Sleepweaver masks

[Fredxx]

Sleepweaver headgear

Swapped the headgear a few nights ago from the ones that came with the mask now for the one off my old F&P FlexiFit 407. The Flexifit straps are a huge improvement in both comfort and the ability to just stay on, despite being a bit odd to put on with the two headset straps onto the masks' top loop.

Very happy bunny with my sleepweaver now!

[Dingleroad]

I've just bought a sleepweaver and these are my thoughts so far.

As people have said before, you really don't get much for the price. The mask must have cost less than a fiver to produce.

I was previously using a nasal sleep pillow and the the sleep weaver is definately much more comfortable to wear.
It does seem a lot noisier than the nasal pillow and I am finding that it does leak air quite frequently into my eyes, despite spending quite a long time trying to adjust the mask before I settle down. I think the problem is, because it is so flimsy the seal easily pulls away from your face with the slightest movement.
However, I'm going to persevere because the extra comfort is a big attraction and not least because I don't want to waste £100 of my hard earned cash.

[JayBee]

I have been reading this thread with a fair amount of interest but have a question to ask. I seem to fall into my usual typical area of being awkward. I am not a mouth breather per se as I really do tend to breathe through my nose, once I have settled down and drifted off. As such, when I was trialing a nose only mask on the odd occasion I did open my mouth, I found the experience quiet uncomfortable.

Does anyone think this is something I can work through in order to benefit from a mask like this? I am currently use a full face mask but find it more than a little cumbersome.

@ dingleroad - do you find that it reseals fairly easily or do you have to sit up, turn off the CPAP and reset the mask? I find I have to do this with the full face one I currently have. Once the seal goes, that's it and it is a bit of a pita.

[ElleCee]

Hi Jaybee,

If you open your mouth with the sleepweaver you will know about it.
It is the most odd sensation as the air rushes through and there is nothing you can do about it other than close your mouth. Talking whilst wearing it is not a good idea either. Having said that, once you have opened your mouth a couple of times you soon learn not to!
It becomes second nature to keep (yer gob shut) your mouth closed
If you do get a leak it is easily remedied and the other great benefit is that you can scratch your nose without having to break the seal cos it is made of cloth. (Just remember it is not a hanky though - Eeugh!)
I like mine lots but like anything else, it is nice to swap masks about occasionally.
All the best
Lorraine

[sleepynana]

mouth breathing

Hi, I was a mouth breather too and have tried many different masks over the years.. I was considering buying a chin strap but managed to get a sleepweaver first... I have found that with the sleepweaver I do not seem to mouth breathe anymore!... I don't wake up with a dry mouth as I used to. It is also much more comfortable and I am able to sleep on my side again. I think they are brilliant. Good luck. ... Jill

[Sleepy Pete]

Hit and miss to be honest with the Sleepweaver. As some have said already the straps aren't too clever and they do seem to be noisy.
I'm currently trying a ResMed Quattro FX. Had two nights good sleep so far.

[James @ Intus]

I was previously using a nasal sleep pillow and the the sleep weaver is definately much more comfortable to wear.

It sure is comfy!

It does seem a lot noisier than the nasal pillow and I am finding that it does leak air quite frequently into my eyes, despite spending quite a long time trying to adjust the mask before I settle down. I think the problem is, because it is so flimsy the seal easily pulls away from your face with the slightest movement.

Most people who initially find they have air coming out near the eyes, have the mask hoisted up at the middle forehead strap too high (or low). Play with that adjustment, probably down, maybe up. You should then get a good seal as well. in the video, the lady perhaps has it hoisted up a slight bit too much. Play with that adjustment there and I'm sure you will find a configuration that does the trick for you too.

[James @ Intus]

Hi, I was a mouth breather too and have tried many different masks over the years.. I was considering buying a chin strap but managed to get a sleepweaver first... I have found that with the sleepweaver I do not seem to mouth breathe anymore!... I don't wake up with a dry mouth as I used to. It is also much more comfortable and I am able to sleep on my side again. I think they are brilliant. Good luck. ... Jill

Hi Jill, thanks for sharing that as we've had a fair few now who thought they were pure mouth breathers but when trying the SleepWeaver, they found they could nose-breathe just fine.

Sleeping with your mouth open doesn't necessarily mean you breathe through it.

I'm wondering myself, quite unscientifically, whether an uncomfortable, intrusive full face mask causes you subconsciously to open your mouth. Then, when swapping to a comfy, minimalist nasal mask like the SleepWeaver, your brain thinks "this is comfy, this is safe, let's close that big gate" and closes the mouth. Pure speculation, don't quote me on it. But a number have now successfully swapped a full face mask for the SleepWeaver.

PS we are slowly getting them into hospitals. Hopefully soon I can share a few names. Until then, keep telling them about this mask. The more you nag them, the bigger the chance they'll get them from us so you can get them for free.

[James @ Intus]

Hit and miss to be honest with the Sleepweaver. As some have said already the straps aren't too clever and they do seem to be noisy.
I'm currently trying a ResMed Quattro FX. Had two nights good sleep so far.

