Best CPAP Masks for Patients with Beards or Facial Hair in 2024

BIPAP or CPAP therapy is usually the best treatment option for patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

This is possible through a CPAP machine that delivers high pressure oxygen into your airway, keeping it open during the entire night, avoiding the awful symptoms and problems of the disease.

However, people with beards or facial hair can have a difficult time getting the most out of their CPAP therapy.

Facial hair can pose challenges in achieving a secure and comfortable fit, which is why exploring options specifically designed for beard wearers is important. Fortunately, we have a list with all the information you need to know. 

Get ready to discover the best CPAP masks specifically tailored for individuals with facial hair. We will explore the top recommendations in each mask category within a wide range of options offered by reputable brands like ResMed, Fisher and Paykel, and Philips Respironics.

By evaluating two exceptional choices for each mask type, you can make a well-informed decision and discover the perfect CPAP mask that caters to your unique facial hair needs.

The Philips Respironics DreamWear Full Face Mask is a great alternative for those who have a hard time adjusting to CPAP pillow masks. It is equally efficient and excellent in its structure. 

Its minimalist design has a cushion that rests on your upper lip, reducing the bulkiness of your mask and helping you feel more relaxed. The silicone frame is extremely flexible and gives a comfortable feeling.

As it is made of flexible materials, it can easily cover your mustache or beard without any discomfort or inefficiency of the CPAP therapy.

You can also read or watch anything without the mask obstructing your field of vision. The mask offers three cushion options for personalized comfort.

The ResMed AirTouch F20 mask is made of soft material, offering you a convenient and pleasant experience while delivering outstanding performance.

The mask seal, softer than silicone, sits underneath the eyes and adapts to different facial types, while integrated padding helps avoid dreaded leaks, being the ideal mask if you are afraid that the facial hair could interfere with your treatment. 

In this case, the seal is composed of UltraSoft memory foam cushion, the softest cushion ever created by ResMed:, designed for exceptional seal performance, it adapts to different facial contours, and provides ultimate comfort.

The UltraSoft memory foam technology provides less friction and contact pressure, leading to fewer red marks on the face. The permeability of the memory foam enhances skin breathability without compromising the effects of your sleep treatment. The face seal is traditionally made of silicone for its flexible yet firm nature. 

It is also quieter and 70% gentler than older equipment, with small multidirectional openings that break up exhaled air and spread out lightly.

The ResMed AirFit P10 Nasal Pillow Mask is one of the best masks for people with beards. As mentioned earlier, your mustache or beard will not obstruct nasal pillow masks like this one.

This mask is also known to be extremely quiet. Its advanced technology allows the mask to generate almost no noise, thus creating absolutely no disturbance for you and your sleeping partner.

Another benefit of buying this pillow mask is that it is light-weight compared to other CPAP machines, which allows you to sleep more comfortably. It also has an open field of vision.

Lastly, the headgear is flexible yet stable enough so the mask does not move too much. It also features a minimal contact design making sure your beard or mustache does not interfere, ensuring a comfortable fit.

The ResMed AirFit P30i comes in two starter packs: Standard and Small. The Standard comes with a standard frame, headgear, and S/M/L cushions (three cushions in total).

The Small comes with a small frame, headgear, and S/M cushions (two cushions).

Per the manufacturer, men are encouraged to go with the regular-sized frame, and female customers are encouraged to go with the small frame size. If the frame feels tight for either size, consider sizing up or down, depending on the situation. 

With a top-of-head connection that keeps air tubing out of your way and the streamlined style of the nasal pillow cushion, you can move around freely, watch TV, or even wear glasses while wearing your mask. The nasal pillows’ cushion also rests securely in your nose, which helps keep the mask in place as you switch sleep positions.

The ResMed Mirage Activa™️ LT Nasal Mask is flexible and allows you to move at night without any discomfort or inconvenience. It has a tight and reliable seal to prevent the mask from moving, without diminishing your confort. It also adjusts to your face shape and fits like a glove!

Additionally, it does not make a lot of noise at night and gives you an undisturbed sleep, along with adequate breathing.

So discrete, you'll forget you’re wearing it. The AirFit™ N30 is the perfect beginner mask to help you adjust to CPAP therapy. Light, comfortable, and quiet —oh so quiet, checking in at only 18 decibels of sound output.

Features a soft, under-the-nose nasal cradle cushion and slip-on headgear for a pleasant sleeping experience, ideal for side sleepers, or those who feel claustrophobic with full-face masks.

Sleep apnea patients who have a beard may face specific difficulties when it comes to wearing a CPAP mask, due to the fact that you need a good seal between the facial skin and the mask to avoid air leakage.

However, when you choose the right mask and machine, this stops being a problem. 

