The Philips Respironics DreamWear full-face mask shares the same unique soft, flexible silicone frame as the DreamWear nasal mask line. The DreamWear frame delivers airflow to the mask from a top-of-the-head connection to the CPAP machine.
The Philips Respironics DreamWear full-face mask cushion is an under-the-nose, over-the-mouth cushion instead of the traditional triangular full-face cushion that covers the entire nose. As a result, the user going through sleep therapy has an open field of vision, and the mask has fewer points of contact on the face, reducing red marks and discomfort. The forehead and the bridge of the nose are untouched by the mask.
Many patients report that their sleep or respiratory therapist recommends this face mask design for its superior comfort and reduced facial contact. The innovative Respironics DreamWear full mask silicone frame is also compatible with DreamWear nasal pillows and DreamWear nasal cushions, giving the CPAP user affordable flexibility for their sleep apnea therapy.
Features
- Full face mask with minimal contact to nose and forehead
- Over the mouth, under the nose cushion
- Top of the head connection
The Respironics DreamWear full-face mask also incorporates advanced venting technology to quietly disperse excess air away from you and your bed partner. This quiet operation makes a DreamWear full face mask ideal for light sleepers and those sharing a bedroom.
All-around Comfort
The DreamWear line of CPAP masks has minimal contact with the head and the face. The soft silicone mask frame rests gently along the sides of your face and moves with you as you move in your sleep. The flow from the CPAP machine travels through the frame to the mask's cushion.
Since there are no hard plastic pieces, sleeping comfortably on your side is possible once the mask is fitted correctly. Fabric wraps are included and can be placed on the silicone frame if you prefer the feel of cloth. This thoughtful design makes DreamWear full masks some of the most comfortable CPAP mask options available for side sleepers.
Over the Mouth But Not Over the Nose
The cushion on the DreamWear full-face mask covers the nostrils and the entire mouth. Traditional full-face masks have a triangular shape and cover the entire nose and mouth. With DreamWear masks, the cushion is oval-shaped, occluding the nostrils at the top edge and extending below the lower lip.
Consequently, the Respironics DreamWear full-face mask leaves the sensitive bridge of the nose untouched. The innovative full-face cushion keeps your field of vision clear, accommodates glasses, and allows you to easily read or watch TV as you drift off to sleep.
Fewer contact points on the face mean there is less surface area for leaks and red marks to occur. Unlike traditional CPAP mask designs, the DreamWear full-face mask eliminates pressure on the nose bridge entirely. The mask's innovative exhaust ports quietly disperse excess air, ensuring both you and your partner enjoy undisturbed sleep.
Thanks to a modular design for cushion insertion, the DreamWear full frame is compatible with DreamWear nasal pillows and DreamWear nasal mask cushions. For patients newly diagnosed with sleep apnea, the modularity permits affordable experimentation while they discover what type of mask helps them get the most satisfying sleep.
Elbow Connection on the Head
The DreamWear frame connects to the CPAP machine via an elbow located at the crown of the head. Flow travels from the elbow connection on top of the headgear through the silicone frame to the cushion under the nose. Most machines connect to the front of the mask at the cushion. But with the Respironics DreamWear full-face mask, the top-of-the-head connection keeps the CPAP tubing out of the way all night long and delivers more freedom of movement.
Sizing and Fitting
The Philips Respironics DreamWear full face CPAP mask comes in a choice of three frame sizes (small, medium, and large) and four face cushion sizes (small, medium, large, & medium-wide). Careful sizing of both the cushion and the frame is vital to fully benefit from all the novel features this mask offers.
The cushion rests entirely under the nose. No part of the nose should fit inside the cushion opening. The medium frame is a good starting point for most people. The frame should not touch the ears or eyes. A sizing guide for the cushion is available here. Select the smallest size that extends past the edges of the nose.
A Fit Pack option includes all four sizes of cushions and a medium frame. The Respironics DreamWear full-face mask is sold in a variety of other packaging options, as well.
When selecting your Philips Respironics DreamWear full-face mask, remember that proper mask headgear adjustment is crucial for comfort. The system's innovative headgear design distributes pressure evenly, preventing the common discomfort associated with traditional CPAP mask straps.
