Full face mask and beard

JeffH · Post by **JeffH** » Mon Jan 08, 2007 6:27 pm

Anyone having good luck using a full face mask with a full (but short) beard? If so, what kind?

I've used Adams nasal pillows for six years, but have recently discovered I'm a mouth breather and have been successful with taping, but am interested in trying a full face mask.

Thanks

JeffH

DreamStalker · Post by **DreamStalker** » Mon Jan 08, 2007 6:51 pm

I have tried the Hybrid, Ultra Mirage Full Face, and F&P 432 (also fitted the 431 but did not try and sleep with it). You will get every answer possible with your question because each mask is a favorite of some and hated by others. It comes down to your particular facial structure (ie. big, small, narrow, wide nose; or thin, long, round, angular, or chubby face; or relatively small head or large head). In addition (at least with the Hybrid), it seems that the pressure used and/or machine algorithm for APAP used may make a difference too. Finally, your sleep preferences (such as side sleeping) may be added into the mix.

The best thing to do is to try them all yourself and see what works best for you … that can become expensive if you don’t find one that works for you right away. You may want to try the more popular ones first (the ones I mentioned above in addition to maybe the Comfort Full2). There are a few others that others on rare occasions mention such as the Mojo, Hans Rudolf and one yet to hit the market … the Yara.

Best of luck and keep in mind that everyone who posts their favorite is just that … THEIR favorite.

JeffH · Post by **JeffH** » Mon Jan 08, 2007 7:19 pm

I'm thinking of buying a Hybird. I'm pretty full faced and am a side sleeper. I'm also used to nasal pillows, so I'm thinking that one may be the easiest to get used to. Don't have a lot of money, so I'd like to make the right decision on the first try, and I realize it's all a crap shoot.

Thanks

JeffH

DreamStalker · Post by **DreamStalker** » Mon Jan 08, 2007 7:45 pm

If you are patient and you visit here frequently, you may be able to nab a used one at a reduced cost ...

However, based on comments in another thread -- DME's seem to have decided not to carry Hybrids anymore cuz insurance does not want to pay ... possibly reducing the supply of used Hybrids and consequently increasing their resale value.

I found that the three I have tried so far all have about the same effectiveness ... I'm still fiddling with them to try and get a full 8 hours of quality dreams with low AHI/leak values. So far I can only get about 4 to 5 hours on any one of them before I get uncontollable leaks ... I have lots of time though since my OSA ain't going anywhere soon.

JeffH · Post by **JeffH** » Mon Jan 08, 2007 9:28 pm

That doesn't sound too good. Might just stick with my Adams and tape.

oldgearhead · Post by **oldgearhead** » Tue Jan 09, 2007 6:24 am

Jeff,
Since you appear to be a good fit for the Hybrid, "chipmunk cheeks" and
nasal pillow experience, I suggest you plan to get one. However, I
would wait until the new headgear is part of the purchase. At the present
time the "new" Hybrids are being delivered with the old, very bad headgear,
and you must make contact with someone at Telflex and beg for the improved version. Not a good situation, just yet.

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): nasal pillow

Sleepy-eyes · Post by **Sleepy-eyes** » Tue Jan 09, 2007 7:14 am

JeffH,

I wear a full beard..........short one also..........but quickly gave up on a full face mask. Couldn't find a way to make it quit leaking..............and I'll be danged if I'm cutting my beard off for this therapy!!!!! (Too danged ugly to look at without it.) Tried NasalAire II and couldn't seem to get used to having two "cigars" shoved up my nose at night. Went to a nose mask, but it still leaked. Besides, I'm a mouth breather and couldn't find a tape that would work. Went to a chin strap, which helped, but my mouth kept making motorboat noises as a breathed out. Made a mouth strap. Still had leaking problems with the nose mask. Went back to my NasalAire II and made myself "tough it" through the pain of the canulas up my nose. Have just now started sleeping a full night (7.8 hours last night) with low percentage of leaks and discomfort. The last 3 or 4 nights I have had only 1 or 2 apneas a night. No snores. AHI in the 1.5-2.2 range. OAI 0.13-1.63. And I'm up to my RX pressure of 15 with C-Flex at 2.

For me, at least, I didn't start getting consistant numbers until I got the leak problems fixed. I'm of the opinion no mask is going to seal properly if it has to go over a beard.

SnoreBlower · Post by **SnoreBlower** » Tue Jan 09, 2007 8:14 am

I'm of the opinion no mask is going to seal properly if it has to go over a beard.

I'd have to agree. And since my wife has a particular fondness for my facial hair, I don't see me shaving it off either. I may try a chin strap.

DreamStalker · Post by **DreamStalker** » Tue Jan 09, 2007 8:27 am

Actually, if you are mouth leaking, a chin strap will help little if any.

There are some bearded members who have been able to successfully use a FF mask. I for one have been successful for at least 4 to 5 hours at a time using the first three FF masks that I have tried ... I would not give up on FF masks so easily ... because a nasal interface will be hopeless with complete nasal congestion.

I have been very lucky to avoid the congestion and so I am taking my time on the weekends trying to tweak a FF mask to work with my beard. Also keep in mind that there are others who have no facial hair and still have problems with leaky FF masks.

Bottom line is to be patient and persevere!

BTW - If I did have to shave to make an FF mask to work due to congestion, I would do it because as ugly as I may look without it ... I prefer that to wearing my beard in a casket.

Handgunner45 · Post by **Handgunner45** » Tue Jan 09, 2007 8:35 am

I have worn a full beard most of my life, and the only mask I have used is the UMFF. Yes, my leakage is a little higher than the mask vent rate, but I have little or no large leaks and my AHI is staying below 2.0. I do have to keep it trimmed a little shorter than I used to but I have been able to keep the beard and still get effective treatment. Trick for me has been to make sure face and mask are clean when I mask up at night.

JeffH · Post by **JeffH** » Tue Jan 09, 2007 9:55 am

DreamStalker,

I've gotten thru nasal congestion with a nasal pillow system on many occasions. It just takes lots of saline nasal spray and letting the air do it's work. Of course, higher pressures also help.

JeffH

CarolinaBlueMax · Post by **CarolinaBlueMax** » Thu Jan 11, 2007 9:12 pm

Jeff

I also have a full beard and have been using the UMFF and have to just say ditto to Handgunner45. I also have a Flex 451 and find it even more comfortable and a bit quieter than the UMFF but for some odd reason my Ahi is much higher with it.

Good luck

Vader · Post by **Vader** » Fri Jan 12, 2007 7:37 pm

JeffH wrote:Anyone having good luck using a full face mask with a full (but short) beard? If so, what kind?

I've used Adams nasal pillows for six years, but have recently discovered I'm a mouth breather and have been successful with taping, but am interested in trying a full face mask.

Thanks

JeffH

I have a full beard, and have never had any problems with the Ultra Mirage Full Face mask. It's an outstanding and well made product.

Presently, I'm using Somnotech's Soyala mask with the Ruby chinstrap.
The Ruby is excellent for me in stopping my mouth breathing.
The Soyala is fantastic for side sleeping, is super quiet, and also very compact, and gives a great seal.

Mask

Additional Comments: Equipment isn't correct, S9 ASV w/H5i

Machine	Mask

Additional Comments: OSCAR 1.5.1

Full face mask and beard

Full face mask and beard

Re: Full face mask and beard