Will I have to shave my beard?

[bvburnes]

Hello,

I am a pre-newbie. I've had a sleep study, and been called back in for a "CPAP Titration" study (Which I assume means I will end up on a CPAP machine). I wonder...I've seen conflicting information, so I wonder what your take is on getting an effective seal with the mask if I wear a beard.

I've worn a beard the better part of 20 years now, and I think I may just look funny without one Of course if I need to, I will shave it!

Any thoughts or experiences would be appreciated. Thank you!

-Brett

[Craig P]

It all depends on the type of mask you need to make it work for you. If you can tolerate a nasal pillow mask then you should be able to keep your beard. If you are someone that must have a FFM (full face mask) then the beard may have to go. I have a moustache, have had some form of facial hair over the years and use nasal pillows.

There will be plenty of others on this board with facial hair and will be able to le tyou know how things work for them. If you must sacrifice the beard for your well being then it will be a small sacrifice.

[jmelby]

I use the Activa LT nasal mask (over the nose, not pillows) and have no problems with my beard. I use a full face mask when congested, and did have some trouble finding a mask that I could get a good seal with my beard--what I use for that is the ComfortGel Full Face, but I do have to keep it pretty tight to get a good seal, so I only wear it when needed.

[LinkC]

Looking at your pics, I'd recommend you ALL lose the hairy faces!!! Or wear your masks 24/7!

(Notice the * in the Subject indicating humor...)

[grady61]

full beard trimmed comparable to yours I guess and doing fine with a liberty. Prolly depends on the individual if you can use nasal pillows no reason to at all Id say.

[slibhart]

I have a beard and a full face mask....no challenges. I do keep the beard trimmed short though

[Stratman]

I am battling the same thought. I have a beard, but keep it short.

I could not get used to the nasal masks and been using a ResMed Ultra Full Face mask. I do get some leakage with it but hopfully it will work out. I really like the Full Face mask better. Some nights my nose clogs up for a while and I just breath through my mouth until my nose clears.

Also with a nasal only mask my cheeks puff up like a squirrel with several nuts in its mouth.

I guess I could shave the beard,

If I can't get my AHI any lower I may shave and try it for a couple of weeks.

Tom...........

[mattman]

I have a full beard/moustache and wear a Comfort Gel with no problems. I've also worn a Swift/Swift LT from time to time with no issues either.

[rosacer]

Hi bvburnes

No I don't have a beard but I have a friend who has one. I was wondering what kind if mask he uses, I ask him and he was able to tell me he uses a nasal mask ( I imagine he is using an Activa) . By his answer I think he dont' understand much about masks and machines but what is important is that he has no problem at all with his nasal mask and his big mustache. He is using it since 3 years I think and is doing well.


If you are able to use the mask closed to your nose instead of leaning agaisnt the uper lip your beard will be safe, you will not looks funny Because thank God I don't have a beard I use the Activa leaning more over my lip because other way I feel it botters my nose, but that's me the delicate one.

Good luck

[DreamDiver]

I have a short, modern vandyke-style beard, and I wear the zzz full-face, ultra-mirage full face, and hybrid masks all without problems. My zzz mask has no large leaks most nights. Don't expect to grow a santa-sized bushy beard and use the machine - but a short, well-cropped beard is perfectly manageable.

Be sure to get a FULLY data capable AUTO, preferrably one of the latest S9 Autoset or System One Auto. They also both come in BiPAP flavor as well.

Welcome and good luck with your new therapy.

[barry15]

I have used nasal pillows, a nasal mask, and a Quattro full face mask with my beard, and all have worked fine. By all means, give it a try.

Barry

[tweed]

hi i have been using my machine for 22 nights now. i have a full getting longer beard and i use the Swift FX. (nasal pillow)

the first couple times that i used it it was a little to tight and made my nose a bit sore. i starte loosening it one click at a time
and now it is like i am not even wearing it. i do not think i could wear a nose cup or a full face mask... good luck with it and dont shave off the beard...

[bvburnes]

Thanks everyone for your thoughts and experiences. Sounds like there's definitely hope that I can keep my beard if I find the right mask. Of course as Craig said, better to be beardless and breathing!

-Brett

[28ovr5df]

keep the beard short and you can use a full face mask, been doing it for 10 months. i use a F/P

[DaveMunson]

Beard?

Superman? No.
Spider man? No.
Batman? No.
Captain Picard? No.
Captain America? No.
Mister Incredible? No.
Wolverine? Yes.
Better chance for a perfect seal on most masks? No.

Depends on the pressure, mask and how you sleep.