One thing that many CPAP users dread facing upon waking up? Physical evidence of a restless night wrestling with their masks. Those reddish mask marks on face, hair thinning in places where the headgear rubs against–it’s no pretty sight.
For this problem, a CPAP mask without straps is just what you need. Here, we’ll talk about the newest, most popular one out there: the BLEEP Eclipse.
In this BLEEP Eclipse review, we’ll take a look at why more and more sleep apnea patients are switching to this mask and help you figure out whether it’s the right CPAP mask for you.
BLEEP Eclipse Features
Released in 2023, this no headgear CPAP mask stands out as the benchmark of innovation in the sleep therapy industry. Here’s why:
No-Headgear Design
What makes the BLEEP Eclipse a real game-changer is its complete lack of headgear. Unlike traditional masks, it takes a minimalist approach–consisting of only a frame, adhesive Halo patches, and a flexible 16-inch tubing connector with a diffuser.
This lightweight design makes the Eclipse over 35% smaller than popular nasal and nasal pillow masks. Most importantly, it solves common headgear issues, particularly a CPAP mask causing hair loss, skin irritation, a sore nose bridge, and many more.
MagSeal Technology
With this minimalist design, how does the Eclipse prevent leaks? The answer is simple yet clever: magnets.
BLEEP’s MagSeal Magnetic Port Technology involves magnets around the two nostril ports on the frame. The frame magnets snap onto the two magnetic rings on the Halo adhesives, which are placed around your nostrils.
Besides providing a secure strapless fit, this technology simplifies the process of wearing and removing the mask. Simply slide off the frame to take it off and align it with the Halos to put it back on.
Adhesive Halos
Made of medical-grade plastic bonding adhesives (PBA) by 3M, the Eclipse Halos are disposable and hypoallergenic. The strength of the adhesives, as well as the magnets, ensure a no-leak seal throughout the night–great for back, side, stomach, and active sleepers. For complete freedom of movement, BLEEP recommends a tube management system.
What’s more, these surgical-grade patches can be trimmed to fit your nose shape. This customizable fit, along with the mask’s low-profile design, makes the Eclipse perfect for users with facial hair.
Key Differences: BLEEP Eclipse vs DreamPort
The Eclipse isn’t the only CPAP mask without straps. The flagship product of the same brand, the BLEEP DreamPort Sleep Solution also offers a one-size-fits-all solution to those struggling with traditional CPAP masks.
Let’s look at the differences between the BLEEP Eclipse vs DreamPort:
Attachment
Both the Eclipse and DreamPort use medical-grade 3M adhesive strips, which stick around your nostrils and peel off in the morning. But unlike the Eclipse Halos magnetic ports, the DreamPort patches come with two plastic ports extruding from your nostrils.
To attach the DreamPort patches to the frame, place each of the frame’s quick-release sockets over each plastic port. Then, press them together. You’ll hear an audible click once they’re connected.
To remove the frame, you need to pinch the tabs around the rim of each socket. Or like the Eclipse, simply unplug the tubing connector from your main CPAP hose.
Tubing
Another difference between the BLEEP Eclipse vs DreamPort is the length of the tubing connector. The DreamPort frame kit includes a 10-inch DreamWay tubing connector, while the Eclipse tubing connector is 16 inches long.
BLEEP Eclipse Review: Pros and Cons
With a longer connecting tube and easy-to-remove magnetic frame, the Eclipse is clearly a huge upgrade from BLEEP’s first-generation mask. But this no headgear CPAP mask has its fair share of cons as well. Here’s a comparison of its convenient features and drawbacks:
Pros
- Absence of a headgear: Eliminates issues like CPAP mask lines on face, hair loss, discomfort, skin irritation, and leaks from overtightening the headgear
- Magnetic attachment: Allows for easy connection and removal of the frame while offering a secure seal, even as you move during sleep
- Customizable fit: The Halo patches can be trimmed, making the mask one-size-fits-all.
- Easy to clean: Simply wash the frame and tubing connector with mild soap and water after every use.
- Low-profile design: Comfortable to wear and suits all kinds of sleepers
- Seals well with facial hair: With only the Halos touching the face, the Eclipse ensures a leak-free seal with beards and mustaches.
- Universal compatibility: Compatible with any CPAP or BiPAP machine
Cons
- Single-use Halos: Replacing the adhesive Halo patches can be costly since they should be disposed of after use and should not be reapplied.
- Use of magnets: Since the Eclipse uses magnets, it has to be placed at least 0.8 inches away from pacemakers, hearing aids, and other active medical implants. Talk to your doctor before using this mask.
- Adhesive allergies: If you’re unsure whether you’re allergic to adhesives, you can ask the manufacturer for a sample to test the Halos first. The Halos are BPA, latex and corn-free.
- Long prep time: Before starting therapy, you have to clean your nose with witch hazel, alcohol, or other mild astringents. You might also have to trim the patches before positioning them with your nostrils.
User Experience
In addition to our own BLEEP Eclipse review, we’ll share what users have to say about this mask to help you further decide.
Seal
According to most Eclipse users, the mask is completely leak-free when the Halos are properly applied. The Halo adhesives stay in place, and the magnets hold well.
Some users have trouble with keeping their frames attached throughout the night. This might be caused by tube drag, which can be prevented by a hose lift or proper tube positioning before sleep.
Ease of Use
One common complaint among new Eclipse users is the prep.
Sure, the Eclipse eliminates the difficulty of attaching and detaching the mask frame to and from the patches–something that DreamPort wearers struggled with. But like its predecessor, the Eclipse Halo rings should be carefully positioned around your nostrils, keeping the adhesive edges from overlapping the magnetic rings. This might mean trimming the patches every night before sticking them on.
With practice and continuous use, the Eclipse Halos become easier to put on. In fact, some long-time users (and even a few newbies) spend only a couple of minutes applying the Halos.
Comfort
Because of the Eclipse’s unique minimal design, many users found the mask light on their faces. They also loved how they could bury their faces into their pillows and sleep in any position–all without waking up with mask marks on face.
Some Eclipse wearers have experienced discomfort whenever they accidentally pull on the tube. Again, with proper tube management and positioning, this problem can be easily avoided.
Price
While the Eclipse costs less than most popular CPAP masks on the market, the Halos can be pricey since you have to replace them every night. Users suggest buying Halo patches in bulk to cut down on costs.
To help you save money, RespShop offers free shipping and a 10% discount when you subscribe to a regular delivery of Halos and other consumables.
Customer Service
Whether you have problems with noise or tube drag, the BLEEP team will quickly sort them out for you. Eclipse users appreciate the hands-on approach by founder and inventor Stuart Heatherington, who often responds to emails, text messages, and even forum posts himself.
BLEEP Eclipse Review Key Takeaways
Driven by the goal of improving CPAP compliance, BLEEP created the Eclipse, its second-generation no headgear CPAP mask. Boasting a lightweight strap-free design, it emerges as a groundbreaking solution for those wanting to be rid of the constraints of traditional headgear. Its magnetic attachment allows for easy connection and disconnection, an improvement from DreamPort’s sockets and plastic ports.
While some users struggle with applying the Halos, it becomes easier once you get the routine down. Knowing how to properly put the Halos on will be certainly worthwhile since it’ll ensure leak-free nights.
Have any questions about our BLEEP Eclipse review? Feel free to reach out to our medical team for more info.