CPAP and Beards

[filbert]

Okay, that's just not right... :) ...if Filbert can get a seal with his beard, why can't I make any mask seal with my goatee? I've suspected for a while it has more to do with the shape of my face than it does with the facial hair, but I'm unwilling to shave to find out for sure.

I think you're right about the shape of your face being the issue. I have a big square dutch face.

Your solution is probably mask trial and error until you get a mask that fits right. If you're lucky your DME will let you try different masks (with a CPAP attached) and you can lay down to see how they fit as you move around.

[Fuzzy Guest]

Your solution is probably mask trial and error until you get a mask that fits right. If you're lucky your DME will let you try different masks (with a CPAP attached) and you can lay down to see how they fit as you move around.

I've tried most of 'em...I think it's hopeless unless they come out with a new one.

[CPAPRanger]

Hello all...I am a total noob to the CPAP world but found my self in this spot as well. I have recently retired from the Army, have been on my CPAP for a little over a month and am frustrated trying to find a mask that will work with a goatee. I have always had a mustache and now that I have retired...like the goatee look of being a civilian.

Finding a mask that also likes my goatee has turned me into a Ranger...seeking the right one. I have tried every mask at Liberty Medical...to include: ResMed Mirage Activa Nasal, ResMed Quattro (think it was to large and they didnt have a medium), Probasics zzz-mask plus tried and tested the rest in store to no avail.

After days of research on the internet I found a lot of bearded users are using the Full Advantage, Full Face Mask to great success because of the triple seal. Any comments on this mask? I have not seen any bearded users here, nor other users commenting on this mask. Has the Ranger found the right weapon yet? It is on its way (yes I paid for this one) and I will update after it arrives and is tested.

If anyone else has any recommendations, please post a reply

Good Luck to All!

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): resmed, mirage, activa, CPAP, seal

[Fuzzy Guest]

Good luck, hope it works for you. I'd never even heard of it...looking at a picture, it doesn't look much different than any other full face mask, and none of them work for me. Hope you have better results!

[CPAPRanger]

Just an update: Recieved the mask by UPS on Saturday. Put it on and adjusted for a complete fit with CPAP on at my prescribed setting. Everything seemed OK although kind of loud.

Went to bed Saturday night and the Full Advantage, Full Face Mask lasted about 15 minutes. My dog started whining and would not even come to bed because the relief port was way way to loud. I did have to adjust to a point that was really not comfortable because at the juncture between my nose and upper lip on both sides...the mask started making raspberry "farting" sounds.

The so called "Triple" seal is stacked (one above the other instead of side by side) and is therefore worthless as a "mask within a mask". The mask itself is a couple inches high and with the silicone material and thinness just does not do the trick. The "ribbed" support, supports nothing! For my face and based on the noise I do NOT recommend this mask.

I now have a $108 mask worn for about 1 hr total for trade if anyone is interested. This is the website for info on the mask: http://www.viasyshealthcare.com/prod_se ... &prodID=80

It looks like my next attempt will be: ResMed's Ultra Mirage Full Face Mask in a Medium Standard. The Quattro was not recommended for me because of my facial measurements. The Quattro is for more Narrow faced users .vs my rounded but deep set around the mouth face.

If anyone else has suggestions, please feel free to help me.

Gary

[Ladd]

I have a full, bushy beard and moustache and get a good seal using the Respironics Profile Lite mask.

[seattlesnoozer]

I've had a full beard or goatee with mustache for the entire ten years I've been on CPAP/BiPAP and have had little problem. There's a little leakage around the beard that I have to tighten the mask to reduce, but that's about it.

I've tried lots of different masks, but always ended up settling on something made by ResMed. Of the masks I've used they seem the best thought out.

[JeffH]

Full beards and nasal pillows go great together.

[danmc]

Full beard here - I thought I could never wear nasal pillows as my nose is ...touchy>? Anyway I tried one. The sleep tech had trouble sealing it but she wrestled with the thing and pulled and pulled until it stopped leaking sometime around when my nose was pointing at the ceiling.. I thought I was set but looking down my own nostrils was freaking me out so I loosened it off again.

I eventually found that the leaks I got with the pillows were my mustache so I shave a tiny strip under my nose and it works well (opus anyway) - seems less necessary with the new swift LT I just got but either way, nasal pillows saved my beard.

[MikDee]

I have a mustache, & goatee, and have no problem with my ResMed Ultra Mirage Full Face mask.

[Fuzzy Guest]

I tried the Ultra Mirage, and couldn't get it to seal at all. My mustache and goatee are fairly long, so that might be my problem...other guys says theirs are bushy, though, so who knows?

[jimlux]

Total newbie here -- I've just been diagnosed with severe apnea (AHI of 61) and am going for my first mask fitting tomorrow. I've got a mustache and goatee and really don't want to shave them off. Based on input from this group, I'm going to for the Mirage Activa or Activa LT or Mirage Micro. Any last minute advice?

[Paul56]

I used to have a beard with the full Grizzly Adams look but got tired of that long before I started on xPAP.

I cannot imagine dealing with a beard and mask... my hat is off to you who manage it successfully.

[mattman]

I have a full beard and moustache. I've used the Comfort Classic and Comfort Gel Masks and also the Swift/Swift LT all without any problems at all.

mattman