Beards, help!!!

Moon · Post by **Moon** » Thu Dec 07, 2006 9:56 am

For anyone who still has a beard, I would love any ideas on masks leaks!!

greyhound · Post by **greyhound** » Thu Dec 07, 2006 10:09 am

Nasal pillows (Swift and ComfortCurve work for me) and poligrip strips if "mouth taping" is needed.

Moon · Post by **Moon** » Thu Dec 07, 2006 10:12 am

Thanks, I am on a high pressure (starting at 18cmh20) and the pillows or any nasel is too much trouble.

greyhound · Post by **greyhound** » Thu Dec 07, 2006 10:17 am

My pressures tend to stay in the 12-13 range. Occasionally it's gone as high as 16 (the maximum in my APAP range)

arthuranxious · Post by **arthuranxious** » Thu Dec 07, 2006 10:28 am

Full beard and comfortable from day 1 with the swift nasal pillows. My pressure is anywhere from 6.2 to 11.6 on my autoPAP and I don't find it hard to handle with proper humidifier level.
I was aware of the potential for problems with leaks before starting out and usggested at the titration study that this would be a reason to use nasal pillows, and they used the Swift that night and I have never tried anything else so I don't know if I would have leaks with regular mask. You could try and see... especially the smaller masks which go only right below the nose it shouldn't be that hard to get a rasonable seal.

mikemoran · Post by **mikemoran** » Thu Dec 07, 2006 11:25 am

The Hybrid works well with my beard, just tighten down the lower straps. It should work with yoru higher pressure too.

mattman · Post by **mattman** » Thu Dec 07, 2006 2:25 pm

Full beard/mustache for me.

I alternate between the comfort classic, comfort gel and the swift. All 3 work really well for me with minimal tightening and with no leaks.

Good Luck!

mattman

snufflepgs · Post by **snufflepgs** » Thu Dec 07, 2006 4:38 pm

I've been very surprised at how well the Ultra Mirage Full Face mask seals with my beard. The only problem I've had, though, is at higher pressures (above 12 or 13), which may not make ideal for you. Good luck.

greyhound · Post by **greyhound** » Thu Dec 07, 2006 4:46 pm

And I've had nothing but leaks with the Ultra Mirage Full Face Mask at the same 12-13 pressures. Just goes to show you that none of these experiences may be applicable to yours. Unfortunately, too often, it's just trial and error - an expensive learning experience.

Sleepy-eyes · Post by **Sleepy-eyes** » Thu Dec 07, 2006 5:08 pm

I wear a full beard. If I tighten my straps down to the point I cut off the blood flow to my brain I can honestly say I have only a few noticeable leaks every hour. In other words, I've not found a solution. I'm sick to death of mashing my mask to my face and still not having a leak free night. I've tried a NasalAire II and while it works as advertised, I can't keep my stupid mouth shut...........and I've tried chin straps, mouth straps, mouth guards, and even tried taping, but tape just tore the skin off my lips. I'll keep on trying, but this is really becoming tiring.

storminnormin · Post by **storminnormin** » Thu Dec 07, 2006 5:32 pm

I have a short beard and have had very few problems with the full face fisher and paykel 431. My average leak is around 40 at a pressure of about 12 or 13. That's close to the leak rate for that mask. I like it, but like everyone says, its a personal experimentation, wallet busting experience. stormin

greyhound · Post by **greyhound** » Thu Dec 07, 2006 5:36 pm

Sleepy-eyes wrote: I can't keep my stupid mouth shut...........and I've tried chin straps, mouth straps, mouth guards, and even tried taping, but tape just tore the skin off my lips. I'll keep on trying, but this is really becoming tiring.

Try poligrip strips on your lips. It works.

Moon · Post by **Moon** » Fri Dec 08, 2006 9:03 am

Thank you for all your input

RobertinTX · Post by **RobertinTX** » Fri Dec 08, 2006 11:35 am

Well just my 0.02 worth...
I've been on cpap 15 years and have always had a full beard and mustache.
I use the nasal mask, FlexiFit 407 is one of my favorites...
I only use nasal mask, I couldn't stand the pillows or full face.

Like I said just my 2cents worth..

Good luck and btw my pressure is 20.....

Sleepy-eyes · Post by **Sleepy-eyes** » Fri Dec 08, 2006 12:06 pm

greyhound wrote:
Sleepy-eyes wrote: I can't keep my stupid mouth shut...........and I've tried chin straps, mouth straps, mouth guards, and even tried taping, but tape just tore the skin off my lips. I'll keep on trying, but this is really becoming tiring.
Try poligrip strips on your lips. It works.

Doesn't work for me, and man you should hear the noise when it breaks loose!!!!!