Need advice from guys with facial hair.

[Kiralynx]

For the guys with facial hair (mustache and beard) what masks to you use (nasal pillows are NOT an option for hubby, he can't stand anything in his nose), what masks do you use? His beard is not real bushy....but it may prevent a full face from sealing right.

Deb,

You might consider the Comfortlite 2 with direct seal -- the direct seals are akin to nasal pillows, but they cover on the outside of the nares, not inside.

Obviously, I don't have a beard or moustache, but my husband, who does, experimented with my CL2 when I got my machine and allowed as how he thought it would work, even with the hirsute attractions. My husband isn't a hosehead, though, and hasn't tried sleeping with it -- he just tried it on under pressure. Air pressure, that is.

For me, the nasal pillow mediums were too large (I felt like I was wearing nose stretchers) and the nasal pillow smalls were too small (I couldn't get enough air!), but the Direct Seal 4 is Just Right. Now why do I suddenly find myself thinking of hot cereal for breakfast?

[deerslayer]

Debjax, even though you say he wouldn't consider nasal pillows you might want to reconsider. when the 30 of us @ the VA were introduced to our equipment and passed around the interfaces , i didn't even look at the nasal pillows and would not consider. after trying the nasal mask for a few nights and realized what a freakin pain (LEAKS) , awakenings even before rolling over. i had a mustache then and have a big untamed FU now , those nasal masks just don't get it. only option would be an activa. i have learned to keep my yap shut all night now useing polident strips at first then nothing. no chin strap(irritating) nothing. i would suggest he try the swift II or the aeiomed headrest - which is my main mask, but i do switch back sometimes. the comfort factor plus thee low leak #'s add up to a very tolerable deep sleep. i am averaging around 8 1/2- 9 hrs. a night. good luck to your hubby ! rock on , tim

[alnhwrd]

I shaved the mustache I had for 30 years shortly after I started cpap and don't regret it. Therapy first, all other considerations are secondary. Never say never, I too hate having things up my nose but if my long slow experimentation with various masks brings me a pillows type that works well, I adapt to the mask to improve my treatment.

[gapwedge]

I use the Mirage Activa nasal mask. I have a mustache/goatee. No leaks.

[Debjax]

(I just typed "beard" into the search box to get these . . .)

You know, , I have been trying to find a search box for weeks here, and was just amazed that there wasn't one. Then I read your post and looked again.....

[Debjax]

shave,your life is more important than a beard.

Hey, if we can find a way to have the best of both worlds....

[Wulfman]

(I just typed "beard" into the search box to get these . . .)

You know, , I have been trying to find a search box for weeks here, and was just amazed that there wasn't one. Then I read your post and looked again.....

It's right up near the top of the screen, just below the CPAPTALK.COM

Den

[Debjax]

I have just received and tried an Activa mask (Resmed). I like it!!!! Won't replace my headrest, but it will probably displace the ComfortGel as my backup. I have the "standard" size and it fits pretty similar to the CG, though it may be a tad lower on the bridge of the nose.

Hmmm...need to talk to our RT, your's is the second post about the new mask, and looking at it....I use the Mirage Micro, and it's too high on my nose...might see about getting one of those for both of us...

[Debjax]

Then I read your post and looked again.....

It's right up near the top of the screen, just below the CPAPTALK.COM

Den

Uh, yeah....

[Captain_Midnight]

I had a neatly trimmed goatee, but shaved cleanly before my titration (3 yrs ago) and I'm now comfortable shaving daily. (It was a getting gray anyway.)

[Handgunner45]

I have had a full beard since starting treatment.....Only time I have any issues is when I let it get a little long, and then it is not much of an issue, just a little leakage. I have always and only used the UMFF. The UMFF works so well for me that I haven't even considered changing to anything else. It lets me sleep on my back or either side without a problem.

[jnk]

(I just typed "beard" into the search box to get these . . .)

You know, , I have been trying to find a search box for weeks here, and was just amazed that there wasn't one. Then I read your post and looked again.....

Actually, for what it's worth, I think a lot of people here just use Google to search this site, using the syntax:

"search words" site:http://www.cpaptalk.com

[OmniMarconi67]

I have a moustache and goatee. I use the Mirage Micro, hasn't leaked on me yet.

[dcryandc]

I have just received and tried an Activa mask (Resmed). I like it!!!! Won't replace my headrest, but it will probably displace the ComfortGel as my backup. I have the "standard" size and it fits pretty similar to the CG, though it may be a tad lower on the bridge of the nose. Again, it needs to be fairly loose with the headgear just holding it in place. It uses what they call an "Active Cell" technology, and I have to tell ya, it works!!!! The membrane is connected to the frame with a section that allows the whole seal to move with you when you turn over or move around. I'm not particularly enamored with the little hose thingie that hangs down, but it's not a show stopper by any means. The exhaust is petty robust as well - wife doesn't particularly like it, but I've learned to move that direction without it blowing her off her side of the bed....
It seals well with the mustache as well....For me, it's a keeper!!
goose

goose: You should try the new "Activa LT"...it's apparently much quieter and lower exhaust than the regular Activa mask...since I changed from the ComfortGel to the Activa LT, my wife says that she cannot even hear the new mask at all, and the exhaust is a non-issue.

[eutychus]

Goatee / Quattro / Love It