New APAP user with a mask question

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
Tiny

New APAP user with a mask question

Post by Tiny » Fri Dec 12, 2008 11:54 am

I've been using a Resmed Mirage Liberty mask. I have a full beard and have had for decades. A lot of folks call me Santa this time of year. I'm sleeping much better and don't get up feeling like I need to go to bed any longer BUT I'm having an issue with leakage. When I first go to bed everything is comfortably snug, not tight & there is no leakage. Every night I wake after 5 to 6 hours and have leakage around the face part of the mask (the mask covers my mouth & has nose pillows). It's as though the head strap has loosened. Since I'm a side sleeper anyway I'd developed a work around. By positioning my head a certain way on the pillow enough pressure is put on the mask that the leaking stops. I realize that most of the problem would probably go away if I shaved but that won't happen. After all this my question is: Does anyone have experience with a mask for a mouth breather that works well with facial hair? I tried nose pillows only with a chin strap but the air shoved up my nose only came out my mouth even with the chin strap. Keep your teeth together and blow air out of your mouth. The flapping lips is how I'd awake with the nose pillows only. Ideas? Thanks.