got my first machine today

So got the machine,
i have a goatie beard which is now gone because couldn't get a seal, so now clean shaven and here the big question......tighten till no leaks and my head explodes, or loose and comfy with leaks and loads of noise ?

The goal is no leaks. If you have to tighten the mask tight enough for your head to explode to get to no leaks then it's not the right mask for your particular face shape. I went through five or six different FFM before finding the right one for me.

You should be able to wear the mask so it's comfortable.....maybe slightly snug, not too tight, and no leaks. When you get lucky and find the right mask then add a pad-a-cheek mask liner to it and you're all set.

Also size is very important, you might have the right mask for you but in the wrong size. You can print out a sizing template if you go to CPAP.com and look at your mask - there is usually a link to a template in PDF format that you can print to verify which size mask you need in a particular model. When you print the template be sure that you select 100% print setting so the template is actual size.

My first DME looked at me and said you're a size Large in a mask and sent me home with a Large FFM - it leaked like crazy because it was too big. I printed template for that mask and it showed me right smack in the middle of the range for a medium mask, I got the medium and no more leaks.

OldBaldDave wrote:So got the machine,
i have a goatie beard which is now gone because couldn't get a seal, so now clean shaven and here the big question......tighten till no leaks and my head explodes, or loose and comfy with leaks and loads of noise ?

Not loose but definitely comfy. There is a happy medium. You might have to try several types of masks to find. Good luck Dave!

You could KEEP the goat if you were able to use nasal pillows...is that an option? Sorry, haven't looked for potential info on that with you.

I'm a new user and I have a goatee. I would switch my mask before I shaved off my goatee. I use a nasal mask. I switch between the ResMed Mirage FX and the Circadiance Elan. While they work for me, doesn't mean they will work for you. Don't settle for a mask that doesn't work. Keep looking for one that fits at least somewhat comfortably and doesn't leak.

I have a goatee as well and i'm doing pretty good with a nasal mask.
First attempt was with a FFM which leaked like crazy, so I switched to a F&P Eson nasal mask in medium which sealed great. I also tested the Eson in large as well which was Ok, except for slight leaking into the eyes so I went back to the medium when the time came to purchase my own. While I was trying different masks, I also briefly tried a nasal pillow which was brilliant as far as no leaks, but I just couldn't get comfortable wearing it.

I have a beard and I like the ffm I use now. My other one would wear the straps out so fast from stretching I had to safety pin them on.

Fairly full beard, favorite mask f&p flexfit 432 which goes under the chin.