Quick Answer: The Philips DreamWear Full Face Mask is an under-the-nose CPAP mask with a top-of-head hose connection that reduces pillow interference for side sleepers. It is widely considered one of the most comfortable full-face options available. Canadian users should note the FDA magnetic headgear clip recall and check Health Canada advisories before purchasing.
In This Guide
Reading Time: 7 minutes
If you use a CPAP machine for sleep apnea, you already know that the mask can make or break the experience. A mask that leaks, shifts during the night, or presses uncomfortably against your face undermines the therapy that is supposed to help you sleep better. The Philips DreamWear Full Face Mask attempts to solve the most common complaints about full-face CPAP masks, and for many users, it succeeds.
We are not a CPAP supplier, so we have no stake in whether you buy this mask or another one. What we do know, after 37 years in the sleep business, is how your entire sleep setup affects CPAP therapy. We hear from sleep apnea patients regularly in our Brantford showroom, and the mask is only one piece of the puzzle.
What Makes the DreamWear Different
Traditional full-face CPAP masks cover the nose and mouth with a large cushion and connect the hose at the front. This creates problems: the mask shifts when you turn, the hose catches on pillows, and the bulk creates a claustrophobic feeling that makes compliance harder.
The DreamWear redesigns three things:
Under-the-nose seal. Instead of a large cushion covering the bridge of the nose and mouth, the DreamWear sits under the nose with a minimal-contact face frame. This reduces pressure marks, allows you to wear glasses in bed, and gives you an open field of vision for reading before sleep.
Top-of-head hose connection. The air tube connects at the crown of your head and channels air through the frame to the cushion. This means the hose is out of the way when you roll over. For side sleepers, this is a significant improvement over front-connected masks that get crushed into the pillow.
Interchangeable cushions. The DreamWear frame accepts three cushion types: nasal, nasal pillows, and full-face. You buy one frame and switch cushions as needed, which reduces replacement costs over time.
Specs and Sizing
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Philips Respironics |
| Mask type | Full face (under-the-nose design) |
| Cushion sizes | Small, Medium, Medium-Wide, Large |
| Hose connection | Top of head, integrated into headgear |
| Compatible pressure range | 4-25 cm H2O |
| Weight | Approximately 115 grams (without headgear) |
| Headgear attachment | Magnetic clips (see recall notice below) |
| Approximate price (CAD) | $150-$250 depending on retailer and cushion type |
The fit pack option includes multiple cushion sizes so you can find the right seal without guessing. Given that Canadian shipping costs for CPAP supplies can add up, the fit pack is usually worth the extra cost to avoid returns.
Who It Works Best For
Best Suited For
- Side sleepers: The top-of-head hose connection is the key advantage here. It does not catch or press into the pillow.
- Mouth breathers: Full-face coverage means you stay treated even if your mouth opens during sleep.
- Claustrophobic users: The under-the-nose design feels significantly less confining than traditional full-face masks.
- Glasses wearers: You can read or watch television in bed before sleep without removing the mask frame.
May Not Be Ideal For
- Very high pressure settings: Some users at pressures above 15 cm H2O report more air leaks with the under-the-nose design compared to traditional full-face masks.
- People with metal implants: The magnetic headgear clips are contraindicated for pacemakers, cochlear implants, and other metal implants (see recall section).
- Stomach sleepers: Even with the improved hose routing, the frame can press into the face when sleeping face-down.
8 min read
The Magnetic Clip Recall
Important Safety Information
In September 2022, the US FDA issued a recall notice for the DreamWear Full Face Mask regarding the magnetic headgear clips. The magnets can interfere with implanted metallic medical devices including pacemakers, defibrillators, cochlear implants, and magnetic metallic stents. Health Canada issued a parallel advisory. If you or your bed partner has any implanted metal medical device, do not use this mask without consulting your physician. Philips offers non-magnetic clip alternatives for affected users.
This recall does not affect the vast majority of users. If you have no implanted metal devices and neither does your sleeping partner (the magnets need to be close to the body), the mask remains safe to use. But it is worth knowing about, especially if your medical situation changes.
Optimising Your Sleep Setup for CPAP
The mask is one component. Your mattress, pillow, and bed position all affect how well CPAP therapy works.
Pillow height and angle matter. A pillow that is too high pushes the mask frame upward, breaking the seal. Too flat, and the hose gets kinked. CPAP-specific pillows with cutouts exist, but many patients find that a medium-loft pillow with a firm edge works just as well. The goal is to keep your airway open and the mask seated properly.
Adjustable beds change the equation. Elevating the head of the bed by 15-30 degrees reduces the gravitational collapse of the airway that causes apnea events. Some patients find they can use lower CPAP pressure settings with elevation, which reduces leak probability and mask discomfort. We carry adjustable bed bases in our Brantford showroom that pair with most mattresses.
Brad, Owner, 40+ years of experience: "We get CPAP users in here regularly, usually because their mattress is either too soft (their head sinks and the mask shifts) or too firm (shoulder pressure makes side sleeping with a mask uncomfortable). Finding the right mattress firmness is especially important when you are managing a mask, a hose, and trying to sleep on your side. We have helped hundreds of sleep apnea patients find setups that actually work."
