ResMed AirFit F10 with beard

Hey all, just created an account...

I've been on APAP therapy for close to 5 years now. I've been using a ResMed Mirage Quattro the entire time. I had an appointment with the respiratory therapist at my DME provider yesterday to get a new mask and talk about a new machine. They've stopped stocking the Mirage Quattro, so I had to pick a new mask. They had three full face options, F&P Simplus and ResMed Quattro FX I know for sure and I think the ResMed AirFit F10. The respiratory therapist immediately ruled out the F10 saying that the texture of the cushion doesn't work well with beards (I have a full beard), leaving me to pick between the FX and the Simplus. I chose the Simplus since I liked the design and it was comfortable when I tried it on. Once I went to bed last night, however, I kept getting leaks from the top of the mask into my eyes when I completely closed my jaw. I've tried adjusting it, but it doesn't fix the problem, so I'll be taking it back and getting something else.

I've heard elsewhere that the F10 is actually very good for people with beards, so I'm thinking of trying that next. I've also seen mixed reviews on the FX. Ultimately, I could probably get them to special order another Mirage Quattro, but I'm open to the idea of trying something new.

So, does anyone with a beard have experience with the F10 or the FX?

I've used mine only a few times when totally congested. Had a few large leaks with it but I think with some tweaking it would be much better. Worth a try. I think it depends quite a bit on the beard in question.

I've never had sealing issues due to my beard, the way it grows on my lower lip I end up with a good area to seal down there. My leak issues have always been around nose. I think I'll give the F10 a shot.

I have solved some nose-area air leaks with a Gecko gel pad. It has also stopped a lot of pain and irritation to my skin. I got one for approx. $15.00 from Amazon. Might be a possibility for you. Good luck !

Please let us know what winds up working for you--especially if it's the F10.

I have a relatively short full beard but couldn't get the F10 to seal to save my life. It was the right size according to the template but it was just not going to happen and air was shooting out all over the place. If you find a good full face mask that does work with a beard though, please let me know.

I'm not willing to give up my beard yet but I also don't enjoy wearing a chin strap either. I know many on here will say just shave the beard but for those of us who have one, we get attached.

I have a full beard, I've been using the F10 for about a month now. It does start to leak worse when my beard gets longer. If I trim my beard I'm able to get a good seal most of the time.

Thanks, Brooklyn and Rusty! I typically use the #4 setting on my trimmer comb (and my wife likes it that way), but then I let it grow out a bit before hitting it again. It would be nice to have a FF option for nasal congestion I couldn't prevent (and I'll try real hard) or cure.

Years and years ago.....I read about some guys using K-Y type, water soluble personal lubes to make their FFMs seal with their beards. Sounded messy and unpleasant to me but, some were desperate to keep their whiskers and a good seal, and swore by it. I don't recall which FFMs were being tried, it's been so long ago that they're probably no longer made anyway.

Deep Sleep wrote:Please let us know what winds up working for you--especially if it's the F10.

I tried the F10 last night. Comfortwise, the mask itself is great! I have a few issues with it though. First off, I have a big head. The headgear is right on the edge of the adjustments. The strap that goes over the head isn't adjustable and caused the mask to ride up on my face a little bit. I was eventually able to get it in a good position and I think it stayed sealed.

Once I got it sealed and settled in, I didn't feel like I was getting as much pressure into my airway as I do with a Mirage Quattro. I figured a different mask is going to feel different and went to sleep. I woke up just before 6am this morning not feeling well. I checked the AHI on my machine and I had been averaging about a 9.1 over the course of the night. I switched back to my Mirage Quattro and went back to sleep. I ended up getting about a 6.1 AHI with that, which is what I have been running lately (I'm getting a new machine soon and getting my range changed to bring that down.

At this point, I think I'm going to go back to using the Quattro. While it isn't as comfortable as the F10, I'm used to it and sleep well with it.

Or one could rub a bit of Lansinoh into the beard, to soften the skin and the hair.
Be careful! Soft face fur begs to be touched!

Thanks for following up, Luke. I'm also in the 7-3/4 to 7-7/8 inch hat/helmet size range, so that's good to know about the straps. Also good to know about the Mirage Quattro working with your beard.

My head size makes me worry about a one-size-fits-all P10 versus a Swift FX in the nasal pillows too. The FFM will be just for nasal congestion backup.

BrooklynCPAPer wrote: I'm not willing to give up my beard yet but I also don't enjoy wearing a chin strap either. I know many on here will say just shave the beard but for those of us who have one, we get attached.

Consider trying a cervical collar (they're about $10 online). I got one to help control leaks from moving around and one unexpected benefit was it also prevents my jaw from dropping open - so no mouth breathing. My 95% leaks went from 30 - 35 to 0. Chin straps tend to pull your jaw back a bit, which can affect your therapy, but the collar just holds your jaw shut in its normal position.

Your mileage my vary, but it did the trick for me.