Fitting
To get the best fit for comfort and effective CPAP or BiPAP delivery:
- First, place the cushion under the nose.
- Next, position the elbow connector at the top of the head.
- Pull the headgear behind the head.
- Attach the headgear clips to the cushion.
- Adjust the top straps first.
- Adjust the bottom straps last.
Do not overtighten the headgear. Overtightening can make leaks worse. If you cannot get an effective seal without overtightening, consider changing the mask cushion or frame sizes.
Cleaning
Proper care of your Philips Respironics DreamWear full-face mask and mask headgear ensures optimal performance of your CPAP mask system.
Recommended cleaning frequency:
- Daily: cushion, frame, elbow, and tubing quick release
- Weekly: headgear and fabric wraps
Cleaning process:
- Wash in warm soapy water using a mild dish soap.
- Rinse thoroughly in clean water.
- All parts should be air-dried out of direct sunlight.
Dishwasher option:
Once a week, the frame, cushion, elbow, and quick-release connector can also be washed in the top rack of the dishwasher:
- Place in top dishwasher rack.
- Use a mild detergent.
- Use the air-dry cycle or lay flat to air dry away from direct sunlight.
- Do not put any fabric parts in the dishwasher.
Important: Do not clean your Philips Respironic DreamWear full-face mask with products containing alcohol, scents, antibacterial agents, antiseptics, bleach, chlorine, or moisturizers. Do not soak any parts for more than 10 minutes.
Component Materials
- Full face cushion: Silicone polycarbonate, magnetic clips
- Frame: Silicone Polycarbonate
- Elbow: Polycarbonate
- Tubing & Quick Release: Polycarbonate
- Headgear: Polyurethane Foam, nylon/spandex, thermoplastic elastomer, magnetic clips
- Fabric wraps: Polyester/spandex
Warning: The clips and mask contain magnetic headgear clips and should be kept at least two inches away from active medical devices like pacemakers, defibrillators, and other implants. Consult your healthcare provider.
Operating Range 4 to 30 cmH20
FAQ
How do I know if the frame fits me?
The frame should not lean back toward your ears when you wear your Respironics DreamWear full-face mask. If it does, you may need a smaller frame. The silicone frame should not fall forward toward your eyes. If it does, you may need a larger frame.
Does this mask work with DreamWear’s new headgear with arms?
No, the recently introduced DreamWear headgear with arms is not currently compatible with the Philips Respironics DreamWear full-face cushion. The cushion needs unique headgear to ensure the best fit and comfort.
The DreamWear nasal gel pillows and the DreamWear nasal cushions are interchangeable with this frame and the included headgear, however. In addition, the secure headgear with arms can be used with the frame from the Respironics DreamWear full-face mask if using the DreamWear nasal pillows or DreamWear nasal cushion instead of the full face cushion.
Can I switch from my current sleep apnea therapy mask to the Philips DreamWear system?
Yes, many users successfully transition to DreamWear masks from other brands. The Philips Respironics DreamWear full-face mask is designed to work with standard CPAP machinery. Make sure to consult your sleep specialist before making changes to your current sleep apnea therapy equipment, in case any adjustments need to be made.
Final Comments about the Philips Respironics DreamWear Full-Face Mask
The Philips Respironics DreamWear full-face mask is a dream come true for CPAP and BiPAP users who breathe through their mouths or need higher pressures than a nasal mask can effectively deliver, but who feel claustrophobic in a standard full-face mask that covers the entire nose and reduces their field of vision.
With its innovative headgear system and unique under-nose design that avoids the nose bridge, the Philips Respironics DreamWear full-face masks represent a significant advancement in CPAP mask technology. The option to interchange the cushion with the DreamWear nasal pillows and the DreamWear nasal cushion brings considerable value to a sleep apnea patient who wants to experiment to find the best device for them or who might benefit from using different styles of masks on different nights.
Experience the comfort and versatility that have made DreamWear masks the preferred choice for thousands of CPAP users seeking a better night's sleep.