Choosing the right mask to use with your continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine is one of the best ways to make CPAP therapy work for you, but it can be hard to know which mask to choose if you have a beard.
You don’t need to shave your beard if you use a CPAP machine, but it is important to choose your mask carefully. Facial hair can cause the wrong mask to slip, irritate your skin, or even leak air. Luckily, there are plenty of CPAP masks that work with all beard styles.
We’ll introduce you to some of the best CPAP masks for beards, including full beards, and then walk you through everything you need to know to choose the right mask and make it work with your facial hair.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
ResMed AirFit N30i Nasal CPAP Mask
Ideal For
- Side, stomach, and combination sleepers
- People who toss and turn at night
- Anyone who wants the freedom to use a nasal mask or nasal pillows
Who Should Keep Looking
- People who prefer a standard hose attachment location
- CPAP users with a high air pressure level
- Anyone who feels uncomfortable with directed airflow through their nose
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Price
$118
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Size
Small, Medium, Small Wide, Wide
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Type
Nasal
Why We Chose It
The ResMed AirFit N30i may not work for everyone, but it’s better for more sleepers than most CPAP masks. With a low-profile nasal cradle design, a top-of-the-head hose attachment, and secure yet comfortable headgear, the AirFit N30i is appropriate for all sleep positions and works with any style of beard.
People who experience claustrophobia are likely to find that the AirFit N30i’s clear field of vision and small nasal cushion make using their CPAP machine much more comfortable. Additional features, such as soft and flexible headgear, and a quick-release elbow for getting up in the middle of the night, add to the mask’s appeal.
The AirFit N30i is available in two frame sizes and has four cushion options, allowing you to choose the combination that works best with your facial shape. The headgear and frame can also be used with ResMed’s AirFit P30i pillows, giving you the freedom to switch between the two styles permanently or as needed.
Use this SleepApnea.org link for the most current discount on ResMed products
Shop NowBest for New CPAP Users
ResMed AirFit N30i Nasal CPAP Mask
Ideal For
- People who have never used a CPAP mask
- Anyone who wants multiple pillow sizes to choose from
- Sleepers who experience claustrophobia with bulkier masks
Who Should Keep Looking
- Sleepers with a high air pressure prescription
- People who don’t like the feel of nasal pillows
- Anyone with chronic nasal congestion
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Price
$118
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Size
Small, Medium, Small Wide, Wide
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Type
Nasal
Why We Chose It
The ResMed AirFit P30i is an extremely streamlined nasal pillow mask that has minimal skin contact and provides you with a clear field of vision.
With its pillow design and top-of-the-head connection port, the AirFit P30i can be used by people with thick beards and mustaches with minimal risk of leaks or tangling. The headgear is simple to slip on before bed, while the quick-release elbow makes it easy to get up in the middle of the night.
The mask’s adjustable headgear and its frame, which is designed to fit all facial features, ensure that you won’t have to over-tighten your mask. The starter pack also comes with multiple pillow sizes, which makes it easy to find one that fits.
Noise can make it difficult for both new and experienced CPAP users to adapt to their new mask, but the AirFit P30i’s proprietary QuietAir venting design keeps the noise level to an exceptionally quiet 21 decibels.
Use this SleepApnea.org link for the most current discount on ResMed products
Shop NowBest for Side Sleepers
ResMed AirFit P10 Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask
Ideal For
- Anyone looking for a minimalist design
- People with sensitive skin
- Sleepers with smaller facial features
Who Should Keep Looking
- Highly active sleepers
- People with nasal blockage or congestion
- Anyone with a very thick mustache
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Price
$99
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Size
Small, Medium, Large, Extra Small for Her, Small for Her, Medium for Her
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Type
Nasal Pillow
Why We Chose It
Nasal pillow masks are already more streamlined than other styles, but the ResMed AirFit P10’s pared-down design makes it one of the most pared-down yet secure options available.
The lightweight, split-strap headgear design angles upwards from the nose, which provides a comfortable and secure fit even for people with thick or full beards. People who experience red marks or skin irritation with other CPAP masks are likely to find that the flexible headgear material, which has very little skin contact, works much better for their needs.
