DreamWear mask

I have happily used the DreamWear mask since it first came out. I used the medium frame that came with the fit pack ok, but asked for a small frame and like it much better. Snug seems to be the answer with this mask.
The strap slips up a bit sometimes, but if I briefly awaken to fix it, it is no big deal for me. Does not happen every night.
I agree, no marks on my face (I do use the fleece covers), and the hose at the top of my head is literally a no-brainer.

If you get one from our host company, be sure to call them, they will give a price that is better than advertised due to the manufacturer stipulating published prices.

QueSera wrote:Just had my second night with the Dreamwear (small/small) and had my best two nights since I started CPAP just over two months ago. I had so much trouble with mask fit and leaks, tried many masks and adjustments, and got the Dreamwear in desperation, thinking there was no way it would really work. It is heaven for me. In addition to the top of the head connection, the main vent is at the top of the head, so, nowhere near me eyes. (There's another small vent near at the nose piece, but I don't notice it unless the blanket slips up over my nose before I fall asleep.) I have slept both nights without removing it once to re-seat it.

Curiously, the MyAir app seems to see the Dreamwear as a nasal mask instead of a nasal pillow; ill have to check that so I can correct the settings on my Airsense 10 and in Sleepyhead. But so far ... very good.

The App is correct, it is a nasal mask

If you can put your hair in a pony tail with a tighter band, it helps hold the back strap of the Dreamwear down. I also will use a barrette or bobby pins. I think the company needs to redesign the headgear to prevent slipping though. It's annoying. But I like it better than other types of masks.

I recently received a DreamWear mask from a gracious friend (thank you, SS ), and have used it successfully for the past five nights.

From reading all of the many reviews here, I wasn't sure if I was going to like it at all, but I was willing to give it a try. When I tried the mask on the first time, I realized that the headgear was definitely going to 'ride up' on me because it was too short; the bottom edge of the headgear hit on the bottom edge of the crown of my head. So, I took two velcro straps from other masks- attached them together, and made a second strap to go underneath the DreamWear headgear. And now, the head gear works perfectly. It is still adjustable. And it does not slip or move at all. (if you don't have extra velcro straps, you can also use the long velcro cable ties/ straps; they work the same way.)

The second thing I noticed about the DreamWear (and someone else had mentioned also) was that the swivel piece at the top kept slipping out of the hose easily. I modified this by using a piece of medical tape (the kind they use in hospitals after putting an IV in.) I wrapped the tape around the swivel and hose a couple of times, being careful not to block the vents. Connection still swivels; no disconnect now.

From night one, I've slept soundly with this mask and I am amazed! Even more so, because I had a wicked migraine all weekend and was able to sleep with zero mask problems

I am using a Medium frame with a Small cushion, and tried a Medium cushion night before last to see how the fit was. I noticed that I could hear air moving/ my breathing? through the frame with the Medium cushion, but it wasn't really bothersome to me. I slept fine and my AHI wasn't changed. So not sure now if I can use both Small & Medium cushions? Does anyone else use two sizes?

Does anyone know how long these frames and cushions last, and if 'life' can be brought back to cushions with boiling method?

Thank you!

My nose piece is the original and is probably had 3 months of use by now. It seems to be OK but I've ordered a new one from a local CPAP place just in case.

I've allowed some space between the end of the mattress and the head board to accommodate the hose and have had no issues with the hose disconnecting from the mask.

The beauty of the Dreamwear is that I am not fighting the hose during the night. I can rotate 360 degrees if I want and this freedom is a real plus. I wonder how long it will be until other manufacturers wake up to this fact.

Sleepy eyes, can you post a photo of your modification of the strap?

Janknitz wrote:Sleepy eyes, can you post a photo of your modification of the strap?

Hi Jan- yes, I'd be happy to. But first I need to figure out how to put photos on imgr? Then I'll post a a few showing my modifications for others

SleepyEyes21 wrote:

Janknitz wrote:Sleepy eyes, can you post a photo of your modification of the strap?

