Dream Wear Mask - My opinion

[Cardsfan]

I just ordered a size small frame to compare to the medium. I wish when you ordered the "fit pack" it had all 3 frame sizes, since they are not adjustable. The CSR at cpap.com said the same thing.

[sronsen]

Yeah, kind of odd that it doesn't come with a lightweight connector hose like most masks do. I'm sure that there's something out there that can be used. Was just starting to look for that at cpap.com when I read this here.

Just got mine today and jumped to the same conclusion. Unfortunately, there's a solution, but it could be easier:
I used a mask hose swivel-coupler from an old Breeze-Sleepware to connect the Dream Wear coupling to a Respironics Nuance "Swivel Tube W/Expiration, RP" hose. I discarded the exhalation port portion. It's a 12" long , very soft and stretchy hose ideal for this use. The old Breeze fitting provides the mate between the 18.4 mm male Dream Wear input to 15.6 mm Nuance output without necessitating any modification to the Dream Wear fitting.

Puritan Bennett, the manufacturer of the Breeze currently lists Part Number Y-101976-00 for their hose and coupler. It's the coupler shown on the end of the hose in Puritab Bennet's picture to which I am referring - the other end of the hose has no fitting. My coupler is removable from the rubber hose end. I don't know if the listed coupler is the same as mine, as some of my Breeze parts go back 15 years and there have been many small changes since. I can say that this assembly in total won't mate with the Dream Wear - it needs the Nuance hose, nor is the Breeze hose as flexible and elastic as that from the Nuance.

With the dimensions I've provided, perhaps someone can find a better or more easily available adapter or someone else also has years of spare parts lying around which may work and still be available.

Now that I got that solved, I'm looking forward to trying the Dream Wear tonight.

If anyone would like some pictures, please let me know and I will go to the effort of posting and linking them.

[RogerSC]

Yeah, kind of odd that it doesn't come with a lightweight connector hose like most masks do. I'm sure that there's something out there that can be used. Was just starting to look for that at cpap.com when I read this here.

Just got mine today and jumped to the same conclusion. Unfortunately, there's a solution, but it could be easier:
I used a mask hose swivel-coupler from an old Breeze-Sleepware to connect the Dream Wear coupling to a Respironics Nuance "Swivel Tube W/Expiration, RP" hose. I discarded the exhalation port portion. It's a 12" long , very soft and stretchy hose ideal for this use. The old Breeze fitting provides the mate between the 18.4 mm male Dream Wear input to 15.6 mm Nuance output without necessitating any modification to the Dream Wear fitting.

I think that I'm the one that the original quote above came from. When I tried the mask, though, I had no problems without having a connector hose. I didn't use the hose hanger that I use for my Swift FX, having the hose come off the top of my head turned out just fine. The hose just goes along the top of my pillow, and didn't pull too much.

I was more bothered by noise issues, as was my wife. She also noticed that it was louder than she's used to with the Swift FX. I needed a good night's sleep last night, so I went back to the Swift FX, so I may try the DreamWear again tonight to see if I can get it quiet enough so that I can get to sleep.

[RogerSC]

First time with DreamWear last night. Lay awake for over an hour before I switched back to the Swift FX and went to sleep. Didn't work so well for side-sleeping for me, pretty noisy mask. I've mentioned that I'm a light sleeper, well, this one was just too loud for me last night. Don't think that there were major leaks, but there's a enough noise associated with this mask that I'm not used to that made it a problem. May give it one more try tonight, and see if I can't get it to be quieter. If I can't, then it's going back, since going to sleep isn't something that I can do without *smile*.

It's comfortable enough, but I may need to tighten things up to quiet them down. We'll see. But initially too noisy for this light sleeper *smile*.

The loud noise from Dreamwear originated from the nasal bridge-slit area, through there were no leaks. The loud turbulence would interfere with sleep.
From where did your Dreamwear mask noise arise ?

The noise didn't seem to come from one place to me, although I was trying more not to listen to it *smile*. I also wear earplugs, that tends to mute noises and I lose directional perception as well with earplugs. Just enough general airflow noise that I couldn't get to sleep with it. I haven't given up on it yet, though, I liked not having the hose coming off my nose. And the swivel on the top of my head was fine.

I did also feel from time to time that I wasn't getting enough air, although the nasal piece and frame are the right size for me (both are medium). If I can work out the details, it might become my #1.

[sronsen]

I was more bothered by noise issues, as was my wife. She also noticed that it was louder than she's used to with the Swift FX. I needed a good night's sleep last night, so I went back to the Swift FX, so I may try the DreamWear again tonight to see if I can get it quiet enough so that I can get to sleep.

