Dreaweaver Cloth CPAP Mask?

[MoonBear]

Hi, I am just facing a diagnosis of sleep apnea. I found the Dreamweaver soft cloth CPAP mask online, and it make a lot of sense and also looks 1000% more comfortable than plastic masks. I find the smell of plastic can kick up asthma so, even though I am a mouth breather, I'd be willing to try to tape my mouth shut for a CPAP mask that was comfortable and as quiet as this "elephant' nose" mask looks. Has anyone tried these yet? Any feedback?

Gratefully,
MoonBear

[Emilia]

Hi,
You actually mean... Sleepweaver, not Dreamweaver. I have one and like it very much. I currently use the Swift LT for Her nasal pillows, but the Sleepweaver is a very comfortable mask to use if you prefer a nasal mask. However, if you do a search on the Sleepweaver on this forum, you will find that it isn't for everyone. It seems you either love it and have no issues, or you have all kinds of leaks and problems. I had a leak at the bridge of my nose, but I was able to seal it easily with the use of a strip of padded mole skin. I use it as my back up mask now. Not all insurances will cover this mask so if you are using insurance, ask first! It runs about $127 and I have never seen it on sale anywhere.

[brazospearl]

Welcome to the forum, MoonBear! Congratulations on doing your research before you order your equipment. Read everything you can here; the learning curve is steep, and it's expensive if you pay for something that isn't what you need.

I started my cpap therapy with the Sleepweaver, and I think it's an excellent mask for newbies. It's much lighter and softer than any other mask, and that makes is easier to tolerate. I never could get the leaks where I wanted them to be, and needed nasal pillows for my stuffy nose, so I switched to the Hybrid. But I have the Sleepweaver as my backup. Finding the right mask is sort of like finding the perfect jeans...what works for one might not work for another, so keep in mind that you might need to try several masks before you find one that works well for you.

Ask us anything; we're here to help!

[Janknitz]

A lot of people like the Sleepweaver, but it is tricky to get a good seal.

If it turns out not to be for you, there are a few things to know about the plastics/silicone in CPAP equipment if the volatiles tend to trigger your asthma as they do mine.

First, wash everything thoroughly and rinse and dry it thoroughly. I use Seventh Generation dish soap--no color and it's unscented. The masks break down into many parts, make sure you put them together correctly again.

Second, let everything air out for a few days--masks and hose. That should disappate most of the volatiles used in manufacturing that might irritate your lungs. This works well for me.

The "allergy" air filter on my CPAP machine is very helpful--I'm breathing clean, filtered air all night. Change it often.

Make sure you understand your machine's EPR or flex settings (exhalation pressure relief) as that's really helpful when you have asthma since the hardest thing is breathing out against pressure.

Good luck.

[M.D.Hosehead]

I'd like to remind everyone that the Sleepweaver is the only mask at cpap.com that offers a free trial. If you send it back, you're only out the postage.

[jazzer4]

Really????
I just got one about a month ago. I didn't know that.

I can't stop the leaks using it, but it sure is comfortable.

I need to fuss with it all night long. It's really ashame b/c I would love it use it everynight.

[sleepydawn]

I'd like to remind everyone that the Sleepweaver is the only mask at cpap.com that offers a free trial. If you send it back, you're only out the postage.

I didn't know that. Thank you for the head's up!

[elena88]

Hi little moonbear,
I posted on your first thread, but forgot to mention.. plastic smells make me absolutely nausated too..

so, when you get your new mask wash it in baby shampoo, the hose too, that will take care of it..

I suggested you try the swift fx mask first, at least have them try that on you first at the dme or docs office..

if you hate the idea of something strapped to your face, the swift fx literally just sets on it.. sets against your nose and rests on your head..

I thought I would try the sleep weaver mask too, but I read some pretty mixed reviews.. and it is JUST a nasal mask, so its not going to
cover your mouth, so I would try the swift fx first... its less intrusive that a nose mask.. but if you need a mask, that sleep weaver would
be the next step.. however, the plastic they use is like a gel, its very soft these days.. very soft..

I hope that you do not ever have to go to a full face mask, I cant tolerate one myself.. so I just stuck with the nose pillows and taping. now
I dont have to tape at all.. mouth stays shut all night out of habit.. I only taped a few weeks, and it worked..