FX is also a good mask!

We found that the SleepWeaver only makes noise if it leaks. So I'd guess you didn't have it fit 100% just yet. As above, make sure you play with the middle forehead strap and see if lowering the mask a bit gets you a better seal. That seems to be the most common issue, hoisting it up too much.

[JayBee]

Hi Jill, thanks for sharing that as we've had a fair few now who thought they were pure mouth breathers but when trying the SleepWeaver, they found they could nose-breathe just fine.

Sleeping with your mouth open doesn't necessarily mean you breathe through it.

I'm wondering myself, quite unscientifically, whether an uncomfortable, intrusive full face mask causes you subconsciously to open your mouth. Then, when swapping to a comfy, minimalist nasal mask like the SleepWeaver, your brain thinks "this is comfy, this is safe, let's close that big gate" and closes the mouth. Pure speculation, don't quote me on it. But a number have now successfully swapped a full face mask for the SleepWeaver.

PS we are slowly getting them into hospitals. Hopefully soon I can share a few names. Until then, keep telling them about this mask. The more you nag them, the bigger the chance they'll get them from us so you can get them for free.

Have just been onto my sleep lab and the nurse thought that one of the consultants might recently have picked up a couple of trial masks at an event. She is going to enquire for me, so fingers crossed I might soon be able to try one out. *EDIT* - don't think I will suit pink though but anything for a good night's sleep!

[Pedallass]

For James

I have been trying to get my clinic (Edinburgh) to ask for a trial sleep weaver for me. I know they attended the event in Scotland and I printed out the information etc with your e mail saying to get the clinics to ask for trials.But I am not getting anywhere. I could just go and buy one but I kind of feel that they will have a lot of people asking for them and there is the question of long term replacements if I start buying them. Any tips about how to proceed?

[JayBee]

Well tried the Sleepweaver for the first time last night and early indications seem really positive. I slept through almost continuously apart from only briefly waking up at one point. Initially the pressure when breathing out felt a little high but it seemed to settle down as I got used to it i think. I also think I may have had it on a little tight as I woke up with tramlines on my face this morning.

From a comfort point of view it is amazing and felt so much better lying on my side and certainly didn't feel like it was going to dislodge so easily.

I was also a little worried that it might not work out if I couldn't keep my mouth closed but once I had stopped worrying about it and drifted off to sleep it doesn't appear to have been a problem. I can only think that if I had resorted to breathing through my mouth, it would have almost certainly woken me.

Impressed so far...

[JayBee]

Cleaning the Sleepweaver

I am now 4 nights in using the Sleepweaver and seem to be settling in ok but I must confess I have not cleaned it yet (yuk! I know) as I have read the instructions and am still a little confused. Firstly, they don't say how often to clean it (daily? every couple of days?), secondly, do you just turn it inside out and lightly wash it with a non antibac washing up liquid (as recommended with my other masks by the nurse) and finally, how long does it take for this tape to break down (is it easy to get? do I ask the sleep lab or is it for sale in my local pharmacy?).

I guess because it feels quite delicate, I don't want to be too heavy handed with it.

[meldrew]

Yes, we just got them in and online.

As with all masks, the SleepWeaver won't suit 100% of the population. But I'm confident it suits a bigger percentage than the average mask till now.

Well, James, I've just ordered one and will happily share my experiences when I get it.....

I like the "hovercraft" analogy and, as a "side-sleeper" the SW should suit me well.

Here's hoping

STOP PRESS>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>

My wife just phoned - the mask has arrived. That's less than 24 hours from ordering to delivery. I'll try it tonight - but if the mask is half as good as James' service it'll be fine!

.

[Tom @ Intus]

I am now 4 nights in using the Sleepweaver and seem to be settling in ok but I must confess I have not cleaned it yet (yuk! I know) as I have read the instructions and am still a little confused. Firstly, they don't say how often to clean it (daily? every couple of days?), secondly, do you just turn it inside out and lightly wash it with a non antibac washing up liquid (as recommended with my other masks by the nurse) and finally, how long does it take for this tape to break down (is it easy to get? do I ask the sleep lab or is it for sale in my local pharmacy?).

I guess because it feels quite delicate, I don't want to be too heavy handed with it.

Hi JayBee,

Sorry for the late reply. Ideally you should wash your SleepWeaver every day. I would probably recommend hand soap for use with the sleep weaver, preferably that is antibacterial. This is very gentle and will prolong its life. Washing up liquid is also fine but slightly more abrasive as far as I am aware.

How long the tape last depends on how frequently and rigorously you clean your mask, but we would expect it to last at least a month at a time. The tape is very easy to replace and is cheap to buy - you can get it from most Boots or Superdrug stores, as well as supermarkets. From Boots a 5m roll (over a year's supply) is £1.59 - Boots Pharmaceuticals Microporous Surgical Tape 1.25cm x 5m.

I hope this helps