Hi Jan- yes, I'd be happy to. But first I need to figure out how to put photos on imgr? Then I'll post a a few showing my modifications for others

Somewhere there is a link that shows how to post photos on imgr. I'm sure someone will point you in the right direction. Looking forward to seeing the photos!

Okay- going to try to post photos using imgur of the second headgear strap I made for the DreamWear. The site has changed somewhat from the directions I found for it, so I hope this link works:

http://imgur.com/a/M1biC


The first picture shows two velcro straps taken from other masks, laying side by side.

In the second pic, you flip the mask upside down (so the original headgear is nearest to you)- then fasten the two velcro straps together and slide them under the DreamWear frame, just below the original headgear.

In the third picture, bring the ends of the velcro straps around to attach back to itself to complete the second headgear strap. *Note that one end will have to twist to 'catch' onto the velcro; both ends are still adjustable, as needed.

Very simple fix, and keeps the headgear from moving or riding up. Hope this helps others

Jan, while I don't have my Dreamwear mask 'tightened up' to piggy nose, it doesn't really leak. I've consistently little leakage now and my AHI is below one. Why it is so LOUD when the air hits the sheets is a puzzle to me. Why would it be louder and more abrasive than say the Swift (nasal pillow), which has just as much air coming out. Frustrating as it is quite comfortable otherwise. Alas, this is just going to be a backup mask for when my nose is sore unless I can figure out that sound problem.

SewTired wrote:Jan, while I don't have my Dreamwear mask 'tightened up' to piggy nose, it doesn't really leak. I've consistently little leakage now and my AHI is below one. Why it is so LOUD when the air hits the sheets is a puzzle to me. Why would it be louder and more abrasive than say the Swift (nasal pillow), which has just as much air coming out. Frustrating as it is quite comfortable otherwise. Alas, this is just going to be a backup mask for when my nose is sore unless I can figure out that sound problem.

It's loud because there is nothing whatsoever to diffuse it. That said, I find the angle is fairly good at missing my bedclothes, and when the airstream is not interrupted I don't hear it. I occasionally hear the vent at the top but that's easily moved so it doesn't get obstructed.

My first post...this mask is the reason I am successful using the machine. Before the mask, I thought it would never happen. Love this mask..well as much as you can love having to use them

elliottsmama wrote:My first post...this mask is the reason I am successful using the machine. Before the mask, I thought it would never happen. Love this mask..well as much as you can love having to use them

Welcome to the forum, elliottsmama

Very glad to hear that the DreamWear mask is the key to your success in adapting to cpap- that's awesome!!

Are you experiencing any difficulties with the headgear slipping or riding up like others have had, or leaks, etc. and what have you done to manage them if so?

Thanks!

BTW, sleepy eyes, thanks for the photos. I get it now and it's a great mod!

Janknitz wrote:

SewTired wrote:Jan, while I don't have my Dreamwear mask 'tightened up' to piggy nose, it doesn't really leak. I've consistently little leakage now and my AHI is below one. Why it is so LOUD when the air hits the sheets is a puzzle to me. Why would it be louder and more abrasive than say the Swift (nasal pillow), which has just as much air coming out. Frustrating as it is quite comfortable otherwise. Alas, this is just going to be a backup mask for when my nose is sore unless I can figure out that sound problem.

It's loud because there is nothing whatsoever to diffuse it. That said, I find the angle is fairly good at missing my bedclothes, and when the airstream is not interrupted I don't hear it. I occasionally hear the vent at the top but that's easily moved so it doesn't get obstructed.

Ok, I will continue to figure it out. It could simply be that my arrangement of pillows is the problem. I'm not sure I'm psychologically ready to rid myself of another pillow. It's tough. It's like a nighttime security blanket (well sortof), when I can't sleep. I do like the comfort of the thing though.