Facial hair and face masks

[Zoopshine]

The husband is getting a sleep test, yipee! He snores on both inspiration AND expiration, and I've heard him flat-out stop breathing many many times, so interested in what his results are. I recommended he try a nasal mask or nasal pillows because he's got a thick, full, fluffy beard. But I'm a little worried. What happens when he's got a cold? Are there FFMs out there that work well with full beards, or is he going to have to shave off one of his best features every time cold season rolls around?

[Pugsy]

Guys wear full face masks and have beards or facial hair...even some big bushy Santa Claus beards..and do well with them.

I would suggest that you cross that bridge if and when you come to it...maybe have a full face mask handy for times when the cold bug bites but if you and he don't want to shave the beard I wouldn't do it just on a maybe chance that a full face mask might be needed and hard to seal.

First of all...in over 6 years I have had my share of colds and upper respiration infections and I have yet to have congestion so bad that I simply couldn't use my nasal pillow mask. If I can get the nose opened just a little with sprays or oral meds...I have been able to use my nasal pillow mask and often wake up breathing better than when I went to bed because the humidity seems to help the congestion. Think how congestion is relieved briefly during a hot steamy shower.
Now I might not sleep so great because of the cold itself but that goes along with the cold...I wouldn't sleep so great even if I didn't have sleep apnea and didn't use the machine.
So for that reason I wouldn't worry about having things 100% perfect anyway.

If I just wanted to have a full face mask available to use "just in case" then I would have one for the few times it might be needed but I wouldn't automatically shave for a "just in case" scenario.

[grayghost4]

As you can see from my picture ... I have a real challenge with mask fit.

now to get real .. I have full facial hair .... and have had success with several full face masks
Amara View .... F & P simplex ... of course some don't work for me ... different masks for different people

[Cannuck 1]

I have a mustache and I like the nasal pillow style with good success.
I like less on my face and able to see with out obstruction is my desire. Have used nasal masks also and still like the Resmed swift fx nasal pillow, ask them for a couple of different styles while testing.
It will depend on pressures he will need to over come the Apneas.(its amazing the volume of air these machines can put out.)

[ChicagoGranny]

I recommended he try a nasal mask or nasal pillows

A nasal interface is fine if he doesn't breathe through his mouth or leak air out his mouth while sleeping. Otherwise, he will need a full face mask.

[highstick]

I wear an F10 full face mask...I've shaved mine off for the time being...Still itches under the mask. I'm a mouth breather and if I'm sick, my throat gets sore if I'm mouth breathing. Once the nasal passages clear up, I'm ok.

[chunkyfrog]

Don't be surprised if "colds" become less frequent or severe as a result of increased nasal humidity at night.
It happened to me. I have not needed to wear a full face mask for over three years.

[ChicagoGranny]

Don't be surprised if "colds" become less frequent or severe as a result of increased nasal humidity at night.

... and good sleep helps the immune system fight off colds.

I have fewer colds since starting CPAP, and they are not as severe and not as long lasting. When you can breathe and sleep at night, everything works better.