Sleepweaver masks

[Rudolph]

Goggles & mask

Hello I am new to all this and have done one previous post which I think I did incorrectly as I can't see it after logging back on so here goes once again. I have a sleepweaver advance and have been having problems with air blowing into my eyes during the night. This may be because my machine blows between air pressure 4-8, some people say it works better with higher pressures. After trying a few different things I bought a pair of swimming goggles, changed the strapping so it isn't too tight and cut the seal from the top to allow air to the eyes and they work a treat. I look a sight going to bed I have been using a mask for about 6 weeks, the first two weeks were on Phillips True Blue which was awful I felt worse and worse. Sleep weaver is a big improvement but even with this I must be honest I don't feel good. I wake up with a headache feeling shattered still BUT the readout from my machine is saying that the treatment is working ie I am not having any episodes of stopping breathing. Is this normal? Is this just about getting used to CPAP

[Rudolph]

I have started using the sleepweaver advanced and it is a great improvement on the mask I was given which caused all sorts of problems with leaving marks on my face and just sleeping generally. However air leaking into my eyes has been a problem with the sleepwearver (maybe because my air pressure is 4-8) so I bought a pair of swimming goggles, changed the headstrap so they are not too tight and cut away the seal at the top to let air into the goggles and they work a treat. Goggles were in a sale £1.99 so cheap easy option. I do look a sight going to bed and often wonder if soemone broke in who would be more scared if they saw me with my mask and the goggles!!! I have the leopard print one so thinking of getting some PJs to match. I am a new user of CPAP, just 5 weeks and must admit finding it very hard to get used to if I hadn't found sleepweaver I think I would have struggled even more. The next mask I will try will be the Elan and hopefully they will have a leopard skin one of those by then.

[Tom @ Intus]

New SleepWeaver mask alert! The SleepWeaver Elan is now available, you can find the dedicated SleepWeaver Elan thread here.

[Tom @ Intus]

Are these masks ever likely to become available for us mouth breathers?

Hi Carol, we can't give too much away but... watch this space

[carolT]

Yes, we just got them in and online.

Behold, the SleepWeaver Advance Soft Cloth Nasal CPAP Mask!

There's also a SleepWeaver FAQ, Cleaning Tips and a guide on how to fit the SleepWeaver.

To answer the questions and comments above, yes, it fits all modern machines/tubes as it uses the industry-standard 22mm connection.

We have stock of Blue, Pink and Beige. We're waiting for demand for the leopard skin before getting those in. TF, it suits your nick, would you prefer Pink or Leopard Wilderness?

Regarding the balloon analogy, I'd say TF and Circadiance (the makers of the SleepWeaver) are both right to an extent. I think that explanation is intended as a fitting, but loose metaphor/analogy. TF is right in that this balloon has a hole, where the nose is. So pressure is evidently going to escape into the upper airways (aside from during full apnoea). But during any form of resistance the balloon science holds up. As it's positive airway pressure, you would have to suck in air hard for the 'balloon' to collapse.

I think it's more to highlight the difference with traditional masks than to claim the SleepWeave Advance is exactly like a balloon. Ordinary masks put much more pressure on the skin to create the seal than the SleepWeaver does. That's what they try to get at.

So I do believe it's a fitting analogy but as with all metaphors/analogies, sure, it can be picked apart for criticism. But I wouldn't call the efforts and intentions behind this mask crock. Like RemZzzs, I think it's great, and very much testimony to American inventorship, that disgruntled users decide to do things better. You need guts and determination to take on the multi-billion dollar giants ResMed and Respironics. To actually succeed, and succeded they already have in the USA shipping a truck load of masks every week, makes it all the better.

As is often the case with a first attempt at total innovation, the original SleepWeaver had its criticism. But the success stories were already there and the product, even in its early stages, clearly showed merit. The current version, the Advance, not only ditches its elephant trunk looks, it has taken on board much of the feedback and according to Circadiance, the tiny return rates and masses of positive feedback show it's an extraordinary accomplishment. Had it been a scam, you would have found tons of complaints on BBB.

Sure, we sell this so I'm expected to be excited about it. But really, it is a unique mask that totally shreds accepted, sometimes mediocre ideas in design. I've put it on and believe you me, it's light. On our postal scales, it's just 30 grams. It weighs 'nothing'. And like a hovercraft on waves, it does seal.

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.

Side sleepers, those who struggle with red marks, the claustrophobics, those with breaking skin on the bridge of the nose... All of these types of CPAP users will find benefits in the SleepWeaver Advance.

Are these masks ever likely to become available for us mouth breathers?

[Salty Dog]

Hi forumites - first post here, after lurking for a while.

