Good Mask for facial hair?

Hope all are doing well. Diagnosed just under a year ago. Adjusted really well to therapy.

Started out with a Quattro max and then shifted to a Quattro FX. Ultimately have really taken a liking to the RESMED Liberty. However, after retiring from the Navy I decided to grow a beard. Leak rate went way up and I started getting that "foggy" feeling again.

Anyone know of a mask/type of mask that might be more tolerant of facial hair than the Resmed ones? Only caveat is that it needs to be FFM or a hybrid as I am a serious mouth-breather.

Thanks!

Mike

have you tried the mask trials?

http://www.cpaplibrary.com/mask-trials.html

And if you've tried the Liberty... how about the Hybrid (which is a different mask but usually more stable)

Hi Mike

I found that it had more to do with the length of my beard than the full face mask I was using. I also found that the tightness of the mask had to be right. Once my beard got to about a 3 or 4 then I started to get leaks, which disappeared when I cut it back to a 1.

I too was in the Navy, and have had a full set all my adult life, but now keep it trimmed.

BTW - did you hear the saying -

"A woman with a beard looks like a man. A man without a beard looks like a woman." - Afghan Saying

which I got from the first link at -

http://www.google.com.au/search?q=naval ... =firefox-a

cheers

Mars

Mbkjad,
I have a beard and mustache too. Found the Quattro sealed OK at low pressures but anything above 10 and leaks emerged. The Respironics ComfortGel FF is a better seal. But truthfully I don't think the facial hair matters much. Some masks seal better then others...no matter what.

All the other masks I've used are nasal and never had any under-the-nose leak issues.
Good luck,
Jamis

Nasal pillows masks such as the Swift II work well with facial hair. I couldn't get a FFM to seal even without the facial hair that I now have, and am certain that facial hair would just make it worse. You might have to choose between your beard and a FFM... One solution for mouth leaks (which I use) is taping. You'll find a lot of debate here if you search on that word.

How much beard are you talking about?

My Mirage Quattro was pretty good w/padacheek liner up to 6 days or so of beard growth. After that I had to trim or shave or leak rate would go up.

DH has about an inch or so fuzzy all around; wears a Fisher/Paykel Flexi-fit 431 Full face mask.
It works better than any other for him.

I have a goatee and have not had too many problems with my Quattro FX as long as I keep it trim. I normally will trim down to about a 1 (I'm balparking on the length as my old trimmer doesn't have a size on the clipper). If I let it grow out a little, then I start to have leaks, and problems.

I think as long as you arn't going for the Amish look, you should be able to find something that will work. I can't recall who made them, but I thought there was a brand that actually loops under your chin when you wear it and was favored by some who have more full beards. You will have to do a search on this site for that and if I can recall who makes that model, I will post it.

I also would suggest the mask trial that was suggested above. Sounds like a great way to try before you invest and buy.

Okay, found the mask that goes under the chin that helps seal with beards better. It is by F&P and is the FlexiFit HC 432 (as well as a few others). I haven't tried this but I'm sure others can comment.

https://www.cpap.com/productpage/FlexiF ... aykel.html

https://www.cpap.com/productpage/fisher ... -mask.html

https://www.cpap.com/productpage/comfor ... dgear.html

https://www.cpap.com/productpage/devilb ... dgear.html

Hi there, a friend of mine has been using the beard product which included beard wax too. He does not need to wear a mask, as he has got really very soft and shiny beard. You can also try it once or else go with the option which you find comfortable to use.