Suddenly better?

[madmoe]

I've been using my BiPap for about 4 months now and according to my machine, my AHI has been averaging around 10. I have a beard (have had it for about 30 years) and normally keep it trimmed around 2". I recently got it trimmed to 3/4" and now my AHI is 3.4. Is something wrong with my machine, or did trimming my beard really make that much difference.

[Sheriff Buford]

I would guess the improvement was in the leak area. What are your leak rates and did they improve? I have had beards in the past (working undercover) and never had mask sealing issues, but it can interfere with the mask seals and cause higher leak rates. Do you notice you feel better with the lower AHI? If you do, the real test is to shave the beard off for a week and record (and check) your data. See if you feel better. You can always grow it back. If you find you do feel better, you may have a decision to make. If you decide to keep the higher AHI rates, know that the decision you make is increasing or decreasing the apnea events and the damage these apnea events are doing to your body.

Sheriff

[Sheriff Buford]

Sorry I didn't mention... you can also try a nasal mask. It won't interfere with the beard. You must have a clear nose (honkers) and you cannot breath thru your mouth. Lots of folks here use nasal masks and I am totally jealous. Sheriff

[madmoe]

Thanks for the response! I'm one of those that cannot use the nose mask. I tried it and felt like I was suffocating, I'm evidently a big time mouth breather. I'll check the leak rate.

[khauser]

I also felt like I suffocated with a nasal mask, but for me, nasal pillows don't cause that problem.

If I am on xPAP therapy I don't mouth-breathe.

Perhaps you should give nasal pillows a try?

[Always tired]

I've been using my BiPap for about 4 months now and according to my machine, my AHI has been averaging around 10. I have a beard (have had it for about 30 years) and normally keep it trimmed around 2". I recently got it trimmed to 3/4" and now my AHI is 3.4. Is something wrong with my machine, or did trimming my beard really make that much difference.

I have a beard and mustache too and need to keep it trimmed pretty short to cut down on the mask leaks. Other members take the opposite approach and keep it longer, but shampoo it and leave it damp right before masking up. If nothing else changed then I would agree with Sheriff and say it was the beard. Can you look at your SH leak data? That does seem like a huge drop with just a beard trim.

The real question is do you feel better? If you do decide to stay with a full beard you may want to look at the Eson Nasal mask and the Aloha Pillows. I swore that I would never again try pillows until pugsy turned me on to the the Alhoa--now my AHI has dropped by 2/3 in the first two nights.
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