Beards

[DumfriesDik]

Okay guys, and gals(?!), anyone with a full beard here?

I use a nasal mask and just about get away with it over the tash.

Being new to this, not sure of the benefits of what mask for beards.

Also - is it possible sleep on your side with a nose mask?

Any pearls of wisdoms gratefully received.

[ElleCee]

I sleep on my side all the time with either a full face mask or a nasal one.
As for the beard issue, I am not quite old enough to grow one yet LOL

Lorraine

[Fredxx]

8 years using CPAP with a beard...I probably qualify as someone who knows some stuff!

I use a nasal mask, and haven't had much problem with any of them. It can be trickier getting it set up initially and getting rid of the leaks through the moustache, but the old Fischer and Paykel mask, the Mirage Softgel mask and the Sleepweaver have all been fine - out of them all I would say the Sleepweaver was the easiest to set up without a leak, and the best for sleeping on your side.

[DumfriesDik]

thanks for the replies guys

the sleepweaver is getting quite a few mentions i see. but will have a look at the other masks you mention as well fred.

[Fredxx]

Before you do, I wouldn't recommend the F&P mask; that was the NHS supplied one, and I found it to be noisy at the pressure I use (16) and tended to blast my partner with cold air if I faced them

[BobMcL]

Less Experienced than Fred but a with a Goatee Beard...

Not been using CPAP long but have a goatee beard and use a full face mask. Have tried a Resmed Mirage Ultra and now use a Quattro ... both are fine and although there is some leakage through the beard its nothing to worry about and I was told it wouldnt spoil the effect.

If others have more Weird Beard advice then I am all ears too

[dravidio]

I used to have a beard - though kept it pretty short. Now am clean shaven. I found it makes no difference one way or another

[ohcrob]

never used cpap without a beard so have no idea what that's like but with beard is certainly no problem.

[acebass]

never used cpap without a beard so have no idea what that's like but with beard is certainly no problem.

conversely, never used cpap with a beard so have no idea what that's like but without beard is certainly no problem.

[Fredxx]

To add to the "no difference" information, the CPAP machines I have used in the last 6 years have all been "intelligent", in that they monitor the output pressure and maintain it at the correct level. The monitoring also gives the information back to the sleep clinic or provider about compliance levels. The upshot of that is that, within reason, it doesn't matter if the seal on the mask is a little leaky, the machine will just work a little harder to maintain the pressure.

[Mark]

Hi, have just had my diagnosis and am about to delve into the world of machines, masks etc..
I have a beard and generally sleep on my side and am not sure if I'm a nose or a mouth breather, any advice would be really appreciated.
Mark

[Giny @ Intus]

Hi Mark,

If you are not sure how you breathe at night then you would need to consider a full face mask. There is no right or wrong mask. You would need to try them to see which one is the most comfortable for you. There is no special mask for bearded men. The most popular full face mask on our website are the F20, Amara gel full face mask and the Simplus.
When considering trying a mask for the first time, you can order in confidence using Mask Fit Insurance and have to option to return this mask for a refund if unsuitable.

I would also read the reviews to help you decide which mask you would like to try as users are the person who talk the best about their equipment.

It can take 2-3 weeks to get used to a new mask. Make sure you watch as many fitting videos and fitting tips you can to help you get on with your mask.

Have a look at all the full face masks and do not hesitate to let us know if we can be of any further assistance.

Giny