Dreamwear Full Face Mask

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
weroberts75
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Re: Dreamwear Full Face Mask

Post by weroberts75 » Tue Apr 10, 2018 7:32 am

pac wrote:
Mon Apr 09, 2018 2:31 pm

Curious on other experiences with the sizing of both the head gear and mask? I may try the Medium/Wide on my supply re-order next month but still tweaking my current medium/medium setup.

Regards,
Pac
The medium DreamWear frame and headgear fit me out of the box since my head is a pretty average size. I haven't been tempted to mess with that.
However, I learned last night that I can use either the small or the medium DreamWear Full Face cushion.

With the Amara View, the template had me as a medium, but neither the small nor the medium fit me correctly.
With the DreamWear full face template, my nose is clearly in the small range... it doesn't come close to the line for medium.
So, for the first two weeks, I used the small DreamWear insert and was overall very pleased.
But, of course, I had to try the medium for comparison.

I was surprised to find out that the medium cushion does not leak either, and it is even more comfortable than the small.
Plus, I feel like I get more air through my nose with it. So, even though the sizing guide measures me as a small,
there's a good chance that I'll stick with medium.

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weroberts75
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Re: Dreamwear Full Face Mask

Post by weroberts75 » Tue Apr 10, 2018 7:37 am

pac wrote:
Mon Apr 09, 2018 2:31 pm
My leakage has mostly been from the sides of the mask
If that's the case, don't try to compensate by overtightening, as that may make it worse.
Washing the cushion with a mild detergent might help.
I found that my cushion became softer and fit my face more naturally with regular washings.

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Mask: Bleep DreamPort CPAP Mask Solution
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Pugsy
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Re: Dreamwear Full Face Mask

Post by Pugsy » Tue Apr 10, 2018 8:01 am

weroberts75 wrote:
Tue Apr 10, 2018 7:32 am
I was surprised to find out that the medium cushion does not leak either, and it is even more comfortable than the small.
Plus, I feel like I get more air through my nose with it. So, even though the sizing guide measures me as a small,
there's a good chance that I'll stick with medium.
These sizing templates are really just initial guides and to give us a starting point. They aren't set in stone and they can't possibly take into account the various little subtle differences in facial structures and peoples personal preferences for fit and comfort.
They are to get you to a close starting point to try something and you go from there.
It is a reason that I especially like mask packages that have the Fit Pack with all available sizes to try. Just in case there is maybe another size that might work a little bit better no matter what a sizing guide might say.

People can always swap out with someone the sizes that they won't ever be using and get a spare of the size that they prefer.
Once this mask gets to be more widely available and lots of others are getting the fit pack....people will have an avenue to get rid of the unwanted sizes of cushions.

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ChicagoGranny
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Re: Dreamwear Full Face Mask

Post by ChicagoGranny » Tue Apr 10, 2018 8:59 am

Pugsy wrote:
Mon Apr 09, 2018 2:48 pm
pac wrote:
Mon Apr 09, 2018 2:31 pm
I am also curious if anyone tires to use the nasal plug pillow from the original DreamWear Nasal mask which looks to be compatible to the Full mask.
The other 2 DreamWear products ...the original cushion and the gel pillow thing will indeed attach to the frame that comes with the DreamWear Full face mask. They all use the same frame.
The full face mask cushion...the under the nose cushion and the gel pillows all attach to the frame the same way.
Now of course the other headgear will be needed with the under the nose cushion or gel pillow. The headgear for the full face cushion won't fit the other 2 products or at least I can't see any way to make it work. Way too much stuff hanging around to get in the way.
Could it be configured as a FFM using the nasal pillows with the mouth cushion?

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Pugsy
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Re: Dreamwear Full Face Mask

Post by Pugsy » Tue Apr 10, 2018 9:06 am

ChicagoGranny wrote:
Tue Apr 10, 2018 8:59 am
Could it be configured as a FFM using the nasal pillows with the mouth cushion?
I don't think so or at least without butchering a cushion but I see where you are heading with it.
Would be an interesting alteration and to be honest...one that I would prefer over the under the nose cushion part.
My DreamWear Full Face Mask is out on loan at the moment. When I get it back I will play with it some to see if I can marry my gel pillow insert into the full face cushion part over the mouth.

