DreamWear FFM Life Expectancy

[Hulk]

ETA: DreamWear FFM Life Expectancy

Trying to keep all my newbie posts in a single thread ... still looking for advice on 1 & 2 below but also wondering:

What is the life expectancy of the DreamWear full face mask?

I've stopped washing it every day about 2 weeks in (and felt guilty af about it until I found this board ) ... I wipe it down every morning (and sometimes middle of the night if I have an extra drooly night) and have used it daily for an average of 6 hours. Just this week it has started to feel a bit floppy and the seal, while still effective, is not as secure. My med supplier wrote that a new mask (cushion?) would be needed every month, but I am seeing that many people are able to use theirs for much longer.

Does anyone else use the dreamwear ffm and find that it lasts about a month? I LOVE the mobility and low profile of this mask and it only costs me like $22 oop per mask so I can swing the cost ... but I am willing to try something else if I can get the same results with a product that will last longer.


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OG POST: CPAPvengers Assemble!
Wed Dec 18, 2019 11:58 pm

I’ve officially reached 1 month of CPAP use and it has been life changing! But I have a few minor irritants that I’m hoping you all can assist with.

1) I drool, a lot .... have my whole life. Normally it’s gross but with the full face mask
2) Be it the drool or the mask...idk but I am mad breaking out. Any acne defeating tips?
3) the process of getting my mask on/set up fully wakes me up...Especially when I wake mid sleep to pee or what not.
4) my machine is wicked loud when I don’t used the humidifier part. Is there a button I missed or do I just need to keep the humidifier attached even when not being actively used?


Possible important bg: I’m an overweight mouth breather who moves around in my sleep a lot and frequently travels (in this first month I’ve already successfully taken my cpap on a plane!)

[ChicagoGranny]

3) the process of getting my mask on/set up fully wakes me up...Especially when I wake mid sleep to pee or what not.

Don't take the mask off! Release the hose for restroom trips. Keep the mask on once set up for the night.

I use a hose quick connect, https://www.cpap.com/productpage/hose-quick-connect , between the hose and machine. If I have to get up during the night, I disconnect the hose from the machine and wrap the hose around my neck. The mask stays on.

[palerider]

4) my machine is wicked loud when I don’t used the humidifier part. Is there a button I missed or do I just need to keep the humidifier attached even when not being actively used?

If it's "wicked loud", then it may be defective, take it back and have them check it, though the humidifier does act as a bit of a muffler.

[D.H.]

To the OP:

Yes, this machine is much quieter with the humidifier. I suggest that you attach the humidifier when using the machine. You can turn it off if you don't want humidification.

[palerider]

To the OP:

Yes, this machine is much quieter with the humidifier. I suggest that you attach the humidifier when using the machine. You can turn it off if you don't want humidification.

Thank you, corporal obvious.

[Hulk]

If I have to get up during the night, I disconnect the hose from the machine and wrap the hose around my neck. The mask stays on.

I am now imagining channeling my inner Brittany



and with such a reasonable cost point definitely worth trying! Thanks!

[Hulk]

If it's "wicked loud", then it may be defective, take it back and have them check it, though the humidifier does act as a bit of a muffler.

To be fair ... I listen to TV at a volume of 5 max in the evening because its too loud otherwise so I may be more sensitive to it. That being said, I will definitely bring it up at my appointment in JAN because I would like to have the smaller footprint option for travel purposes and I would hate to have a defunct machine.

[Hulk]

shameless bump for new question in OP

[ChicagoGranny]

Does anyone else use the dreamwear ffm and find that it lasts about a month?

Generally, masks last much longer than what DMEs and medical professionals quote. I have a Dreamwear FFM that has lasted a very long time. But, this will vary among individual users.

Personally, I only replace mask cushions once they start leaking or become uncomfortable.

but I am willing to try something else if I can get the same results with a product that will last longer.

The Dreamwear FFM is a great mask. Since you like it so much, you probably will have trouble finding an acceptable replacement. And, the cushions of most masks are made of silicone, so the wear factor might be the same in any replacement you would try.

[Hulk]

Thank you @ChicagoGranny!!!

I have a Dreamwear FFM that has lasted a very long time. But, this will vary among individual users.

May I ask what your cleaning routine is? I've read here that can impact the silicone :shrugs:

[ChicagoGranny]

May I ask what your cleaning routine is?

I take a hot bath 5 to 7 times per week and brush and floss my teeth two or three times per day.

[ChicagoGranny]

May I ask what your cleaning routine is? I've read here that can impact the silicone :shrugs:

The cushion gets washed in warm water and Dawn dishwashing liquid once per week. Since our tap water contains some minerals, I sling off as much rinse water as practical and then let the cushion dry. Mineral buildup on the cushion will cause discoloration, but the mask is still very useable.

[turbo]

May I ask what your cleaning routine is?

I take a hot bath 5 to 7 times per week and brush and floss my teeth two or three times per day.

I don't care who you are, but that funny right there

[Hulk]

May I ask what your cleaning routine is?

I take a hot bath 5 to 7 times per week and brush and floss my teeth two or three times per day.

You are hands down my new favorite internet stranger!!!

The cushion gets washed in warm water and Dawn dishwashing liquid once per week. Since our tap water contains some minerals, I sling off as much rinse water as practical and then let the cushion dry. Mineral buildup on the cushion will cause discoloration, but the mask is still very useable.

Thank you!

[Cpapian]

For the drool ...... you could try a mask liner ...... Pad-a-cheek has one for the dreamwear ffm. It won't stop the drool, but will catch it. Might even help with the break outs.