masks and mustaches

Iorek · Post by **Iorek** » Fri Jun 10, 2005 8:10 am

I have a small mask that fits just over my nose. I love it because I can easily wear it and when I roll around it doesn't fall off or cause air leaks.

I'm on my third day with it and have started having a problem with my mustache feeling very...um... put upon.. by the time I get up. I take naps with my machine because the apnea is so bad and I love my machine. This only makes the mustache even that more unhappy.

Does anyone else have a mustache? I mean a real thick mustache, not one like my mother has. I'm hoping someone has found a solution to the mask pulling the hair all night long. I have a great nephew who does a better job of this and its far more enjoyable.

tonight I'm going to try to wax mustache (as in putting it in the mustache, not ripping it off....<shiver>), but I wondered if wax might compromise the plastic material the mask is made of.

hockeydad · Post by **hockeydad** » Fri Jun 10, 2005 8:52 am

I have a mustache and full beard, and wear a full face mask. Besides the leaking issue that comes with that, I found with my old mask (just the nasal mask, like yours) did cause some discomfort with the upper lip.

Tried the wax thing, same wax I used for my scuba mask. Seemed to help but was tough to wash out every morning. Gooey stuff. So I switched to using bacitracin (spelling?), basically a first aid ointment, they gave me a tube when I had my surgury to put on my stiches, help them heal.

I've been using it every night for about 6 weeks, mostly across the bridge of my nose (helps sealing, seems to decrease the red marks), and occasionally smear a bit into my beard to help the seal, seems to work very well.

CareS · Post by **CareS** » Fri Jun 10, 2005 9:05 am

Perhaps there is a teflon (non stick) mustache spray on the market!! CareS

CareS · Post by **CareS** » Fri Jun 10, 2005 9:35 am

Another thought, Take a fabric softener sheet (unscented) and rub it over your mustashe. It might prevent the mask from pulling on the hairs and you won't have fly-away mustache hair. I'm a little crazy today so don't mind me..CareS

mrhyak · Post by **mrhyak** » Fri Jun 10, 2005 9:45 am

I tried various goo with my nose mask and mustache, but what worked best for me was to put a small piece of moleskin on the mask where it contacted the 'stache. This was OK, but I switched to nasal pillows instead (the Swift). I like the Swift better than the mask (absolutely no mustache irritation), and I use a little Ayr saline gel around the nares before putting it on.
Your results may vary, keep trying.

mrhyak · Post by **mrhyak** » Fri Jun 10, 2005 9:52 am

Also, do a search on "mustache" and spend a little time reading the posts. You're not the first with this problem, and surely not the last. (my apologies to Shirley!)

UKnowWhatInSeattle · Post by **UKnowWhatInSeattle** » Fri Jun 10, 2005 10:20 am

When I meet somebody and see his mustache smashed down, I know he's a CPAP brother.

Lately, I 've been using a Swift, which is the least destructive mask for the 'stache that I have. When I do use a regular nasal mask, I make sure that I use some unscented hair conditioner on it in the shower in the morning. It helps fluff the moose-stache back up. I also need to put a little lotion on it in the morning if it gets irritated.

Tumbleweed · Post by **Tumbleweed** » Fri Jun 10, 2005 11:29 am

Like many, I also have a beard and mustache. Used a mask for 2 years and really didn't have much of a problem, but 2 years ago I switched to a Nasal Aire II and really like this interface. Fewer straps and only contact around the nostrils themselves. This has really helped also with the fact that I must use a chin strap to keep my yap closed.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Jun 11, 2005 11:20 pm

thanks for the great advice. i'll have to try out a few of these. Last night I used lip balm of all things, and it helped. I'm getting a really raw spot under one nostril from the irritation so bactriban sounds like a good idea. I have enough on hand thats for sure. I use ointments like this on my chickens from time to time too and they seem happy enough.

i've never heard of using a fabric softener sheet. its just crazy enough I'm giving it a try.

I avoided the nasal pillows because the guy who did my sleep study said the small mask was better and the pillow things scared me. the idea of them rubbing my nose all night made me think I didn't want to try them. I wonder if its too late to try it now.

I'm glad I got the heated humidifier. For the first time in years I'm waking up with a clear sinus.

Iorek

masks and mustaches

masks and mustaches

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