[CohenFan]

I have been using the sleepweaver mask for about 3 months now, and I love it! But just recently, it has started to leak and make a very high pitched noise, which not only wakes me, but the husband and the two golden retrievers, who think the noise indicates something to retrieve! The mask is so comfortable and I want to keep using it. I would love some advice on how to stop the leak! Thanks, all!

[Tip10]

The Sleepweaver is and has been my mask of choice for the last 6 months or so. As others have said -- it'll either work for you or it won't. If you get hung up on having a zero leak line you aren't likely to get it with this mask. I do have leaks -- but they are always below below the limits my machine can compensate for and I'm able to get very good results with it -- AHI routinely between 0.4 and 1.4 -- more nights below 1.0 than above it.

Our host has it for $99 and it does have the return guarantee so it'll only cost shipping to try it out.

CohenFan -- the noise you are hearing is most likely coming from the swivel built into the hard plastic hose connection -- other masks also tend to emit the high pitched squeal from the swivels (used to have that a lot with my FX). If a good washing doesn't stop it you can try and lubricate the swivel -- a teeny tiny dab of vegetable oil might work.

[mdillge2]

New to cpap thearapy. been trying every mask I can get my hands on, as a sometimes stomach sleeper I love the dreamweaver. But like many here the leaks are a problem. I am wondering though if it is not really leaking. Is it possible it just feels different than other systems. Obviously when there is a really bad leak you know it, but that fluttering sensation on the nose, maybe is not a leak. I say this because I will put my fingers all around the nose piece and I there is no air blowing on my fingers. Is it possible for the CPAP machine/software/data to know whether a leak is present from a drop in pressure? (again, newbie, haven't had my first follow up yet.)

I contacted the company, because it seems there should be an option for this mask with its great top of the head design to also incorporate full on nasal pillow connection. They currently do not offer that, but why not? (I know some hate those, as they cause nose pain, sores, etc., but I use Lansinoh lanolin right in my nostrals and that cuts way down on pain occurances.) Maybe if more of us emailed the comnpany with the request for nasal pillows they might respond. cpap@cpap.com is the email.

[OkyDoky]

New to cpap thearapy. been trying every mask I can get my hands on, as a sometimes stomach sleeper I love the dreamweaver. But like many here the leaks are a problem. I am wondering though if it is not really leaking. Is it possible it just feels different than other systems. Obviously when there is a really bad leak you know it, but that fluttering sensation on the nose, maybe is not a leak. I say this because I will put my fingers all around the nose piece and I there is no air blowing on my fingers. Is it possible for the CPAP machine/software/data to know whether a leak is present from a drop in pressure? (again, newbie, haven't had my first follow up yet.)

I contacted the company, because it seems there should be an option for this mask with its great top of the head design to also incorporate full on nasal pillow connection. They currently do not offer that, but why not? (I know some hate those, as they cause nose pain, sores, etc., but I use Lansinoh lanolin right in my nostrals and that cuts way down on pain occurances.) Maybe if more of us emailed the comnpany with the request for nasal pillows they might respond. cpap@cpap.com is the email.

SleepyHead software reports leaks that your machine records. You can learn how to get it here. https://sleep.tnet.com/resources/sleepyhead
Your listed email is not the mask manufacturer but the online DME company that sponsors this forum.
If you are talking about the DreamWear mask it is made by Respironics.

[SewTired]

I use the Sleepweaver whenever I have sinus issues as it is much more comfortable. Have the very slightest leaks into the eyes and resolved that with a Walgreens sleep mask (bright blue) for about $8. As another person mentions, it either works for you or it leaks.

The SleepWeaver Advance Nasal CPAP Mask with Improved Zzzephyr Seal is a whole mask. When the fabric eventually wears out, you have to replace the entire mask. Nice though - stays on your head exactly where you put it. Great for side sleeping. Can even sleep on my face although I tend not to do that any longer.

SleepWeaver Elan Soft Cloth Nasal CPAP Mask has replaceable cloth 'cushions'. I find this leaker than the first one. I need to use the 'tether' to keep it in place.

While Medicare (which is what I have) will cover these masks, I have to actually drive to the Lincare office to get it since the warehouse won't carry it and that just doesn't work for me. The cushions for the Elan are replaced on a full face cushion schedule - once every 3 months. So, these remain a secondary mask for me and I buy them from our sponsor.