How to Choose The Best CPAP Mask for Beards

Last updated on December 16th, 2024 at 01:27 pm

What is the Main Issue with Beards and Sleep Apnoea?

Beards can prevent masks from fitting correctly and thus, air leakage can occur around their edges. A poor seal will compromise the amount of air that is delivered and could cause your symptoms of Sleep Apnoea to return.

So the main question, therefore, involves whether there are any options. After all, the notion of shaving a beard that has taken months or even years to grow is not entirely palatable. The good news is that a host of unique solutions are available. Certain masks accommodate facial hair, how you breathe and the position you sleep in.

A Quick Look at the Variety of Masks to Consider

There are three different mask varieties which can be selected based on the type of beard as well as your personal preferences:

• A nasal “pillow”
• Standard nasal cushion masks
• Full face masks

Nasal Pillows Masks for Beards 

Nasal pillows are often preferred by those who have very robust and thick beards. The principle behind nasal pillows is quite simple. This apparatus will not need to come into contact with your upper chin or lip. Therefore, beards can often be entirely avoided.

It instead rests immediately below your nostrils. Pressurised air is delivered by this method as opposed to entering through your mouth. This is a great solution if you also have a very profound moustache.

Nasal Cushion Masks for Beards 

One of the issues involving nasal pillows is that some individuals can find them slightly uncomfortable. This is obviously not conducive to a sound night of sleep. In such situations, a standard nasal cushion mask could be an excellent alternative.

These masks offer a soft cushion that rests under and around your nose, providing freedom of movement. The main benefit here is that nasal masks will remain firmly in place during the overnight hours thanks to a series of adjustable straps. 

Full Face Masks for Beards 

Although the two choices above provide viable results, they are mainly designed for those who regularly breathe through their nose. This can be problematic for mouth breathers. If you happen to fall into this category, it is normally best to opt for a hybrid full-face mask.

This type of mask will adequately cover your nose and mouth, enabling you to receive the proper amount of pressurised air while sleeping. However, it is engineered in such a way as to extend further beneath the chin so that it will avoid touching beards (this may also depend upon the length of the hair).

The hybrid mask style provides a lower profile cushion to a standard full face design. Many people prefer this style of mask as it combines a nasal and full face style that still allows for flexibility during sleep.

Masks offering gel or memory foam peripheries can represent great options, as these have the ability to conform to the natural contours of your face.

CPAP Accessories for Beards

If you breathe through your mouth and would like to use a nasal mask you can combine it with a chin strap or CPAP tape. These accessories will keep your mouth shut during sleep, encouraging nasal breathing so you can use this mask style.

You could also try CPAP mask liners to securely hold your mask in place and stop red marks and dryness caused by leask.

Additional Suggestions and Tips

If this is your first time utilising a CPAP mask, it is normally better to start with a smaller size and slowly adjust its dimensions until you feel that it fits snugly without feeling uncomfortable. This is the best way to ensure that you are receiving the proper amount of air.

The other main takeaway point is to avoid loosening the mask if it becomes bothersome (a common occurrence amongst men who have beards). Once again, this will cause the seal to become compromised and ultimately, this can exacerbate the symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea. 

There are likewise a number of seals and moisturisers which can provide you with additional levels of comfort if you are still having problems adjusting to the presence of a CPAP mask. 

So, we can see that men with beards can still enjoy all of the advantages that modern Sleep Apnoea treatments have to offer. As always, be sure to discuss your options with a doctor or sleep specialist. 

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