Everybody's face and beard is different so I can only provide my experience so far. I have been experimenting with a variety of masks over the past 6 weeks. I tried a nasal mask during my titration session but found that I got congested during the night and had to switch to a full face mask for the last half of the session. Since then I have tried three different full face masks and struggled with excessive leaks, leak noises, claustrophobia, congestion, dry mouth and discomfort. I have tried various cushions on the forehead piece to relieve discomfort; ear plug silicone to reduce leakage; humidification apparatus and nasal rinses to relieve congestion; a chin strap to reduce dry mouth; and various rubber band contraptions to keep mask parts properly positioned.

I have had to do a lot of experimentation to find something that seems to work. Right now I have narrowed things down to two possible solutions. One is the ResMed Mirage Liberty full face mask with nasal pillows. I use surgical tape across my nose and onto the top of the pillows to keep them positioned correctly even when I sleep on my sides (my preferred sleep position). There is still a tiny bit of leakage with this one around my mouth where the mask encounters the beard but it is under acceptable levels. Dry mouth has been conquered using a chin strap. The second solution that I am currently experimenting with is the ResMed Swift which is a nasal mask with nasal pillows. Since this one does not touch the beard or mustache the leaks have only been occurring when the pillows pop out under pressure and when I accidently dislodge them in my sleep. So far I haven’t found a way to tape them that is satisfactory but this would be my preferred solution if I can find a way to keep the pillows from becoming dislodged.

My message to you is to keep trying as many solutions as possible until you find something that works for you, just don’t give up.


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Machine: ResMed S8 Elite
Humidifier: HumidAire 3i