Welcome to the club. I tell new uses to try as many as they can get from their DME. What works for one may be hated by another, and that's alright - be particular. I noted that my profile has not been updated, as I thought, but that old Breeze, which I got after two nights with a nasal mask, is still my fallback, albeit with a whole list of modifications. I'm still trying to adjust to my TAP PAP and maybe I'll learn not to drool with it soon. I must say, if you're interested in quiet, nothing comes close to it, and I have a box of half the nasal pillow masks ever made. The thin and light hose was a feature of the Breeze, and like you, once used to a particular comfort, I'm greatly reluctant to give it up. The primary appeal of the Dream Wear to me is the overhead connection. It's one of the few that's designed primarily to be connected overhead. Most others are severely compromised when fed from above, like the Nuance or the Aloha. The TAP PAP is overhead fed, but it's supply hose is too short and stiff. I posted a suggestion to use the Nuance hose in its stead.

I hope I have a better experience with noise than you've had to date. Again, once you know how quiet a mask can be, you don't want to give it up.

[RogerSC]

Okay, I did a direct comparison of the Swift FX with the DreamWear for noise, switching from one right to the other several times, and the DreamWear is enough louder than the FX, it was interesting. I made the DreamWear as quiet as I could, no leaks, just lying there, and the DreamWear is back in the box it came in *smlle*. Too bad, another one bites the dust, as they say.

I'm not one of those lucky souls that can ignore noise, unfortunately.

So it goes.

[sronsen]

I'm not one of those lucky souls that can ignore noise, unfortunately.

Neither can I. First night impressions: This is the loudest mask I recall ever using, and the noise is not leak or vent related. It appears to result from turbulence within the two strap/tubes or at the hose connection. No adjustments or vent blocking seem to affect the sound, although therapy pressure may. My pressure ranged from 10.2 - 11.8 last night (no EPR or ramping), and I recall awakening a couple of times when the noise was much diminished. However, I've learned not to put much faith in half-awake impressions. The noise was otherwise very consistent and unaffected by inhalation and exhalation, so I might be able to get used to it as loud white noise, although its pitch may call "gray noise" into usage. On the other hand, it's more comfortable than any other mask I've used which touches the cheeks, which includes everything except the Breeze, TAP PAP and the defunct Headrest. As others have reported, there is no venting onto the face or eyes. It left some face marks, but they were pretty minor and disappeared by the time I finished shaving - I hadn't used the pads which are just more parts to clean. The reason why I will continue trying this mask is that I have been plagued for the past 10 years with regular awakening from nasal drip which I suspect is caused by nasal pillow irritation. Last night, I never had to awake to wipe my nose, which is a big deal. I'm rarely troubled with any nose pain once I've properly adjusted a new mask, and the Dream Wear didn't induce any pain no matter how it was adjusted. Leak-free adjustment was easy. My HI and AHI numbers were in their typically low range (0.1/1.9) for the night.

Last night I used the hose modification I recently listed. I'll try with the normal hose tonight, although I'm pretty sure it will result in less comfort. With the Nuance hose, I never sensed any pull or tug from the hose. I doubt the extra hose and its connection affect the noise, but I owe it to all to confirm that. The noise seems associated with vibrations in the mask's integral hose straps and not in the Nuance or primary CPAP hoses. I'm also taking some medication this week which isn't conducive to restful sleeping and may be increasing my sensitivity to the noise, so between getting used to the noise and getting off the meds, this may be a keeper - until the next innovation comes along.

[Cardsfan]

After 3 nights, of trying to use the Dreamwear:
I'm getting used to the noise, to where it doesn't bother me. yea.
And I find it to be very comfortable. Overall, I give it a thumbs up. BUT-
the problem I have is the back strap sliding up. Still trying to figure out how to stop that. When I move in my sleep, the hose at the top of my head tugs on the mask, pulling it up. (I think) And the design of where the back strap attaches to the silicone mask should be about an inch lower. which would totally fit me perfect.
Pulling the back strap tighter just gave me a headache. Last night at 2am I switched back to my old mask to get some sleep.
I really want to like the Dreamwear, it has so many positive points. Just need to figure out how to keep the back strap from sliding up.

[UMTerp]

Overall, I give it a thumbs up. BUT-
the problem I have is the back strap sliding up. Still trying to figure out how to stop that. When I move in my sleep, the hose at the top of my head tugs on the mask, pulling it up. (I think) And the design of where the back strap attaches to the silicone mask should be about an inch lower. which would totally fit me perfect.

I used two pieces of the stick on velcro on the back strap and it has helped a great deal. The other thing I do is pull the strap way down on the back of my head and put it under my hair.

[Super zzz]

BUT-
the problem I have is the back strap sliding up. Still trying to figure out how to stop that. When I move in my sleep, the hose at the top of my head tugs on the mask, pulling it up. (I think) And the design of where the back strap attaches to the silicone mask should be about an inch lower. which would totally fit me perfect.
Pulling the back strap tighter just gave me a headache. Last night at 2am I switched back to my old mask to get some sleep.
I really want to like the Dreamwear, it has so many positive points. Just need to figure out how to keep the back strap from sliding up.