Remind me in say 2 weeks or so...you know my memory.
I loaned it to Jason so he could do a review and maybe a video on it...so it's going to be out on loan a little longer than usual.
I have the fit pack and not opposed to butchering the large cushion just to see if it could be done.

I actually prefer the gel pillows over the under the nose part.. Helluva idea. I will see if I can marry the two.

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I may have to RISE but I refuse to SHINE.

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pac
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Re: Dreamwear Full Face Mask

Post by pac » Tue Apr 10, 2018 10:47 am

Pugsy wrote:
Tue Apr 10, 2018 9:06 am
ChicagoGranny wrote:
Tue Apr 10, 2018 8:59 am
Could it be configured as a FFM using the nasal pillows with the mouth cushion?
I don't think so or at least without butchering a cushion but I see where you are heading with it.
Would be an interesting alteration and to be honest...one that I would prefer over the under the nose cushion part.
My DreamWear Full Face Mask is out on loan at the moment. When I get it back I will play with it some to see if I can marry my gel pillow insert into the full face cushion part over the mouth.

Remind me in say 2 weeks or so...you know my memory.
I loaned it to Jason so he could do a review and maybe a video on it...so it's going to be out on loan a little longer than usual.
I have the fit pack and not opposed to butchering the large cushion just to see if it could be done.

I actually prefer the gel pillows over the under the nose part.. Helluva idea. I will see if I can marry the two.
Funny I thought the gel pillows were a possible add-on option based on a misleading image I saw a few posts back that had it in front of the new full face mask.

I agree that it would be an interesting modification. I don't have a spare mask or the gel pillow yet but I may try to modify a mask unless someone beats me to it.
Anyone have the part number or cheapest site for the gel pillows handy?

Regards,
Pac

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Pugsy
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Re: Dreamwear Full Face Mask

Post by Pugsy » Tue Apr 10, 2018 11:02 am

pac wrote:
Tue Apr 10, 2018 10:47 am
Anyone have the part number or cheapest site for the gel pillows handy?
EBay most likely.

But I have one already from a past experiment with the gel pillows. Found it hiding in a drawer the other day.
A bit yellowed from exposure to the air but it will work just fine for an experiment.
My main problem with the gel pillow version of the mask...I want to try an XSmall size and they don't make it. Otherwise I really like the DreamWear gel pillow version (don't really care for the under the nose cushion original).....I just think I might do better with XSmall.

I need to have a FFM cushion in front of me to think of how to modify it but at the moment I can't see doing it without butchering a cushion but I might be wrong. I just need the stuff in front of me to start my little brain a churning.

I have married some other masks in the past...so I won't give up without at least looking and thinking and trying.
When the mask comes home from being out on loan...I will see what I can come up with.

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If you want to try the Eclipse mask and want a special promo code to get a little off the price...send me a private message.

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ChicagoGranny
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Re: Dreamwear Full Face Mask

Post by ChicagoGranny » Tue Apr 10, 2018 11:04 am

Pugsy wrote:
Tue Apr 10, 2018 9:06 am
I actually prefer the gel pillows over the under the nose part.. Helluva idea. I will see if I can marry the two.
I'm thinking I would also prefer the gel pillows. It would be a closer match to my beloved Innomed Hybrid mask. My only complaint about the Innomed is the headgear. The Innomed headgear needs a redesign to come closer to what some of the other manufacturers have done with headgear.

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Pugsy
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Re: Dreamwear Full Face Mask

Post by Pugsy » Tue Apr 10, 2018 11:10 am

ChicagoGranny wrote:
Tue Apr 10, 2018 11:04 am
The Innomed headgear needs a redesign to come closer to what some of the other manufacturers have done with headgear.
Yeah, definitely could stand an update on the headgear. It hasn't been changed since day one I don't think and other headgears are leaps and bounds better.

