full beard vs. full face mask

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Aug 09, 2006 8:35 pm

… and the winner is … but seriously though. Are there any CPAP’ers out there with a full beard and successfully using a FF mask interface? -- If so, what mask?

As a novice of this lifestyle, my ultimate goal is to find the ideal nasal pillow system such as the Breeze (tried for one night), ComfortLite-2, Everest Aura, or the Mirage Swift (what I have right now) and then also have a FF mask as a backup for those nights when my sinuses refuse to cooperate. I really do not want to lose the beard which I have been wearing for the past 26 years but feel that my planned backup is necessary. In fact, the good folks at my sleep clinic already have an order in for the Hybrid (not really a FF mask but still requires a seal around my mouth) and I’m anxious to see if it works.

I have read a few posts here regarding the beard issue and noticed that a few have gotten the Hybrid to work with a full beard so I am hopeful. I have also read where most leakages from FF masks actually occur around the bridge of the nose. With that said, I would like to know which FF masks have been successful with full beards.

Advance thanks and cool dreams,

roberto

DreamStalker · Post by **DreamStalker** » Wed Aug 09, 2006 8:37 pm

Ooops ... that was me with the new topic. I thought I had logged in?

- roberto

mikemoran · Post by **mikemoran** » Wed Aug 09, 2006 9:07 pm

Hands down winner for me is the Hybrid. Seals around the beard with no problem and I basically use it as a nasal pillow interface. even though I can breath through my mouth I don't tend to. I like the fact that the air doesn't go directly into my nose but passes across my face first.

patbringer · Post by **patbringer** » Thu Aug 10, 2006 5:37 am

mikemoran wrote:Hands down winner for me is the Hybrid. Seals around the beard with no problem and I basically use it as a nasal pillow interface. even though I can breath through my mouth I don't tend to. I like the fact that the air doesn't go directly into my nose but passes across my face first.

Mike,
I fully agree with you. I have a beard too and it seals very well. I also find that the air seems to get nicely distributed between the mouth and nares

Handgunner45 · Post by **Handgunner45** » Thu Aug 10, 2006 8:24 am

I wear a full beard and stache, and do quite well with the UMFF. Yes I do have some leakage but it has not compromised my therapy in any way. I just have to be sure to clean the mask seal/cushion each night and wash my face right before masking up, and I do great with it. Hopefully I will have the chance to try the Hybrid soon.

Snoozin' Bluezzz · Post by **Snoozin' Bluezzz** » Thu Aug 10, 2006 9:56 am

Hybrid works quite well with my full beard and 'stache but I do keep it trimmed pretty close.

David

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Aug 10, 2006 11:18 am

Comfort Select works perfectly for me with a full beard and moustache

bulldog · Post by **bulldog** » Thu Aug 10, 2006 3:41 pm

I to have a full beard and use the umff with no problems. The important thing is to be sure to get a proper fit when you purchase the mask.

Mask