based on using this mask very briefly, keep in mind that I have issues that most people don't have. But in case you do, this write up is for you.

The good news is when I started trying it out on a limited basis yesterday, I didn't hate the mask unlike previous ones I have tried where they got sent back as soon as I had time to do so. The bad news is that last night, due to stubborn nasal issues that haven't been resolved post septoplasty, I had the feeling of wanting this mask off yesterday like I did with the P10.

I feel like I am not getting enough air no matter what pressure settings I use as I am assuming it is because of the mechanism of the air distribution in being shot directly into the nostrils. And by the way, I realize other forum members who have nasal issues feel that using nasal pillow type masks will greatly improve their sinuses. So obviously, even if you do have nasal issues, you might have a better experience with this mask than I have in again, a very limited trial.

However, I just experimented with using the highest humidity level and turning on the heated option which seemed to make things alot more comfortable. But as has happened many times, what works in the morning doesn't always work at night.

When I used the size guage, it suggested that the small cushion would work best for me. However, the wide medium one feels alot more comfortable. Additionally, when I accidentally fell asleep yesterday using the small cushion, I unintentionally ditched it after a short period which rarely happens with the Sleep Weaver Mask so perhaps that is an indication I felt like was not getting enough air.

Finally, a pet peeve of mine which probably doesn't affect most people but is annoying to me. Due to visual fine motor difficulties, I have trouble detaching pieces on pieces of equipment which is very frustrating to me. It took me quite a while to be able to change the small cushion for extra wide medium. And then when I tried to test out other sizes this morning, I couldn't because again, I had trouble detaching the cushion.

My question is when companies test these masks, do they make sure that people with all type of medical issues are able to use their masks? I do realize I don't have it nearly as bad as other people so I don't mean for this to sound like I am whining. But it is frustrating and I hope this struggle doesn't prevent me from giving the mask a fair shot at being able to work.

49er

gasp · Post by **gasp** » Thu Oct 22, 2015 11:25 am

Bump, I edited my review. Love this mask. Changed my profile to indicate going forward using it full time.

Dream Wear Mask - My opinion

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Mask	Humidifier

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