I need to know what mask work the best with people that have beards. I keep mine short and trimmed.

I have been using the Respironics BiPap Auto M Series with the Remed Mirage Quattro Full face mask for a couple of weeks. I purchased the card reader and EncoreViewer software. According to the reports, my mask has a large number of leaks.

I went back to the DME yesterday and was told that the Quattro mask that I have is one of the best on the market (The Cadillac of mask). I noticed a noticeable improvement since using the BiPap and can only wonder how much better I would feel if I were getting the full benefit of therapy without the mask leaks.

I know that shaving my beard would give me the best opportunity of minimizing the mask leak issue, but I’m saving that option as my last resort. I’m 61 and have had my beard for over 40 years. I have included as much info as I can, in hopes that someone can both advise me about a better working mask and also comment on how my therapy is working.

Thanks to all who provide any feedback!!

Sleep Study Results:
AHI = 27.6
RDI = 87.9

Encore Report Summary:
Average Obstructive Apnea Index = 5.1
Average Hypopnea Index = 9.1
Average AHI = 14.2
Average Vibratory Snore Index = 13.3
Average Max Leak = 110.2
Average 90% leak = 83.1
Average Leak = 72.7
Average Large Leak = 3 hrs. 18 mins. 20 secs.

Equipment:
Respironics BiPap Auto M Series with BiFlex
Heated humidifier
Remed Mirage Quattro Mask

Settings:
IPAP = 9
EPAP = 5

Do you have to use a full face mask?  Nasal masks are much easier to fit than FF masks, and dealing with fitting over a moustache is much easier than having to fit a mask over a beard.   I have a long, full ZZ Top or Santa beard and I don't have a problem with wearing a nasal mask over my moustache..  Different people fit different masks; one person might do best with a particular mask, and another person may not even be able to wear that mask.  You need to try different masks to find one that fits you.

I HAVE to use a full face mask. I have a lot of problems with nasal sutffyness and Sinus issues, Plus I'm a BIG mouth breather.

I have tried Nasal mask years ago along with the chin straps to try and keep my mouth cloesd, with no success.

Thanks for your reply!

tough one.  one mask you may want to try is the Fisher Paykel 431.  First off, it has all 3 sizes in it, which is certainly convenient.  Plus, the seal is formed around the bottom of the chin, which might help as opposed to most other masks where it is formed along the face.  Other than that, it could be tough.  Depending on how long your beard is, you may be able to get away with trimming it instead of fully shaving it (if the FP431 or some other mask doesn't work).

FYI, FP released a 432 last year but it seals in a similar fashion to the Quattro, with the exception of the additional foam.

cmpokstl have you thought about the Hybrid, I have been using it since last fall, I am on VPAP now and the mask is really not recommended with my machine but it does pass the circuit test, and although it has a high leak rate, most of the time I have had pretty good AHI readings and they have been less that 5.0. I just have to make sure my mask is extremely clean and my face and beard are very clean also. I have minimal noticeable leakage that I can feel. My average pressure for the night is usually around 12.4 . I have modified the mask a little to keep the nasal pillows in place. Shaving my beard is also a last resort. Good Luck to You


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White Beard with a White Beard
Resmed VPAP Adapt SV Enhanced, HumidAire 2i, ResLink with Model 8000 Flex sensor Pulse Oximeter, and ResScan 3.5 software. Respironic EverFlo OPI Oxygen Concentrator 3 lpm
EEP 9.0, min PS 6.0, max PS 16.0