Beard, bad back and tired

Hi all. I'm starting to find a new mask. Have the pillow mask -- Respironics Optilife. Tired of fooling with it. Straps stretch -- I adjust loosely and let the pillow puff out to seal which it does but as the straps stretch over about 6 months I have to constantly adjust. I hate it. I'm thinking about a more full mask to seal around my facial hair. I developed sores on my nose when I used the type that had separate appendages for each nostril, despite lotions and such. And I find I need to sleep on my back because of herniated disk so I may occasionally drop my mouth open. Honestly, I stay asleep until the weak straps cause leakage.

I see things here that people are using such as a Circadiance SleepWeaver Anew, or a F&P Simplus, or a Swift FX but it seems most people are side sleepers. Is there any advice toward my needs? Meaning:

• good straps
  good seal on hairy face
  nothing poking into my nostrils
  back sleeper, occasional side
  doesn't leave marks on face in the morning

The Circadiance masks were designed by someone who has a beard and uses CPAP, so they may be a good choice - I have not yet tried them. Also, the FitLife (it's a total face mask) may be worth considering, if you are prepared to do some serious work on your beard each night. That includes washing it, then making it as soft as possible using a hot cloth on the beard (keep it away from your skin) where the mask will touch. If those don't work, and you don't have religious reasons for having a full beard, then you may have to consider a razor. I have a full beard and have tried a variety of masks. The nasal pillows work best for me, but I also initially had success with the F&P nasal masks - brands have changed or more are available. That is because they have a smaller surface area than the FFM, so less hair to deal with. However, you will need mask liners to protect your face initially and if marks are a concern.

I wish there was an easy answer for facial hair but in my case it just wasn't worth the hassle of leaks and slipping masks. I'm clean shaven now. If you find something that works with your beard come back and let us know what it is.

I like the Quattro FX mask for back sleeping. Here's how I keep it from riding up,plus it prevents my jaw from dropping - it's a bike cuff strap. That baby blue thing is a Padacheek liner:

A mask liner, like the one shown, can make a world of difference.
--Pad a cheek, Rem-zzz's, or DIY cut from an old, clean t-shirt.

Thank you all for your suggestions. I really think I need to go back for another sleep study and when (if) I do I will keep these in mind. In the meantime I fooled with the hose some. I always attached the hose with a clip to my nightshirt but I thought I'd add a second to the mix. I used one of those clamp style paper clips (http://www.photo-dictionary.com/phrase/ ... -clip.html) with a small elastic hair tie. What a difference -- not perfect but most times, and more so than before, it seals well. Next after reading elsewhere on cpaptalk I will try to further improve things with hanging the hose from a 3M Command Cord Bundlers.

And I think I need to figure out a solution for lumbar support,.,

While there are masks that will work with a beard, I would take the hard line approach at least until you get to feeling better. Since the beard will in fact grow back - shave it off - you can't be that vain I hope. OR use nasal pillows, less surface to seal - less to leak. If you are not breathing thru your nose that is half the problem.

I have a full beard and I normally use a Swift FX, but with allergies I occasionally need a FFM, I have had luck with a Quattro FX. Liners like RemZZZ and Pad a cheek made leaks worse. YMMV

It would help you update your profile with your equipment and pressure settings. It can make a difference in the advice we give.