People with beards may also face some other problems, like:

Certain CPAP masks do not fit around your mouth and nose effectively if you have a beard. Such loose-fitting masks can cause inconveniences, along with discomfort, while you’re trying to get a good night’s sleep.

Loose-fitting masks can also lead to another issue known as air leakage. The primary function of CPAP masks is to provide your respiratory organs with sufficient air. Air leaks from your mask can prevent the CPAP device from working correctly.

Loose-fitting masks and continuous air leakage can end up causing you more harm, making you breathe more inefficiently than if you weren't wearing a mask.

The good news is that you can avoid these issues just by getting a CPAP mask that can work well even if you have a beard or facial hair. Also, some bearded CPAP users like to wear a mask liner so their facial hair does not get in the way of a good seal.

So, let's dive in and explore the various types of CPAP masks that can be tailored to accommodate facial hair.

Whether you have a full beard, mustache, or stubble, knowing about these different mask types will help you find the perfect fit and enhance your overall CPAP therapy experience.

This type of mask doesn’t cover your whole face, just your mouth and most of your nose. This mask is suitable for those patients who are mouth breathers.

Shortcomings: As this mask covers your entire mouth, you might have to trim your beard or mustache to accommodate the mask adequately in the area where it seals your face. A longer or more voluminous beard may interfere with its overall fitting.

The nasal mask covers the entire nose area. This type of mask can withstand high airflow pressure, so it can be great for bearded CPAP users who need high pressure.

Shortcomings: This mask doesn’t work so well with active sleepers and 

If you have a mustache, it could become an obstruction.

Nasal pillow masks are a great option if the other two masks are uncomfortable for you, since they have minimal contact with your face. The pillows in the mask have tubes that fit directly into your nose.

Now, this might sound uncomfortable, but nothing could be further from the truth, you will be adapted within the first days.

These masks are considered one of the best and most convenient options for bearded people. It is characterized because it provides a clear field of vision.

Shortcomings: You may have some difficulty at the beginning of adjusting to this type of mask, due to the fact that it has to seal inside the nostrils.

Now that you know the types of masks on the market, it's also important to consider the following factors when selecting a CPAP mask for facial hair.

You're about to say goodbye to mask discomfort and say hello to a seamless CPAP experience tailored to your specific needs.

Most facial masks are made of silicone, which is nice because they are flexible and can be adjusted.

However, remember that most CPAP masks come in different size options, and longer beards could require larger masks to accommodate their volume. Usually the nasal pillow masks are the best masks for long-bearded men. 

The fact that the mask fits your face is not the only thing to consider: the position you adopt during the entire night is a fact you should evaluate too.

If you are a side sleeper you should definitely get a nasal pillow mask or nasal mask, but if you are a back sleeper you could keep using a facial mask that fits properly even if you have facial hair. 

Your healthcare physician will create a PAP therapy plan that includes specific pressure settings based on your needs. This may dictate which kind of mask you can use, as not all masks are compatible with every pressure setting.

If it is low, the three types of masks can work, but if it is not, you should consider a full-face or nasal mask. 

Some mask models (like the nasal type) are more affordable than others, but beyond that, there are no big differences between what bearded and non-bearded people need to spend. Remember that you don't need a special type of mask, you just need to find one with a better seal and the right size for you. 

Some features like padded headgear, chin straps, quick-release systems, and swivel joints for your hose are all accessory options that can increase your overall comfort during CPAP treatment.

Achieving a good seal between a CPAP mask and facial hair is essential for effective therapy and a comfortable sleep experience. However, as you know, the presence of facial hair can pose challenges in maintaining a secure and leak-free fit. Let’s see a few techniques to help you achieve a strong CPAP mask seal, even with facial hair.

As we mentioned previously there are hundreds of models, but there are just a few that are adaptable enough to keep using even if you have a long beard. 

You can get this done  by maintaining your beard moisturized using a beard conditioner. Sealing a CPAP mask properly is easier if your beard is soft and conditioned rather than wiry and abrasive) and using a mask liner (acts as a barrier between your CPAP mask and skin.

Chin straps are a flexible piece of fabric that fits around your head to keep your mouth closed, allowing your nasal passages to get adequate air pressure. Even if it is usually used to reduce dry mouth, it also improves the seal of the mask. 

Since each mask is designed differently, people with facial hair can try different masks to find the proper fit or take our quiz. 

You can also take advantage of the 30 day mask exchange plan, in which you have that time to use your 1-time mask exchange, where the total price of the mask will be issued in a gift card to exchange and purchase the mask that is truly ideal for you.

As you can see, having facial hair does not mean you have to spend more money in your CPAP therapy. It only means that you have to choose your machine and mask wisely. 

Use this guide to find the beard-friendly CPAP mask that works better for you and has all the functions you need, plus a few tips to improve the sealing of your mask.

If you want more information or want to get one of these products, just visit Sleeplay for all your CPAP needs to make sure you get restful sleep.