Hi All,

Like many here, I'm new to the forum and recently diagnosed with sleep apnea.  I've had my first sleep study where, apparently, I had 60 apneas in an hour which they described as 'severe' apnea.  So last week I met with an equipment supplier and wound up with a Remtar (Respironics) Basic, since the lab told me that C-Flex was a gimmick.  So far, I have no complaints with the unit.  That said, it's currently set at '6' pending my followup sleep study where they'll adjust it up.  They said, based on my initial study that it's likely that it will be set to well above 10 when all is said and done.  So they said I should avoid the nasal pillow masks.

So, the rep at the healthcare company (who was extremely unhelpful, unengaged, and out of it like she was stoned) convinced me, partially because of my number will be set high, partially because I described myself as a 'mouth breather' and partially because I have a moustache and beard that I need a full face mask (the Comfortfull 2).  I've been using it about 4 or 5 nights and find it very uncomfortable.  My face gets hot and it really seems like overkill.  I'd really like to replace it with a nasal mask like the Respironics Comfort Gel or Comfort Fusion.  Apparently, Respironics will replace my mask free-of-charge within 30 days so I'd like to move on this soon.  But I need advice as to whether people think either of these will fit.  I'm not some ZZTop guy but my facial hair is about 1 inch at mustache and beard.  Based on what I've said, what would you all recommend I do?  I'm also specifically interested in the viewpoints of other hirsute (hairy) CPAP users.

thanks,

Deguello.

I have a moustache and use a medium comfortgel nasal mask with great success.  No leaks.


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RemStar Pro M-Series with C-Flex jamming 10 cm H20 down my piehole And finally getting a good night's sleep...every night!!!! I'm a 45 year old FMAWG...and proud of it.

Nasal pillows work great with facial hair, a nasal mask works OK with a moustache (and beard), but full beards don't get along very well (if at all) with a full face mask.  10 cmh2o is not a high pressure, it is very much a medium pressure and quite a common presure.  I am frequently told hat I look like Santa Claus or "ZZ Top", and a ComfortGel nasal mask works fine for me.

Deguello I use the Hybrid and the Liberty, they are a combination type mask they have nasal pillows and also a partial face mask that  covers just the mouth area.  Personally I can't stand the full mask because of how it feels on the bridge of my nose. But everyone is different and have their own preferences as to the mask they like. I keep my mask clean and wash my face and beard good just before donning the mask and it does OK. 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

Thanks for all the responses everyone!

I will definitely be making another appointment with the equipment supplier to try on some nasal masks and hopefully replace the full face one with something a little smaller and more comfortable.

This bearded male requested nasal pillows from day one because of hearing that beards prevent a good seal. I even used it for titration in the sleep lab. No problems with the Swift 1 or Swift 2, and I think the newest Swift light will be even better! Good luck.....


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Arthur
Sleeping with a curvaceous blonde autoPAP (Resmed autoset). Surviving, and in small ways doing better. Maybe there will be that big surge of energy, and easier weight loss one day. Hope springs eternal.....