I remember trying the Innomed back when I first started therapy...that's been almost 9 years. It needs a bit of updating for sure.
I will see what I can come up with and let you know.
I can tell you this....the cushion on the DreamWear is hugely more comfortable than the cushion on the Innomed.
Having that hose away from the front of the mask makes for a much easier side or stomach sleeping experience.

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I may have to RISE but I refuse to SHINE.

If you want to try the Eclipse mask and want a special promo code to get a little off the price...send me a private message.

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ChicagoGranny
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Re: Dreamwear Full Face Mask

Post by ChicagoGranny » Tue Apr 10, 2018 11:32 am

Pugsy wrote:
Tue Apr 10, 2018 11:10 am
I can tell you this....the cushion on the DreamWear is hugely more comfortable than the cushion on the Innomed.
That is encouraging.

Maybe now is a good time to send a reminder to my local DME that they have my open order for the DreamWear FFM.

pac
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Re: Dreamwear Full Face Mask

Post by pac » Tue Apr 10, 2018 4:39 pm

So I called my local supplier and they are shipping me a medium-wide mask. Kept flipping back and forth between getting that or the small to see how it compares to my current medium mask since I didn't get the fitment pack with them all. Which ever mask loses in the comparison battle may be the one I try to modify down the road.

I move around in my sleep (side<->back) plus having a very high CPAP pressure setting probably makes any mask I use prone to leak. I had my second high leakage last night so time to give the mask a major washing to see if that helps or hurts. I was simply rinsing it with water only thinking mild soap would break it down faster but perhaps it is the exact opposite and needs to be more pliable as someone else commented on? The Mirage Activa cushion I used previously didn't break in...it just broke down.

I am considering (at some point of my experimentation) of partially blocking the the exhaust holes up by the top of the head. It releases a ton of air up there! The mask has holes and exhale ports that open close and I can't see my expired air with my CO2 making it up and out the top of my head! The fact that my ResMed S10 doesn't have the Dreamwear as an option makes me wonder if the amaraview selection is the best one?

This is a great forum, so glad I found it. Thanks to all that continue to offer advice and opinions!

Regards,
Pac

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Additional Comments: Just switched to Dreamwear Full Face mask and like it a lot!

weroberts75
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Re: Dreamwear Full Face Mask

Post by weroberts75 » Wed Apr 11, 2018 8:29 am

pac wrote:
Tue Apr 10, 2018 4:39 pm

I am considering (at some point of my experimentation) of partially blocking the the exhaust holes up by the top of the head. It releases a ton of air up there! The mask has holes and exhale ports that open close and I can't see my expired air with my CO2 making it up and out the top of my head! The fact that my ResMed S10 doesn't have the Dreamwear as an option makes me wonder if the amaraview selection is the best one?
I've experienced noise at the top of my head (with the DreamWear) from air blowing out of the exhaust holes and bouncing off of my pillow.
When that happens, I just wiggle the tubing a little so that the air is redirected, and everything gets quiet.

The two valves that open and close in the cushion are actually anti-asphyxiation valves. They only open when air is not being pumped into the mask.
(Like if you're walking around with your mask on to go to the bathroom or whatever.)

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Machine: ResMed AirSense™ 10 AutoSet™ CPAP Machine with HumidAir™ Heated Humidifier
Mask: Bleep DreamPort CPAP Mask Solution
Additional Comments: SomniFix Mouth Strips, 20 min auto ramp, EPR, Pressure 7.0-11.0 (max average 10.4)

John1409
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Re: Dreamwear Full Face Mask

