Beard or no beard????

I've been using a CPAP for 6 years with a beard. I use a full face mask. I use a full mask because I initially struggled with a 4 or 5 nasal masks but my nose sensitivity just wouldn't tolerate the process. Granted a beard will always be a difficulty with CPAP masks seals.

Any advice or shared efforts to achieve a reasonable seal with a full face mask???

I couldn't stop mask leaks while sporting my full goatee, therefore I shaved it off. I've never looked back and don't miss the facial hair. That being said, lots of guys here seem to do okay with full beards. They'll be checking in with some tips pretty soon. Please fill out your equipment profile so they know what they are dealing with.

equipment profiles are all missing.

Cardsfan wrote:equipment profiles are all missing.

Yes, they are, even on old postings.

Something got broke.

I use the Resmed F10 and have had a goatee for 6 months. My leak rates have not changed with or without the goatee. I'm about on week 2 of growing a beard and the leak rates have not changed. Though my beard is only halfway to full-grown, the beard will be short and close to the face. I ordered a liner from Karen at pad-a-cheek today. The liners have always increased my leak rates, but mind you... it has taken Pugsy several years and a baseball bat to my head to accept leak rates below 24 liters per minute. I have had to tighten down on the current mask a bit with the increased facial hair. I figure if I can get the pad-a-cheek comfort, and leak rates below 24... what the heck! I think it is hit or miss when it comes to beards. Some guys can sport them without sacrificing therapy, and some can't. My gut tells me I may have to do another mask search if I am unsuccessful with the F10. I don't know if I'm up to that.

Sheriff

I use a FFM with a full beard, have no issues with leaks. Have always used a FFM, never a nasal mask.

For more info, I use a Quattro Air FFM most of the time, but occasionally use a F&P Flexfit 432 which actually works better with beards, it cups under your chin.

Why do I change, various reasons, the Flexfix is actually more comfortable and sits on my face differently, over my eyes. I had a really bad mosquito bite a while back which was exactly where the Quattro sat just above my eyebrow and it kept getting irritated every night. So I switched to the Flexfit for a week or two to let it clear up as it sits higher up on the fact over the brow.

The Quattro Air has less of a mask leak (not leaking around the mask itself) but sits between my lips and chin instead of under the chin.

Spare masks and parts are a smart thing as is having a spare machine.

Conditioning facial hair in the daytime can make it softer under the mask at night.
Luckily, Lansinoh can do that.

With and without facial hair I like the Airfit F10 and the Amara View.

I can grow a beard in about a week, I don't shave everyday sometimes and have no issues with those masks.
The Quattro Air and few other being my masks prior.

i grew a big full face beard, mustache and sideburns for about a year and didn't trim anything. i cut it all off because the 5 month old grand daughter likes to reach in, grab a handful with her little fingers and pull hard. then she laughs when i carry on like a little girl trying to get her fingers out of it. while i had it i had no problems with my resmed quattro fx full face mask. my numbers are pretty much the same with or without the beard.

Having grown beards at various times in my life, I haven't had one since starting CPAP therapy. I can't imagine how much leakage I'd have if I did have one. Even if I don't shave for about 4 or 5 days, my mask leakage is getting pretty bad.
I guess it would depend on how fine or coarse a person's facial hair is........which is another reason I don't even consider it.


Den

.