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+--- Thread: Beard [and fixing leaks] (/Thread-Beard-and-fixing-leaks)
Beard [and fixing leaks] - LarryRapp - 02-20-2018
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!
RE: Beard - Madcat207 - 02-20-2018
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?
RE: Beard - LarryRapp - 02-20-2018
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!
RE: Beard - mhehe - 02-20-2018
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.
RE: Beard - paulag1955 - 02-20-2018
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.
RE: Beard - mhehe - 02-20-2018
PS: I also have a beard but no problem with F20.
RE: Beard - mhehe - 02-20-2018
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.
RE: Beard - paulag1955 - 02-20-2018
Right, I was only responding to Larry's concern about nasal congestion with the P10 rather than leaks.
RE: Beard - LarryRapp - 02-20-2018
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.
RE: Beard - LarryRapp - 02-20-2018
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.