Mattress firmness for CPAP users. Side sleepers using CPAP typically need a mattress with enough give at the shoulder to allow the body to sink slightly without the mask pressing into the surface. Too firm, and the mask gets pushed off your face every time you shift. Our snoring and sleep apnea mattress guide covers this in detail.
Humidity and temperature. CPAP machines with heated humidifiers work best when the bedroom is not too cold. In Ontario winters, a bedroom below 16 degrees Celsius can cause condensation in the hose (called "rainout"). Keeping the bedroom at 18-20 degrees and using a hose cover or heated hose eliminates this.
CPAP Support in Brantford
For CPAP equipment, supplies, and fittings, Brantford residents can visit local respiratory therapists and home health care providers. Your sleep specialist or family doctor can provide referrals. For the mattress and bed base side of the equation, our showroom at 441 1/2 West Street has adjustable bases and mattresses that work well for CPAP users. Dorothy can walk you through the options.
Keeping Your DreamWear in Good Shape
CPAP masks degrade with daily use. Facial oils, cleaning products, and UV exposure break down silicone cushions over time. A few habits extend the life of your DreamWear and keep therapy effective.
Wash the cushion daily with warm water and mild soap. Skip dish detergent or anything with moisturisers, as these leave residue that accelerates silicone breakdown. Let it air dry, not in direct sunlight.
Replace the cushion every 3-6 months, or sooner if you notice the seal weakening. The headgear should last 6-12 months with proper care. Most Canadian insurance plans cover replacement parts on a set schedule, so check your coverage.
Inspect the magnetic clips periodically for cracks or weakened magnetism. If they are not holding the headgear securely, replace them before the mask starts leaking during the night.
Find Your Perfect Mattress at Mattress Miracle
We are a family-owned mattress store in Brantford, helping our community sleep better since 1997. Come try mattresses in person and get honest, no-pressure advice.
441 1/2 West Street, Brantford, Ontario
Call 519-770-0001Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the DreamWear Full Face Mask with any CPAP machine?
Yes, the DreamWear uses a standard 22mm hose connection compatible with most CPAP, BiPAP, and APAP machines from all major manufacturers. Check your machine's pressure range, as the DreamWear is rated for 4-25 cm H2O.
Is the DreamWear good for side sleeping?
It is one of the best full-face options for side sleepers. The top-of-head hose connection keeps the tube out of the way when you roll over. Pair it with a mattress that has enough shoulder give so the mask frame does not get pushed off your face when you sleep on your side.
How do I know what size DreamWear cushion to get?
Philips provides a printable sizing guide. When in doubt, order the fit pack, which includes multiple cushion sizes. The right fit should seal comfortably without you tightening the headgear excessively. If you have to crank the straps to stop leaks, try a different cushion size rather than tightening further.
Does an adjustable bed help with sleep apnea?
Research shows that elevating the head by 15-30 degrees reduces apnea-hypopnea index scores and can allow some patients to use lower CPAP pressure settings. We carry adjustable bed bases at our Brantford showroom that pair with most mattresses. Brad can help you find the right combination.
Where can I buy the DreamWear mask in Canada?
CPAP masks in Canada are available through respiratory equipment providers, online CPAP retailers, and some pharmacies. You may need a prescription depending on your province. Contact your sleep specialist or respiratory therapist for local options in Brantford and the Hamilton area.
Sources
- Schwab, R.J., et al. (2003). Upper airway and soft tissue structural changes induced by CPAP in normal subjects. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 168(5), 522-530. doi.org/10.1164/rccm.200301-032OC
- Souza, F.J., et al. (2017). Head of bed elevation to relieve gastroesophageal reflux and obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep and Breathing, 21(4), 961-968. doi.org/10.1007/s11325-017-1531-2
- Weaver, T.E. & Grunstein, R.R. (2008). Adherence to continuous positive airway pressure therapy. Proceedings of the American Thoracic Society, 5(2), 173-178. doi.org/10.1513/pats.200708-119MG
- Health Canada. (2022). Philips Respironics DreamWear Full Face Mask recall advisory. recalls-rappels.canada.ca
- Jacobson, B.H., et al. (2008). Grouped comparisons of sleep quality for new and personal sleep systems. Applied Ergonomics, 39(2), 247-254. doi.org/10.1016/j.apergo.2007.04.002
Visit Our Brantford Showroom
We are located at 441 1/2 West Street in downtown Brantford. Free parking available. Our team does not work on commission, so you get honest advice based on your needs.
Mattress Miracle -- 441 1/2 West Street, Brantford, ON -- (519) 770-0001
Hours: Monday-Wednesday 10am-6pm, Thursday-Friday 10am-7pm, Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 12pm-4pm.
Come in and let our team help you find the right mattress for your needs. No pressure, no commission.
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Visit Our Brantford Showroom
Mattress Miracle
441 1/2 West Street, Brantford
Phone: (519) 770-0001
Hours: Mon-Wed 10-6, Thu-Fri 10-7, Sat 10-5, Sun 12-4
Using a CPAP mask? The right mattress and adjustable bed base can make a real difference in comfort and compliance. Come test adjustable bed options and find a mattress that works with your CPAP setup.