Post by John1409 » Wed Apr 11, 2018 9:09 am

I've tried my Dreamwear FFM for 2 nights and am somewhat disappointed. I guess I had unrealistic expectations for this mask. My favorite mask is the Dreamwear nasal cushion and I was hopeful that the FFM could be as comfortable. This was not to be. There is obviously more to deal with with the FFM and it will not be my favorite. More places to leak, more mass, etc. I do prefer the FFM to the Amara View which was my previous favorite full face. I will continue to use the Dreamwear nasal cushion when I can. I will use the Dreamwear FFM when congestion requires me to go to a full face mask.
I love the whole Dreamwear concept of getting the hose out of the way. I use a hose clip so the hose is where I want it. I think they will eventually add the pillows option to the FFM but I do not think there is enough glue to modify a Dreamwear gel pillows to the FFM insert. :lol: Good luck anyway. Should be at least worth a picture of what you can come up with.
If you have to have a full face mask then I think the Dreamwear FFM is great. If you can go with the nasal mask then that is much better.
FWIW, I am Dreamwear medium frame and medium cushion/insert and also Amara View medium. I bought the medium insert and headgear from Second Wind as I already had two Dreamwear medium frames. I now have two complete Dreamwear masks; one with nasal cushion and one as FFM.

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Pugsy
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Re: Dreamwear Full Face Mask

Post by Pugsy » Wed Apr 11, 2018 9:19 am

John1409 wrote:
Wed Apr 11, 2018 9:09 am
I guess I had unrealistic expectations for this mask.
Don't feel bad...you aren't the first and won't be the last to be there with any new mask...not just this recent new DreamWear model.

All the new masks get promoted as the next holy grail of masks...and it always ends up that just like all the other masks out there we have lovers and haters and in betweeners.

As to the gel pillow experiment...that won't happen for 2 or 3 weeks until I get my mask back...but it did get me to thinking...I am wondering if Respironics might be secretly working on a gel pillow FFM cushion. There's no reason that it couldn't be done at the factory level quite easily.
Wish I was a little fly on the wall in their R & D department. In the meantime later when I have time I am planning to try to find someone at Respironics to ask if this is even maybe in the works as we speak.

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Machine: AirCurve™ 10 VAuto BiLevel Machine with HumidAir™ Heated Humidifier
Additional Comments: Mask Bleep Eclipse https://bleepsleep.com/the-eclipse/
I may have to RISE but I refuse to SHINE.

If you want to try the Eclipse mask and want a special promo code to get a little off the price...send me a private message.

weroberts75
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Re: Dreamwear Full Face Mask

Post by weroberts75 » Thu Apr 12, 2018 8:22 am

John1409 wrote:
Wed Apr 11, 2018 9:09 am
I've tried my Dreamwear FFM for 2 nights and am somewhat disappointed. I guess I had unrealistic expectations for this mask. My favorite mask is the Dreamwear nasal cushion and I was hopeful that the FFM could be as comfortable. This was not to be. There is obviously more to deal with with the FFM and it will not be my favorite.
I can totally see that. The DreamWear FFM is definitely less on your face than other full face masks, but it's still more than the newer styles of nasal masks.

Part of my success is that I already know how to adjust my pillow when wearing various masks, how to let the cushion inflate when I put the mask on, etc...
That said, one poster the other day was talking about leaks from the sides of the DreamWear FFM.
I have a procedure to deal with that which works with most masks, whether full-face, nasal, or nasal pillows.
This is such a habit for me now that I forgot to mention it the other day.

For reference, my pressure ranges from 7.0 to 11.0, but after two years of CPAP I still prefer to use the AutoRamp feature that starts with 5.0 cm of pressure.
When I first hook up my DreamWear full face mask, it doesn't take much of a nudge at all to cause air to leak out the sides of my mask.
I usually sit up for a minute or lie on my back while the mask fills up with air. Sometimes I pull on it gently to help the process.
After a minute or two, I gently tug on it to see if it is secure, and once I'm satisfied that it has a good seal I roll over to my side and go to sleep.

_________________
Machine: ResMed AirSense™ 10 AutoSet™ CPAP Machine with HumidAir™ Heated Humidifier
Mask: Bleep DreamPort CPAP Mask Solution
Additional Comments: SomniFix Mouth Strips, 20 min auto ramp, EPR, Pressure 7.0-11.0 (max average 10.4)