I find that the best fit on the sleepweaver is gained by putting it on, turning on the machine, and as air starts flowing, lifting the mask straight up from my face a centimetre or so to allow the air to fill it up. I then gently place it on my face, and perfect fit every time!

[Barely Awake]

All,
I have had 2 sleepweaver masks in a year and this one has started to leak from the side of the nose area on both sides shooting air straight into my eyes all night. Can someoe suggest the right RemZzzs liner that fits this mask.

James,
Do you have any other answers as the Sleepweaver is the only mask that works for me?

Regards,

Darren

I have used a liner with a Sleepweaver (Intus will tell you which one to order), but whilst they worked I personally found them difficult to place and reposition with this cloth mask. I abandoned this and started with a new approach.

When fitting first thing at night after turning on the CPAP air supply I need to insert a thumb either side of the mask at the bridge of the nose and tease it open to allow air to fill the rim and then ease it down gently to provide a seal.

You don't say why you have gone through 2 masks in this time, is the upper elastic losing elasticity to cause this new leak, or the headgear stretching (was it the old or new headgear), or are the masks worn out by washing procedures?

[Bob the Builder]

sleepweaver mask liner

All,
I have had 2 sleepweaver masks in a year and this one has started to leak from the side of the nose area on both sides shooting air straight into my eyes all night. Can someoe suggest the right RemZzzs liner that fits this mask.

James,
Do you have any other answers as the Sleepweaver is the only mask that works for me?

Regards,

Darren

[Barely Awake]

Had mine since spring I think. My mask cone and hose gets washed every day, the new headgear every fortnight in the washing machine inside a clean sock. Have not yet had to replace the tape and can't quite figure how the adhesive is lasting so long.

[symmit]

I have had my current mask since March of this year and have had problems with stiching as previously posted. However, I was able to repair the stiching myself and have continued to use it.
Following the tissue advice for comfort I now wrap the sidesections in very old well washed soft cotton handkerchiefs and keep these in place with safety pins, this has stopped the cutting up under the ears sensation.
I wash my headgear every week (by hand in washing up liquid) and the nose cone every other day in the same way. I feel this mask needs frequent washing to create a seal and keep the headgear from becoming too loose.
After six months of constant use it is now disintegrating, the material that is bonded together that fits around the face is separating.
This is by far the best mask I tried and I am trying to get another on the NHS but at present my sleep clinic do not have a contract with the supplier.
My post is intended to help anyone considering buying one as I know one of my questions was how often will I need to replace it.
I feel so much better for my CPAP treatment and would encourage anyone who is struggling to persevere.

I've had mine since Christmas and it's still fine, the softer fabric of the inner bit is beginning to show signs of wear.

What I've done (and some may cringe here) is stop washing it as much. I now just wash it in handsoap and water quickly every morning, strip it and replace the tape once a week (or more if it falls apart) and haven't washed the headgear for ages (simply because the last headgear fell apart).

Am trying to get a year out of it (have spent over 300 quid on masks this year)...

[KarenH]

Sleepweaver disintegrating

I have had my current mask since March of this year and have had problems with stiching as previously posted. However, I was able to repair the stiching myself and have continued to use it.
Following the tissue advice for comfort I now wrap the sidesections in very old well washed soft cotton handkerchiefs and keep these in place with safety pins, this has stopped the cutting up under the ears sensation.
I wash my headgear every week (by hand in washing up liquid) and the nose cone every other day in the same way. I feel this mask needs frequent washing to create a seal and keep the headgear from becoming too loose.
After six months of constant use it is now disintegrating, the material that is bonded together that fits around the face is separating.
This is by far the best mask I tried and I am trying to get another on the NHS but at present my sleep clinic do not have a contract with the supplier.
My post is intended to help anyone considering buying one as I know one of my questions was how often will I need to replace it.
I feel so much better for my CPAP treatment and would encourage anyone who is struggling to persevere.

[Barely Awake]

Hi,I really want to get hold of a sleepweaver mask,could anyone tell me where I could buy one?.Thank you

Whilst I am thrilled with the Sleepweaver and feel the addition of the new headgear makes it the mask for me personally; I have a large box full of masks I have either bought or the clinic supplied that was going to be the mask for me that proved otherwise.
Masks are a personal choice and on a budget basis it makes sense to try masks on trade stands or at the clinic rather than buy every one that might be a solution. Moreover the Sleepweaver is radically different to the plastic masks and as indicated on this forum they are good for some of us but not for everyone.

[Tom @ Intus]

Hi Michelle, you can find it here: SleepWeaver Advance Soft Cloth Nasal CPAP Mask

[Michelle12345]

Hi,I really want to get hold of a sleepweaver mask,could anyone tell me where I could buy one?.Thank you

[Barely Awake]

My mask component is absolutely fine and so comfortable. The concept is ingenious it has to be said, not less than brilliant I think.