Three questions about DreamWear

[bryansong]

I'm concerned about my big head and I don't want to order a large frame if it's too big for me, I don't see Frame Sizing information on CPAP.com
How can I tell what size to buy?

I am a stomach sleeper with my left ear firmly on the pillow. I'm used to a chin strap for stabilizing the head set and I just hook it to the head gear
instead of wrapping it over the top of my head. With the DreamWear head set I don't see how I could hook up my strap without cutting off the air
of the frame tubes.
Do any of you have a solution?

I did have an online chat with CPAP.com and asked about where the exhaust air come out and was told it was on top of the head at the hose connection.
Searching and reading post as well as reviews it looks like there is a second exhaust at the nasal interface, (please correct me if I'm wrong).
If there is an exhaust at the nasal interface does it blow straight forward or down towards the chin?

Thank you,
Bryan

[BleepingBeauty]

FWIW, I received the fitpack in early December (all the frame sizes included) and measured them for the forum.

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=109274&p=1042936#p1042936

I measured only one side of the frame, so the 3/4" difference between sizes equals about a 1.5" difference between S and M and between M and L (3" difference from S to L). HTH

[Guest]

There is a small exhaust port in the nose piece. It is a very small rectangle (reminds me of a minus sign) and the air blows straight out. Lots less air flow than I've had out of traditional nose masks. When sleeping on my side if I turn my nose too far towards the pillow, I hear the exhaust air hit. But laying on my side, I'm not blasting my spouse sleeping next to me.

[bryansong]

But laying on my side, I'm not blasting my spouse sleeping next to me.

That is a Plus!

How about another question on laying on your side, do you have any problem with your head pillow trying to push your nasal interface over?
From the pictures I saw the nasal interface does look pretty wide.

Bryan

[jagzoo]

I sleep on both sides and on my stomach. I find the mask very stable - needs no adjusting when I change position.

[bryansong]

I sleep on both sides and on my stomach. I find the mask very stable - needs no adjusting when I change position.

Thank you.

I am worried about my cheek laying on that frame. I know the air will come in and out from the un-smashed side so that doesn't concern me
but I've had problems in the past with mask straps on my cheeks getting up in my eye area, I guess I just have a sensitive face. Well I should say I do have a sensitive face.
I'm guessing that doesn't bother you. Is that correct?

Bryan

[jagzoo]

Bryan, the straps ( soft hollow air tubes) are very collapsible, very soft and come with fleece covers. I have occasionally had marks on my cheeks from other actual Straps but haven't from the DreamWear. Not to say it couldn't happen to me, or you.

I do think from your description of your face that you might need a Large frame. My suggestion is that you order the fit kit with return insurance. That will give you a chance to try the Medium frame and also get to try the different size "nasal pillows". Then if the M frame is too small ( or you don't like the mask) you can return that one. Then, if you want a Large frame you will know what size nasal piece to order it with (only the fit kit comes with the assorted size nasal pieces). Or if you can get the mask from your DME, try it there; still making sure you can return it.

FYI: I also haven't ever had strap marks from the P10 pillows.

Hope this helps some.

[marcus10]

I sleep on both sides and on my stomach. I find the mask very stable - needs no adjusting when I change position.

Just on this point, I find the Dreamwear great as long as I'm lying on my back. As soon as I turn onto my side and my nose is against the pillow, I find the mask generates a small leak.

I was interested that you find it so stable. What's the tip - tighten the headband straps a little?

[bryansong]

FWIW, I received the fitpack in early December (all the frame sizes included) and measured them for the forum.

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=109274&p=1042936#p1042936

I measured only one side of the frame, so the 3/4" difference between sizes equals about a 1.5" difference between S and M and between M and L (3" difference from S to L). HTH

Hey, I missed this one yesterday but I saw the post after it so I'm glad it's here today.
Good information,
thank you.

Bryan

[bryansong]

I sleep on both sides and on my stomach. I find the mask very stable - needs no adjusting when I change position.

Just on this point, I find the Dreamwear great as long as I'm lying on my back. As soon as I turn onto my side and my nose is against the pillow, I find the mask generates a small leak.

I was interested that you find it so stable. What's the tip - tighten the headband straps a little?

Marcus, thank you for an excellent question. This is something I worry about before ordering.
If I would have this problem this would prove to be another wasted mask order, and I've had a lot of them.

Jagzoo, does your face get into the pillow or are you hanging off the edge.

Bryan

[jagzoo]

Well, the sides of the frame certainly are on the pillow since they are on the side of my face. But I don't sleep with the front of my face/nose pushed into the pillow. I do use a buckwheat/shredded foam pillow ( see my posts about it) so I'm not buried in the pillow but I'm not " hanging off the edge" either.

As for tightening the straps - this mask's straps don't really tighten the frame in place - they just hold the frame and attachment piece, to the CPAP hose, in place. How tight the frame fits is a factor of the size of the frame itself, not of how tight or loose the straps are. Hard to explain. You would need to see it.

If you really want to try this mask and you can't get fitted by a DME - our sponsors are offering free return insurance, so there isn't any risk. But again, I think the size of the frame is critical. And no mask is going to work for everyone!

[bryansong]

I did get a flier in the mail from CPAP.com on this item, that's why I've expressed so much interest. I think I'll have another "Chat" with them and see if they can send me
both the Large and Medium frames with my order.
I'll just say I am one of those people who lost their Headrest headsets and I'm still trying to find a replacement mask that works well for me. I like the hose to run over my head like this one, it merits a look.

You've been very helpful. Thank you!

Bryan

[jagzoo]

Good luck - hope you find one that works for you!

[thecpapguy!]

I've been fitting the Dreamwear for the past three months and I have yet to use the larger sized headgear that is offered. I have used the small/medium headagear available a few times though. The mask has a curve to it that extends from the cushion underneath your nose curving to the top of your head. The headgear doesn't fit on the crown of your head like most masks of this shape. With that curve it allows for the medium headgear to work on most patients even the ones with a larger head size. I would try to get a "fit pack" that offers all of the sizing, but if not start with the medium that comes in the pack. I have fit a few patients with a larger sized head with no issues. That's not to say that you won't encounter an issue and need the larger though!
Hopefully this helps.

[PEF]

Hi Jagzoo,

I have had quite a bit of trouble with masks because of my small head and recessed chin. I would like your opinion on whether or not I would need to have the small frame. I will do a measurement based on the above post - very helpful. I am also considering the Dreamwear.

Thanks.