Adjusting Dreamwear Mask?

[ThePrincess&ThePea]

I recently got the Dreamwear mask that everybody raves about and I agree, it is very comfortable... but I feel like I'm not getting enough air when I inhale because the opening where air comes into my nose isn't very big. Part of what I didn't like about my other mask is that it felt like part of the cushion was obstructing my nostrils while inhaling. Has anyone else felt this way? I'm almost tempted to try to make the hole bigger to see if that helps, but I'm afraid of totally ruining the cushion that I have.

[Sonnyboy]

I recently got the Dreamwear mask that everybody raves about and I agree, it is very comfortable... but I feel like I'm not getting enough air when I inhale because the opening where air comes into my nose isn't very big. Part of what I didn't like about my other mask is that it felt like part of the cushion was obstructing my nostrils while inhaling. Has anyone else felt this way? I'm almost tempted to try to make the hole bigger to see if that helps, but I'm afraid of totally ruining the cushion that I have.

I just checked your other thread and see you are using a small frame and cushion.
Does the frame fit correctly? A medium frame is recommended for most people.
If you feel the frame is the correct fit, try a larger cushion.

[SleepyEyes21]

I recently got the Dreamwear mask that everybody raves about and I agree, it is very comfortable... but I feel like I'm not getting enough air when I inhale because the opening where air comes into my nose isn't very big. Part of what I didn't like about my other mask is that it felt like part of the cushion was obstructing my nostrils while inhaling. Has anyone else felt this way? I'm almost tempted to try to make the hole bigger to see if that helps, but I'm afraid of totally ruining the cushion that I have.

Hi P & P, I can relate to what you are saying because that's how I always felt with most all nasal masks until I tried the DreamWear. Here are a few things to try/ check:

1) If you have any padding covering any part of the frame, take it off and check to be sure that the frame is not twisted underneath the padding (mine was at one point & difficult to tell with padding on; can affect the way the cushion sits at your nose);

2) Watch the video at cpap.com for fitting to see if the cushion is sitting in correct position or double-check instructions that came with your mask;

3) I am using a Medium frame with a Small cushion, but seem to be able to use a Medium cushion also. If your DME is close, you can go in for a fitting to see if you need a larger frame and/ or cushion. Did you get any extra cushions with your mask by any chance?

[Soosecip]

I've been using the DreamWare mask (Medium/Small)for 4 weeks now.
My measurements were Medium frame and small nasal.
I have adjusted the Ramp start from 5 to 7 and have found that has helped me immensely.

[bryansong]

I have been using the extra wide interface because it seems to fit my face better. I don't think I have an extra wide nose though.
Anyway, the air opening for extra wide is very large so I don't see where enlarging the opening would hurt but I guess you could
possibly damage the seal.

[PEF]

I got one of these mask also, but find it to horrible to use to sleep on my side. The small frame fits my head perfectly, but the cushion is a constant problem. I even tried a medium cushion, which was even more awful, (it slid around more). The cushion moves around while I am sleeping, sometimes blocking my nostrils. It also makes noise that tickles my sinuses, causing a runny nose in the middle of the night. It also is quiet sometimes, then suddenly starts making a lot of noise waking me up. The cushion has bulbs on both sides that dig into the sides of my nose.

In fact I am having a lot of trouble with my therapy now and I think it started right after starting this mask. Although I never use it anymore, I think the problems with it kind of freaked out my nervous system about cpap in general, so that even having gone back to the Swift and P10, I am waking up a lot more during the night.

Another thing - I have been using CPAP for about 7 months now and never had an AHI over around 1.7. I logged the days I wore the Dreamwear, which was about 1 week. Each night I wore the Dreamwear, my AHI had jumped to between 3.5 and 5.5. When I stopped wearing it, my AHI dropped back down. So it was not my imagination that it caused problems for me.

[Sonnyboy]

I doubt there is a perfect mask out there for every one simply because we are all so very different.
I liked the Airfit P10 but had a problem with leaks.

I love the Dreamwear mask because my leak problem is resolved. Last night my AHI was "0".
I can sleep in any position and the mask is very quiet.

My biggest problem with the Dreamwear mask is with my cat, Samantha, who is a little too interested in the air flowing from the vent at the top of my head.

[ThePrincess&ThePea]

Thanks so much for all of the responses!! I'm actually using a large frame with a small cushion. According to my measurements I have a big head, but a small nose. It did come with other sized cushions, but I haven't played with them much because I read somewhere that you should used the smallest cushion you can because that will give a better seal. My AHI hasn't really gone up using the Dreamwear mask, but it does leak a lot more than my other mask, which is the ResMed AirFit N10. The N10 has been okay, not great, but I do feel like it's easier to breathe with it. The Dreamwear makes me feel like I'm working hard to inhale. I don't have any extra covering on it though, so it's definitely not twisted. I'll try some of the other cushions and increase the ramp start as Soosecip suggested.

One thing about the N10 that kind of concerns me is that I have to tighten the straps so much that it's putting pressure on my upper lip and top teeth... I'm hoping that it's not going to make my teeth shift over time. Have any of you ever had that concern?

Sonnyboy, that's hilarious that your cat is interested in the air vent! My chihuahua barked at me my first night wearing the mask, but since then she's shown no interest whatsoever. lol