Full face mask with a beard

I've been using a CPAP machine (technically APAP) for a few years now, and couldn't be happier with the changes in my life - except one. I can no longer have a beard, since I always end up with my mouth open when sleeping. So i have a few questions.

1. Are there full face masks available with work with a full beard?
2. Are there other options? I've tried one of those chin straps, but that didn't work. I assume simply taping closed my mouth would work, but my specialist got really serious when I suggested it, and told me to never even try.
3. Will weight loss (which I assume is partly responsible for my apnea, though the central apnea might not be related) help with the mouth opening issue? My specialist had no idea, but couldn't rule it out.
4. Is there a really simple solution I simply haven't tried yet? Except a false beard of course...

Which mask are you using now?

shruggie wrote: Is there a really simple solution I simply haven't tried yet?

https://www.usa.philips.com/c-m-pe/face ... 5394558386

Some people have been able to make a full face mask work with a beard. I could not, so I shaved my beard after having it for over thirty years.

shruggie wrote:I've been using a CPAP machine (technically APAP) for a few years now, and couldn't be happier with the changes in my life - except one. I can no longer have a beard, since I always end up with my mouth open when sleeping. So i have a few questions.

1. Are there full face masks available with work with a full beard?
2. Are there other options? I've tried one of those chin straps, but that didn't work. I assume simply taping closed my mouth would work, but my specialist got really serious when I suggested it, and told me to never even try.
3. Will weight loss (which I assume is partly responsible for my apnea, though the central apnea might not be related) help with the mouth opening issue? My specialist had no idea, but couldn't rule it out.
4. Is there a really simple solution I simply haven't tried yet? Except a false beard of course...

I use a full face mask, a Quattro Air, and have a full beard. I have minimal problems.

The mask is small enough that it only touches the beard at the corners of my mouth, and the patch under my chin. When the beard is stubble there's no problem at all; lately it been about 3/4 inch so occasionally I have to tighten a strap a bit. I could also just trim under my lip.

One more thing- I use a Pad-a-Cheek liner, which helps a lot.

Never had an issue with my Resmed F20 and my bushy goatee and mustache nor with my gas mask at work.

J-

I don't have an issue with the nasal mask, but Full Face masks are a different animal.

D.H. wrote:I don't have an issue with the nasal mask, but Full Face masks are a different animal.

You have suitcases full of issues!

teehee

Good info! Called the clinic, and they do have the Quattro masks, but haven't got any of the ResMed 20-series yet. Here in Norway stuff like that has to be reapproved at the government level, so that might be months away still. I asked for an appointment, and by the time I get one they'll probably have the 20-series as well. Things move slowly for non-critical stuff like this..