adjusting sleep weaver advance cloth mask

I'm still seeking a mask that works for me. Currently I'm trying the sleep weaver cloth mask. I like the feel of it on my face - no pressure points. But it is so fussy to adjust. I keep viewing the video to glean tips for donning the thing..... When I go to bed it takes a good while to get it just right so that there are no leaks. 3 or 4 hours later I wake up because the mask has shifted slightly and my face is cold from the leaks. Because I was finally able to send back the modem I no longer have to endure the discomfort and I take the mask off and sleep the rest of the night without it. I know this is not good.

The straps are tight enough - I think. Any advice? Try a special pillow? Give up on the mask and try something else?

Giving your post a bump up for other Sleep Weaver users to see.
Seems like some people have better luck with a different model of Sleep Weaver sometimes. Have you tried the Elan?

I found the Advance had too large a nose hole for me: a close fit around my little beak is necessary
to keep it from shifting wildly about. Had they made a smaller size, I believe I might favor it over the Elan.
I was sad to send the Advance back, (it was so comfy); but alas, I never got my leaks in a decent range.
I have to be creative to make the regular élan work; a small would be perfect (hint, hint).

Hi - I couldn't get the Advance to work either, but the Elan is just right.

A couple tricks - that would probably apply to all cloth masks:
- the straps have to be LOOSE! I pull my mask on and off over my head. I don't "unstrap" the mask to put it on. (Shows you how loose it is)
- wash your face before you go to bed.
- if you have little leaks on the sides your pillow will stop those. it's the leaks into the eyes that are most annoying. Pull the maks down to the tip of your nose and move it up SLOWLY to see where the best spot is.
- I use an over the counter "eye lubricating ointment" before I go to bed. It really helps.
- warm up the mask in your hand for a minute or two before you turn on the blower. The fabric is very stiff when it is cold and tends to leak more.
- turn up the heat in your humidifier a little bit. if the air does leak a little then it's not so annoying.
- hose management is up to you. i sleep with the hose under the covers along my body. I think it just takes a bit to get used to moving the mask / hose when you turn over. It is different than a plastic mask.
- use a silver sharpie to mark where the ends of the straps go.

Of course YMMV! HTH!

Thank you for the responses. I have not tried the elan. I will find out if I can send the advance back or if I have to wait another thirty days to try a different mask. I have a small nose so maybe the elan will work. I hope.

In the meanwhile I will try the suggestions for strap adjustment. Is "eye lubricating ointment" an eye drop or something that you rub on the skin around the eye? I will look for it after work today.

I find that a simple artificial tears drop on arising works for me;
There are also gel or lubricant drops to use before bed.
It would be good to ask your eye doctor which ones would be best for you.
Sometimes they have SAMPLES!
Avoid anything like a red-eye remedy--the drugs may dry your eye worse.

Thanks, I bought some artificial tears, will crank up the humidifier, readjust the straps and see how it goes tonight.

I tried the Élan when it first came out. I sent it back. Could not stop the leaks. I now have an Advanced. I love that mask. It is much smaller to me than the Élan. I can use my glasses better with it than the Élan. However, I will as that leaks are a problem. I tug at each side where it connects to the mask. Then tug on the top strap. My top strap is very loose. I find that some nights I have very few leaks and the next night I can't stop it. Someone a while back, maybe Chunkyfrog, mentioned doing a little altering on the nose hole to close it down a bit. I thought about doing that. Went back to Activa LT for 2 nights and thought the hard plastic would kill me. I think it just takes practice to find the sweet spot.

Circadience, if you read this post, a woman's size mask would be a good thing or at least a smaller "nose hole" option. And many folks have mentioned a full face mask. I would be willingntontry it for you. LOL.

The eye lubricant comes in a tiny little tube and is a bit on the pricey side. You put it directly in your eye. My eye doctor recommended it. You should probably consult your eye doctor. I would start with artificial tears. Use some before you go to sleep and when you get up. There are different formulas for "natural tears" so if you don't like one brand try another. Just look at the ingredients to tell them apart.

My first elan was frustrating. I went back to my true blue mask and ABSOLUTELY HATED IT. So I dealt with the leaks and adjusting, etc. But I got another Elan and it must be sewn differently because it is a DREAM. You can buy a replacement elan (w/o headgear) for $25 at cpap.com. If you really want to make it work, you might get a second one and see if it fits differently.

I ordered one yesterday (free shipping) Pink--crossing my fingers.
any improvement will be welcome!
Edit: Monica had posted the alteration to the nose hole.
If I can find it I will link.