Newbie looking for a mask (for a man with a beard)

[Lemmy]

Hello, I'm looking for my first mask. I'm 6' 3" and always seem to need larger than average hats and sunglasses (I'm not sure how universal mask sizing is). I also have a medium beard. I've heard that this can interfere with the seal and cause problems for some users. I'm curious what other men with beards are using. A friend of mine with a goatee says he has some air leakage but it isn't an issue for him. I'm also a stomach sleeper (head facing to the side). If anyone else is, I'd welcome their advice as well.


I've attached a shot of a beard similar to mine in style and length in case that is helpful.

Beard Style

Screen Shot 2021-06-01 at 5.13.13 PM.png (154.49 KiB) Viewed 1320 times

[SleepGeek]

I vote for Nasal Pillows.

[zonker]

Hello, I'm looking for my first mask. I'm 6' 3" and always seem to need larger than average hats and sunglasses (I'm not sure how universal mask sizing is). I also have a medium beard. I've heard that this can interfere with the seal and cause problems for some users. I'm curious what other men with beards are using. A friend of mine with a goatee says he has some air leakage but it isn't an issue for him. I'm also a stomach sleeper (head facing to the side). If anyone else is, I'd welcome their advice as well.

may i suggest the p10?-


https://www.cpap.com/productpage/resmed ... k-headgear

you have 30 days to try it and if you don't like it, full refund.https://i.imgur.com/wmLFkOh.jpg

also, i just started experimenting with sleeping prone at the beginning of the year and it's no problem with the p10. i use the falcon position, like so-




good luck!

[ChicagoGranny]

I'm looking for my first mask.

At this point, do you know whether you need a nasal interface or a full face interface?

[jimbud]

I'm looking for my first mask.

At this point, do you know whether you need a nasal interface or a full face interface?

That means you do not mouth breath or you do mouth breath.

JPB

[D.H.]

I use the Comfort Gel nasal mask size medium. I have a full beard and mustache.

It works for me, but masks are a very personal choice.

I have been a back sleeper only since CPAP (I was a side sleeper before that).

[Lemmy]

Thanks for all these great replies!

I do not know if I need a nasal only or full face mask. Like many I "sometimes" breath out of my mouth, but it really just depends on if I have a stuffy nose which happens at times. (I'm working through allergy shots to help limit this).

A friend of mine who uses a cpap recommended getting a full face mask to start with. This logic seems sound to me. I wish there was a "starter pack" with different mask options so you would have a few to try out.


I too am hoping that I might be able to sleep on my back once I have the mask. I've never been able to do it before. The "Falcon Position" that Zonker posted is very similar to the way I sleep now. I'll check those masks out!

[zonker]

keep us updated.

[jimbud]

It does not hurt to have both types. For times when you can not make due with your preferred one.
Eventually you probably will go with a pillow mask. Full face when needed.
If you do not mouth breath the pillow mask is less hassle.

I and several others on here with beards use the pillow mask even though mouth breathing is an issue. We have figured out techniques to do so.
We prefer the pillow mask over the full face even with the extra effort.

Your therapy, so your adventure.

Good luck.

JPB

My son has a beard, started with full face and would not have it any other way.

[ChicagoGranny]

I'll check those masks out!

The forum sponsor, cpap.com, is a good place to look at masks with photos, sizing guides, specifications and many customer reviews. I recommend sorting by most popular.

[ChicagoGranny]

I'm looking for my first mask.

At this point, do you know whether you need a nasal interface or a full face interface?

That means you do not mouth breath or you do mouth breath.

JPB

I hesitate to make the distinction that way. Some people who claim they don't mouth-breathe, have a problem with the pressure blowing back out their lips. To keep from losing the therapeutic pressure level, they use a FFM.

[zonker]

I'm looking for my first mask.

At this point, do you know whether you need a nasal interface or a full face interface?

That means you do not mouth breath or you do mouth breath.

JPB

I hesitate to make the distinction that way. Some people who claim they don't mouth-breathe, have a problem with the pressure blowing back out their lips. To keep from losing the therapeutic pressure level, they use a FFM.

me too. when i started this merry adventure six years ago(!), i was convinced i was a mouth breather and would suffocate if i didn't use a full mask.

soon turned out had too many leaks with a full beard not matter what i tried. and shaving it was NOT an option. so i bit the bullet and tried nasal. worked once i made some adjustments to keep my yap from falling open.

[jimbud]

I do not hesitate to say "If you lose therapy pressure via the mouth, you are a mouth breather". Pertaining to apnea therapy.
I guess I just think a little too simplistic.

I am a simple man.

JPB

[EJW372]

New CPAP user here too since Feb 1, 2021. I’m 6 foot and have a beard as well, not nearly as full/thick as that, tried 4 different masks until I settled on the ResMed F30 full face which I really like. I had heard good things about the memory foam cushion based (instead of the usual silicone) ResMed AirTouch F20 for bearded guys but found I didn’t like it. I’d try that first maybe then the F30?

CPAP.com will let you exchange a mask if you return within 30 days, it was perfect for helping me find what worked for me, my original DME had issued me a Philips DreamWear that did not work for me.

[Bookbear]

As a man with a round face and full, thick beard (yes, I play Santa Nov.-Dec.) I started with a full face mask almost 16 years ago. LOTS of leaks, I quickly switched to a nasal pillow mask, the Puritan Bennet Breeze. About 6-7 years ago (forget exactly when) I switched to the ResMed AirFit P10. The nasal pillow designs were much better for me. Remember, though, that masks are highly individual items. Fit and comfort with the same model will vary from person to person as no two people's faces are exactly the same. The best advice has been mentioned above... try on a variety of masks, and it never hurts to have more than one type on hand.

Good luck!