Best Mask for a Mustache

Hi, I have been trying to get used to the CPAP for 5 months now. Have good nights and bad. My first nasal mask was a Resmed Mirage Vista. It irritated and cut the bottom of my nose. Every 90 days my insurance allows a new mask. The next one I got is the Resperonics Comfort Gel. I have had it for about a month and it has worn the center of my mustache off and is irritating between my mouth and nose. I have tried adjusting the straps a little looser but than it leaks. I will not shave off my mustache. I don't open my mouth when I sleep but was thinking of trying a full face mask. I see pictures of the nasal pillows and was wondering if they would do the same irritating thing. I can't wait the full 90 days. I have to get something else now. My machine is a Resmed Auto 2 with the heated humidifier. My pressure is 10. I don't know anything else. Any advice. Thanks, Bob

Hi Bob,

I talk to hundreds of people per month about cpap equipment. The majority of cpap nasal pillow users I speak with have some irritation in their nose the first few nights. After that, it becomes very comfortable....especially if you are using a heated humidifier. The Resmed Swift LT Nasal pillow system has been working out great.. very quiet and it comes with 3 different sizes of nasal pillows. TheCPAPShop has this mask

I had some similar issues with nasal masks. Of the the nasal masks I have tried the Mirage Micro and Activa LT worked best for me (but I only tried a few nasal masks).

The real winner was the Swift Lt nasal pillow mask. I have a beard and moustache. I am also a side-sleeper who moves and burrows in. I have been getting 0.00 leak rates and very little irritation, if any. If it hurts or bothers you too much, it is probably too tight. I have found it extremely comfortable after the nasal masks.

I don't know enough to tell you if this will help with your problems just letting you know it is out there. Good luck
http://www.cpapxchange.com/cpap-masks-b ... FQod0WzaRw

If you do buy it keep me posted as to how hard it is to keep on while lying on your side.

Another vote for the Swift LT. I have a mustache and the pillows fit up against the nose so the mustache is not involved. If the mustache is really bushy it might get in the way but I would try it.

I have a full beard and mustache and I have found that the Mirage Activa nasal mask works great for me. I do keep my facial hair very short though.

I have a moustache and use the Swift LT nasal pillow mask. My nose was sore for the first day or two. I started using the Lansinoh Lanolin. It soothes the nose and seals the mask. Wonderful stuff. You can get it at Walmart in the baby aisle. Here's a link so you know what the box looks like:

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product. ... id=3922518

Another vote for the Swift LT. I have beard and mustache and the Swift is great. It took a couple of nights to get used to the pillows but I would never go back. Good luck it took me about 6 masks to find the correct one.

travismcgee wrote:I have a full beard and mustache and I have found that the Mirage Activa nasal mask works great for me. I do keep my facial hair very short though.

I am in the exact same situation and the Activa is a perfect fit with no leaks or nearly no leaks.

I've only been at this for 2 months, so consider the source. I have tried the swift lt and th Opus 360 (resmed) and I definitely prefer the Opus. I think they are both fine with moustache. I just get less leaks with Opus.

I ended up trimming my moustache so that it is thinner. I shave under my nose. I noticed some people who did that and I thought it looked good. I didn't do it for the mask but it works out good.

on another note : can you use a full mask with a beard or goutee? ( like a resmed mirage FF) - or would it leak. I have nasal issues at night and wanted to try a full mask.

I have a full beard, and a quattro works fine for me.

I did try a large fisher & Paykel Full Face, which fitted even better, and may end up getting one. However, all this is because I leak through my mouth regardless of what taping I do. So I have to go full face.

cheers

Mars