Dream Wear Mask - My opinion

I've been using the DreamWear mask for about a week now. I was having some air leaks in the beginning, but I discovered that I didn't have the straps tight enough. After I tightened them, it seals beautifully, and doesn't move when I roll over. The only problem I have is when the straps ride up in the back, which may happen once or twice a night. I need to attach the velco, as was recommended, to put a stop to that. I also put the RedMed padded sides on it. I really love this mask. For those who weren't sure what sizes are appropriate for them, it comes with a template that recommends the size of the cradle, and then there are diagrams that show the proper headgear size you should use.

I've tried the Dream Wear for 4 nights now, the small frame with medium cushion.

The pros for me are:
that it sits on the face instead of pillows in your nose
minimal headgear and lightness of the mask
hose on top of the head makes turning around very easy

The cons:
The headgear slides up even with pins and velcro and wakes me up
Headgear is close to my eyes
I find it noisy as the air goes through the frame
The exhaled air hits my pillow or bedding and wakes me up

I was really hoping to love this mask but have returned to the P10. I love the minimal headgear and diffuser. I just wish the pillows were more comfortable.

I just tried this mask on a patient that has very little mobility and is pretty much on her machine day and night. She was on nasal pillows but her nostrils needed a break. She was wary of nasal mask since many have the forehead piece which obstructs her view. I didnt have the Wisp mask with me so I told her about the Dream Wear. Mentioned that it was a new mask and she would be the first person trying it (for me) and lo and behold she really liked it! Fit well, nostrils got the rest they needed, no leaks etc.. It has now been a week and patient is still very happy with mask.

IrisofNY wrote:I've tried the Dream Wear for 4 nights now, the small frame with medium cushion.

The pros for me are:
that it sits on the face instead of pillows in your nose
minimal headgear and lightness of the mask
hose on top of the head makes turning around very easy

The cons:
The headgear slides up even with pins and velcro and wakes me up
Headgear is close to my eyes
I find it noisy as the air goes through the frame
The exhaled air hits my pillow or bedding and wakes me up

I was really hoping to love this mask but have returned to the P10. I love the minimal headgear and diffuser. I just wish the pillows were more comfortable.

How far down are you wearing the back strap? I've found that wearing it down further helps with the movement. It also sounds like you might need the medium size frame, it shouldn't be too close to your eyes per the sizing guide. That would also exacerbate the problem of having the headgear slide up on you.

I do wish the exhaled air was slightly more diffused, but I'm usually able to remedy this by making sure that my pillow/bedding aren't in range of the front vent.

IrisofNY wrote:I've tried the Dream Wear for 4 nights now, the small frame with medium cushion.

The pros for me are:
that it sits on the face instead of pillows in your nose
minimal headgear and lightness of the mask
hose on top of the head makes turning around very easy

The cons:
The headgear slides up even with pins and velcro and wakes me up
Headgear is close to my eyes
I find it noisy as the air goes through the frame
The exhaled air hits my pillow or bedding and wakes me up

I was really hoping to love this mask but have returned to the P10. I love the minimal headgear and diffuser. I just wish the pillows were more comfortable.

Excellent analysis. Thank you.

My Jury is still out on this one: I I have been back to my Airfit P10 pillows. The little slot on the side where you adjust the straps feels Like I am sleeping like a rock. Pugsy suggested putting a wrap around it but so far this one that came with the set is too long. I ordered a Small. They said that they were so swamped with orders on the "small frame" for Dream Wear, they were out of stock. I need to use it a little more. It looks like it is about 50/50 on forum members liking it and disliking it.

How far down are you wearing the back strap? I've found that wearing it down further helps with the movement. It also sounds like you might need the medium size frame, it shouldn't be too close to your eyes per the sizing guide. That would also exacerbate the problem of having the headgear slide up on you.

Thanks for the suggestions.
The back strap starts out low but just doesn't stay put. I tried the medium frame and it was too large and also close to my eyes.
I 've had this issue with other masks too. I think it's the shape of my face and head. That's why I like the minimal P10 headgear the most.

How do you know which size frame to get?

fmj13 wrote:How do you know which size frame to get?

I haven't seen a fit sizing guide for the frame.
Since the fit pack of cushions comes with the medium frame I would suggest start with that and see how it goes. The back strap is adjustable and there is some "give" to the frame itself.
Odds are the medium frame is going to work for the majority of people.

I didn't see this thread or I would posted this here: viewtopic/t108525/Dreamwear-Mask-and-New-Users.html

I LOVE THE MASK!!!

