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Beard and Face Masks?

I have a friend who has had a beard for most of his life and he is afraid he will have to shave his beard if he starts to use a CPAP for his OSA. Will the mask fit or leak a lot? I am a newbie so I don't know the answer.

I would assume that this is not a new problem. Any thoughts on how most bearded patients deal with the mask issue?

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Permalink Reply by Nat Pike on May 30, 2009 at 12:12pm

I have a beard and use a full face mask.

My experience has been that it can get leakier as I get, um, fluffier. I don't have a full woodsman or rabbi style beard though. I tend to keep the sides trimmed and shaped, and occasionally cut them off and leave just the goatee when I've let the sides get uneven and need to start again.

I DEFINITELY get a less leaky fit when the sides are shaved off (but have to readjust my straps), but even when it's grown in, I can usually adjust the straps to get a pretty good seal. Most of my accidental leaks happen closer to my nose and upper cheeks, usually meaning strap adjustment again.

I can't speak for a full, bushy beard though. I can imagine that giving seal issues in more spots.

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Permalink Reply by Daniel on May 30, 2009 at 2:05pm

My first choice in masks for someone with a beard is a nasal pillow mask. Since it only seals around the nostrils, there is no beard contention issue.

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Permalink Reply by RockRpsgt on May 30, 2009 at 5:25pm

I agree with Daniel. The nasal pillows are the best choice. It is not impossible to use other masks just more difficult. As Nat said it is important to keep your beard trim with with any CPAP mask.

Daniel said:

My first choice in masks for someone with a beard is a nasal pillow mask. Since it only seals around the nostrils, there is no beard contention issue.