The back strap sliding up with any contact with the pillow is why I had to give up on the Dream Wear. When I was fitted all was well with the mask function. Never thought for a minute to check the stability of the head gear. Tried tightening the strap during the night after the strap slipped and woke up with the mask sucking to my nose.

[Pugsy]

The back strap sliding up thing is something I have had on a sporadic basic with the Swift FX nasal pillows, the ResMed AirFit P10 and now with the DreamWear.
I have been fortunate as it doesn't happen often and when it does it doesn't seem to affect the seal and any wake ups caused by it are minimal.
And I always put that back strap way down on the back of my head down near the occipital protuberance (that little bump on the back of the skull down near the top of the spine). My occipital protuberance is not very big so it is relatively easy for that back strap to slide up.

I can get a "more secure" headgear in that it doesn't slide up with one of the other brands of nasal pillows but for me that means "more stuff on my head" as their headgear is just more of it..more straps and thicker straps...and my preference for "less on my face and head" overrides the occasional sliding up thing.
I don't know what I would do if the sliding up thing was more of an issue and woke me more often or caused massive leaks.
This is why I say I will give up a little bit on stability for the overall nothingness of some masks headgear...like the P10 and even this DreamWear.

We each have to decided exactly where our own preferences are and use the mask that meets the bulk of our own preferences.
I haven't found a mask yet that meets 100% of my preferences list that doesn't have at least one "con".
Nothing is perfect...there's always some little "con" so I have to decide if the "con" is a deal breaker or not.
Sometimes it is and sometimes it isn't.

My initial complaint of the noise with the DreamWear has become a non issue now. I don't hear it even when awake and trying to listen for it.

Will be 3 weeks tomorrow night that I have been using the DreamWear.

[gasp]

I agree the noise is a nonissue. I've noticed that it takes a few minutes for the nasal mask to warm up then it seals beautifully. Within my first few uses I was able to get the headgear tension just tight enough (not very), and loose enough (surprisingly looser than one would think it should be) and three headgear just stays put. I have a ton of waist length hair in a ponytail at night that might have something to do with this success.

[n2it]

The back strap sliding up thing is something I have had on a sporadic basic with the Swift FX nasal pillows, the ResMed AirFit P10 and now with the DreamWear.
I have been fortunate as it doesn't happen often and when it does it doesn't seem to affect the seal and any wake ups caused by it are minimal.
And I always put that back strap way down on the back of my head down near the occipital protuberance (that little bump on the back of the skull down near the top of the spine). My occipital protuberance is not very big so it is relatively easy for that back strap to slide up.

I can get a "more secure" headgear in that it doesn't slide up with one of the other brands of nasal pillows but for me that means "more stuff on my head" as their headgear is just more of it..more straps and thicker straps...and my preference for "less on my face and head" overrides the occasional sliding up thing.
I don't know what I would do if the sliding up thing was more of an issue and woke me more often or caused massive leaks.
This is why I say I will give up a little bit on stability for the overall nothingness of some masks headgear...like the P10 and even this DreamWear.

We each have to decided exactly where our own preferences are and use the mask that meets the bulk of our own preferences.
I haven't found a mask yet that meets 100% of my preferences list that doesn't have at least one "con".
Nothing is perfect...there's always some little "con" so I have to decide if the "con" is a deal breaker or not.
Sometimes it is and sometimes it isn't.

My initial complaint of the noise with the DreamWear has become a non issue now. I don't hear it even when awake and trying to listen for it.

Will be 3 weeks tomorrow night that I have been using the DreamWear.

Excellent post ( as always) and you're right on with the strap placement. That's where I keep my straps and they NEVER stray.

[n2it]

I agree the noise is a nonissue. I've noticed that it takes a few minutes for the nasal mask to warm up then it seals beautifully. Within my first few uses I was able to get the headgear tension just tight enough (not very), and loose enough (surprisingly looser than one would think it should be) and three headgear just stays put. I have a ton of waist length hair in a ponytail at night that might have something to do with this success.

You have concurred with what I have been saying about this mask from day one: it is way too easy to over-tighten this mask. It may feel loose but when you look at the data in Sleepyhead the next day one will find that they either experienced no mask leak or a very minimal leak. Over tighten the mask and you won't realize those results.

[Ladyflower]

I've only used the Dreamwear mask once last night, but I liked it. I'm used to very minimal headgear on the AirFit P10 nasal pillow mask. The only way I could keep that headgear from sliding around on my head was by wearing it with the top strap over my hair toward the top of my head and the bottom strap underneath my hair to hold it in place. If I tried wearing both straps over my hair it would just slide around and I couldn't keep a good fit. I did the same thing with the Dreamwear - placed the top latex strap at the top of my head and the bottom straps under my hair to hold it in place. I really, really like the hose connect at the top of the head! I was able to roll over without tugging or moving the tubing. I didn't use the cheek pads, but I might try tonight. It didn't bother me while I was wearing it, but this morning when I took the mask off my cheeks were sweaty where the straps were. I'm used to the AirFit P10 with the fabric headgear.