I just ordered the Fit Pack to try. I've liked my AirFit p10 for the most part, but I'm looking forward to trying the Dreamwear with the hose connection at the top. I always hate when it feels like the tube is pulling on my nose. I've read that the Dreamwear is not as good as diffusing the air as the AirFit p10 is, but I'll just get my husband back for blowing air in my face with his mask. Lol.

I hope you like the Dreamwear as much as I do. I absolutely cherish the fact that the hose is at the top of my head. I never feel it tugging etc... although I have read some posts where people have stated that they had an issue with it. My hose is kept between my headboard and the mattress. I move from my back to my left and right side during the night (although not as much now since beginning CPAP). But I am a side sleeper by nature and have no issues with the hose. It has never moved my mask or woken me up. Good luck and let me know how you do with the mask.

IrisofNY wrote:I've tried the Dream Wear for 4 nights now, the small frame with medium cushion.

The pros for me are:
that it sits on the face instead of pillows in your nose
minimal headgear and lightness of the mask
hose on top of the head makes turning around very easy

The cons:
The headgear slides up even with pins and velcro and wakes me up
Headgear is close to my eyes
I find it noisy as the air goes through the frame
The exhaled air hits my pillow or bedding and wakes me up

I was really hoping to love this mask but have returned to the P10. I love the minimal headgear and diffuser. I just wish the pillows were more comfortable.

Four "bad" points to this Dreamware: Too noisy, upper lip pressure, straps pulling up on cheeks, too easy to have leaks when air exit bar moves anteriorly when side sleeping.

BTW, since the venting is partly forward (and at the top head connector), a close bed partner could feel that anterior flow. But that is better than the masks which blow air on the user's hands when side sleeping. Wish masks blew only in 300 degrees circle, sparing the lower portion.

Physician wrote:Four "bad" points to this Dreamware: Too noisy, upper lip pressure, straps pulling up on cheeks, too easy to have leaks when air exit bar moves anteriorly when side sleeping.

BTW, since the venting is partly forward (and at the top head connector), a close bed partner could feel that anterior flow. But that is better than the masks which blow air on the user's hands when side sleeping. Wish masks blew only in 300 degrees circle, sparing the lower portion.

We get it, you don't like this mask...and you keep repeating yourself.

Too noisy:
I have not found this to be the case at all over my last month of use at my prescribed pressure (13-18 cm). My wife loves how quiet it is, and she is very sensitive to noise. I find it very quiet as well. It is true that it would be nice if the front vent was more diffused, but I have had no issues as long as my bedding is not within 6 inches of the air direction.

Upper lip pressure:
I have not experienced this either, and I don't feel any more pressure than I do with any other nasal mask. If someone is complaining about upper lip pressure with this mask...they have it on too tight.

Straps pulling up on cheeks:
What?

Leaks when side sleeping:
I sleep on my side much of the time, and have had no leak problems or any anterior movement. Leak rates are generally less than 2 liters per hour, unless I have a mouth leak. Most nights I have zero leak.

Is the DreamWear for everybody? Nope. But it is a truly unique and innovative design that is completely new to the market...and it just might be the perfect mask for many people out there. More choices are good for us, and anything that helps people be compliant with their therapy is a win.

[quote="garagelogician"]
Too noisy:
I have not found this to be the case at all over my last month of use at my prescribed pressure (13-18 cm). My wife loves how quiet it is, and she is very sensitive to noise. I find it very quiet as well. It is true that it would be nice if the front vent was more diffused, but I have had no issues as long as my bedding is not within 6 inches of the air direction.

Upper lip pressure:
I have not experienced this either, and I don't feel any more pressure than I do with any other nasal mask. If someone is complaining about upper lip pressure with this mask...they have it on too tight.

Straps pulling up on cheeks:
What?

Leaks when side sleeping:
I sleep on my side much of the time, and have had no leak problems or any anterior movement. Leak rates are generally less than 2 liters per hour, unless I have a mouth leak. Most nights I have zero leak."

I agree! I am new to XPAP but have been using this mask for three weeks. I have not found it to be noisy at all. I did have a bit of a problem with irritation under my nose but I think I had the straps too tight. Once I stopped doing that it has been fine. I did have minor dents on my cheeks but made a cozy and problem was solved. I do get some leaks when sleeping on my side. They are kind of bothersome but I am working on trying to resolve them quickly.

So far I love this mask!

UMTerp