u/Creative_Fee5452 — reddlx

Hi there!

Lots of questions for the fellows with beards in our PapFam from Newbies! Would you be able to comment please? I’m sure you have been helpful in the past & your comments are certainly much appreciated for our bearded Newbies.

What type of mask do you find works well with a moustache & beard…even some scruff? Could you recommend nasal pillows, nasal cushion or FFM brands that you find seal well?
Do you wear mouth tape with nasal masks? Do you still need mouth tape with FFMs?

How do you get the tape to seal over hair? (One fellow in our PapFam wears more than one layer & wish I had saved his post) Maybe a specific type works best?

Do you find soft cervical collars or chin straps help with your seal? Perhaps you have other helpful suggestions…mask liners maybe…any suggestions are welcome!

Thanks so much guys. Really appreciate your time :)

I’m Creative_Fee, a new Mod on this Sub. Everywhere I read, I see cries for help from people who need support. Awareness of mental health during this transition period is recognized. And as people adjust to CPAP therapy, they will realize they are getting good sleep…they feel better & cope better. Some adjust more quickly than others, but as needs are met, (sometimes with pressure tweaks & setting changes, some with a different type of machine) most start to feel better! There is light at the end of the tunnel!

I’d like to resurrect a Post written by RippingLegos a year ago discussing why this is a normal reaction to being diagnosed with Sleep Apnea. Sometimes people adjust quickly to a mask on their face & air blowing through tubing to help keep their airways open. But in many cases people do not adjust quickly. They are given or sent a machine set at prescribed pressures, a mask they are told is best for them & do not receive follow-up care. There are issues in choosing appropriate, comfortable masks & the Beginner pressures are no longer meeting their needs. It’s no wonder that Anxiety, Frustration, Discouragement & Depression occur to so many….no direction or support is provided until you find a sub on Reddit to help, give advice & tips and most of all support you through this journey. Some remain unable to use their mask comfortably, feel exhausted due to multiple issues or give up because of lack of support.

The reassuring Post written by RippingLegos is a picture of what many of us have gone through. Perhaps you have a story to share or perhaps you regularly contribute advice to those in need…whatever you can share is much appreciated :) Thank you!

Sleepapneasupport & CPAPSupport are sister subs with some shared Moderators providing support & advice on both subs. We couldn’t do it all without help from our PapFam members…you all rock! Thank you! RippingLegos is our highly regarded, knowledgeable & respected Team Leader on both sites. We have an amazing Team of Moderators chosen by RL who are here to help you! No issue is too small. A SD card in your machine & and free apps like SleepHQ & Oscar help us to help you. This is important information for new members to our PapFam…most people who have been on this sub for a while share their sleep data already.

Most people begin to feel better when achieving good, solid sleep! Sleep is crucial to good health both physically & mentally. For some, it’s a relief to finally be diagnosed.

The awareness post on protecting our Mental Health as well as our Physical Health, written by RippingLegos, is as follows:

https://www.reddit.com/r/SleepApneaSupport/s/QTM4HPP8Gu

Please read it & feel free to share your own journey. And remember, no issue you’re having is too small. We truly have a wonderful, experienced PapFam here who are happy to offer support. Sharing helps others adjust to this new part of their lives & not feel alone. And please always remember “We’ve got you :)”