Beard [and fixing leaks]

[LarryRapp]

I have a small beard.  Individual whiskers are maybe 1/4 inch long.  When I put the machine into adjusting the mask, I can't get a smiley face, but I can't tell where the leak is.  If you have a beard, how do you deal with it?  Thanks!

[Madcat207]

I think the first question i would ask - is the FFM totally necessary?

As a full bearded guy myself, i have had the most luck with nasal gel pillows, but admittedly have been pretty lucky with generally minimal mouth breathing. I tried a FFM, but with my beard, it felt pretty much impossible.

In terms of getting a better seal, mask liners made for that mask my help get a better seal; have you tried anything of that nature?

[LarryRapp]

Thank you - I have a pillow mask coming Friday.  Looking at some older posts, it seems others are using Amara View.  I am a mouth breather so I am a little worried about the pillow mask.  I have a deviated septum and all kinds of nasal congestion, but I will try it.  I also have some cream coming tomorrow which perhaps added to my current mask might work.  I dunno but I'll try about anything!

[mhehe]

Larry,
Have you tried the F20 in addition to the P20 that you are using? Like you I am a mouth breather but had trained myself to breathe through the nose. For several years I used nasal pillow masks and it worked at low (12 cm) pressures. At the high pressures that I need I found that my mouth would invariable open a little bit to cause leaks. Finally I gave up on nasal pillows and started using the P20 FFM. It was great for a couple of weeks and then started leaking. I found that the foam in the P20, a comfort feature, would have creases (not very visible) that caused leaks. I switched to the F20 and have been happily using it with minimal leaks for the last 2 months. I had some success with the F & P simplus but not much success with the PR Amara.

[paulag1955]

Larry, "Nasal Congestion" is my middle name but I find I never have trouble breathing with my nasal pillows. I actually think it helps keep my nose clear throughout the night.

[mhehe]

PS: I also have a beard but no problem with F20.

[mhehe]

Paula,
Your pressures are not high enough to cause leaks with a nasal pillow. I found the nasal pillow very good even with a slight congestion. It tended to clear my nose. However, both Larry and I use the ASV machine that produces very high pressures very quickly. This is what killed it for me even though I used tape for blocking my mouth and a chin strap to try to hold it closed. Each case is different depending on the shape of our heads.

[paulag1955]

Right, I was only responding to Larry's concern about nasal congestion with the P10 rather than leaks.

[LarryRapp]

I think I have to find out what an F20 is.  Apparently I have a P20.  Please excuse me folks, I've had a stroke which has affected my head.

[LarryRapp]

I think I have both the P20 and the F20.  One has a silicone cushion and one has a foam pad.  The one I am currently using has the foam pad.