Philips Respironics · Nasal mask
Philips Respironics DreamWear Nasal (Under the Nose)
A minimal contact nasal mask whose small silicone cushion cradles the bottom of your nose instead of covering it. Air flows through a soft frame to a swivel on top of your head, so the hose is out of the way and nothing touches your nasal bridge. The headgear has no magnets. Philips stopped selling new sleep therapy machines in the US under its 2024 consent decree, but the decree allows it to keep selling masks and accessories, so this mask works fine on a ResMed or other brand machine.
Usually suits
- Nose breathers who want a light mask with no bridge contact
- People who find nasal pillows uncomfortable inside the nostrils
- Side and stomach sleepers
- People who wear glasses in bed
Design
- Under the nose cushion that does not touch the nasal bridge or go inside the nostrils
- Top of head tube connection with a swivel
- Air flows through the soft silicone frame
- Soft fabric wraps on the frame where it touches the cheeks
- Optional headgear with arms for extra stability
- Operating pressure 4 to 20 cm H2O per Philips
- Same frame accepts full face and silicone pillows cushions
Strengths and trade-offs
- No magnets, so no implant contraindication from the clips
- No pressure on the nasal bridge
- Hose on top of the head suits side and stomach sleepers
- Very open field of view for glasses and reading
- Nasal only, so mouth breathing leaks out unless you use a chinstrap or switch to a full face cushion
- Philips' operating range is 4 to 20 cm H2O, so check with your prescriber if your pressure is above that
- Air moving through the frame near the ears is a sound some people notice at first
Finding your size
Hold the DreamWear nasal sizing gauge (included with the mask, or printable from Philips at 100 percent) horizontally under your nose. Choose the cushion size where the outer edges of your nostrils and the tip of your nose touch the gauge. Philips recommends the smallest cushion that fits.
The medium frame fits most faces. If the frame sits too close to your eyes, try the large; if it sits out toward your ears, try the small.
How to fit it
Size the cushion
Hold the gauge flat under your nose and pick the size where your nostril edges and nose tip touch it.
Assemble
Push the cushion onto the frame, attach the headgear to the frame, and connect the elbow and swivel at the top.
Put it on
Place the cushion under your nose, then bring the frame over the top of your head and pull the headgear down over the back of your head.
Adjust the straps
Peel the headgear tabs open, adjust the strap length and press them closed. Do not overtighten. The cushion should sit directly under your nostrils and hug the nose; your nose should never be inside the cushion opening.
Connect and check
Attach your hose to the swivel on top of your head, start the machine, and lie down in your usual position. The elbow should rest on top of your head. Make small adjustments if you hear or feel a leak.
Common problems and fixes
Air escaping through the mouth, dry mouth in the morning
A nasal mask needs your mouth closed. Try a chinstrap. If mouth breathing continues, ask your prescriber about the DreamWear Full Face cushion, which uses the same frame with different headgear.
Cushion pushing into the nostrils or leaking at the sides
Your nose may be inside the opening, or the cushion size may be wrong. Re seat it under the nose and try the medium wide or next size.
Frame slides when you turn over
Check the frame size first. Philips also sells headgear with arms for more stability.
Sore cheeks from the frame
Make sure the fabric wraps are on the frame, and loosen the straps; the frame should rest, not press.
Cleaning and care
Philips' instructions are to hand wash the mask in warm water with a mild detergent, rinse thoroughly and air dry. Hand wash the headgear with mild detergent, rinse and hang to dry. Inspect the cushion for tears, cracks or stiffness and replace it at the first sign of wear. Do not use bleach, alcohol, or ozone or UV cleaners.
How often to replace parts
- Mask
- 1 every 3 months (Medicare A7034, nasal interface)
- Cushion
- Up to 2 per month (Medicare A7032, nasal cushion)
- Headgear
- 1 every 6 months (Medicare A7035)
Supplies that can help
A soft strap that supports the jaw to help keep the mouth closed, used mainly with nasal and nasal pillow masks to reduce mouth leaks.
Thin gel or foam pads that stick to the bridge of the nose, where many masks press hardest, to prevent red marks and sores.
Salt water spray that moistens and clears the nose, a simple aid for the congestion and dryness some people get on CPAP.
A pillow with cutouts or a contoured edge so a mask and hose are not pushed out of place when you sleep on your side.
Plain, mild dish soap is the cleaning agent most CPAP makers and the FDA point to for masks, tubing and humidifier chambers.
Soft fabric sleeves that wrap mask headgear straps to stop red lines, rubbing and hair tangles.
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Frequently asked questions
Does the DreamWear Nasal mask have magnets?
No. Philips' parts list shows magnetic headgear clips only for the DreamWear Full Face version. The nasal and silicone pillows versions use headgear without magnets, so they were not part of the 2022 magnet recall.
Is DreamWear Nasal a nasal mask or a nasal pillow?
It is a nasal cushion that sits under the tip of your nose without going into the nostrils. Insurers usually bill it as a nasal mask. Philips sells a separate silicone pillows cushion for the same frame if you prefer pillows.
How do I know if my DreamWear frame is the wrong size?
Start with the medium frame. If the frame tubes run too close to your eyes, it is too small; if they sit back near your ears, it is too big. Leaks at night or a mask that shifts a lot are signs to try a different frame or cushion.
Can I use DreamWear Nasal if I breathe through my mouth?
It only seals the nose, so mouth breathing lets air escape and can dry your mouth. A chinstrap helps some people. If it does not, ask your prescriber about a full face option such as the DreamWear Full Face cushion.
Sources
Last reviewed October 11, 2026. How we research · Report an error