While very active sleepers may prefer a mask with more secure headgear, most people will be satisfied by the AirFit P10’s “trampoline action” seal. This feature allows you to roll over or change positions without worrying about leaks, while also making this mask more secure when pressed up against your pillow.
As with many of ResMed’s AirFit masks, the AirFit P10 also features QuietAir venting to lower the volume of the mask to a level unlikely to disturb even the lightest of the sleepers.
Use this SleepApnea.org link for the most current discount on ResMed products
Shop NowBest Minimalist Design
Fisher & Paykel Solo Nasal CPAP Mask
Ideal For
- People who are unsure if they want a nasal or nasal pillow mask
- Sleepers who experience claustrophobia
- Anyone with dexterity concerns
Who Should Keep Looking
- People who breathe through their mouth and cannot tolerate a chinstrap
- Sleepers with a thick or bushy mustache
- Anyone who is sensitive to noise and has a high air pressure prescription
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Price
$119
-
Size
Small, Medium, Large, Wide
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Type
Nasal
Why We Chose It
The Fisher & Paykel Solo Nasal Mask is barely larger than a nasal pillow mask, and is paired with extremely lightweight headgear that provides a clear field of vision. The frame and headgear can also be used with Solo nasal pillows, making this mask an excellent choice for anyone who is on the fence about the style of mask they need.
The Solo’s minimalist headgear works with the AutoLock feature to create a secure seal even for active or combination sleepers. Since the headgear runs high along the user’s cheekbones, this mask works well with all beard styles. However, people with very thick mustaches may prefer a traditional nasal or nasal pillow mask.
Fisher & Paykel’s proprietary AutoFit and AutoLock technology allow you to put the mask on one-handed and adjust it by simply pressing on the front of the mask. While this feature is great for people with dexterity concerns, it also simplifies the process for anyone who is new to CPAP.
Use this SleepApnea.org link for the most current discount on Fisher and Paykel products
Shop NowHow CPAP Mask Types Fit on Beards
CPAP mask styles range from minimalist nasal designs to full face masks that come into contact with more of your face. While each type of CPAP mask includes models that may be more or less suitable for people with a beard, some mask styles are more likely to offer a better fit with fewer leaks.
When choosing a CPAP mask style, it is important to work with your doctor and to be aware of how you breathe at night. Nasal and nasal CPAP masks can only be used by people who can breathe freely through their nose, and people who breathe through their mouth at night may need to use a chinstrap or other device in order to use these styles.
Nasal Masks
Nasal CPAP masks seal around your nose or nostrils, leaving your mouth free. Traditional nasal mask designs span from the bridge of your nose to just above your upper lip, while some modern nasal masks have a “cradle” design that seals between your upper lip and nostrils. Since nasal masks do not seal below your mouth, they are an excellent choice for people who have a beard but not a mustache.
Nasal Pillow Masks
Nasal pillow masks have prongs that fit into your nostrils and inflate to create a secure seal without any skin contact. This design makes nasal pillow masks suitable for people with any type of facial hair, including people who have both a beard and a mustache.
Full Face Masks
Full face masks deliver air to both your nose and mouth. Most full face masks seal from below your lower lip to the bridge of your nose, making it difficult for people with facial hair to get a good seal. However, using a mask liner or a mask with a memory foam cushion may reduce the likelihood of leaks in some cases.
Hybrid Masks
Hybrid masks are a combination of a full face mask and either a nasal pillow mask or a cradle-style nasal mask. While they address some of the common problems people have with full face masks, such as feelings of claustrophobia, hybrid masks still pose the risk of leaks for people with beards.
What to Consider in a CPAP Mask If You Have a Beard
Choosing the right CPAP mask is a critical part of making CPAP therapy work for you. While it can be difficult to narrow down your options, considering each factor individually can make it easier to find a mask that will work for you and your facial hair.
Price
CPAP masks usually range in price from $50 to $200. The price of a mask depends on the style, features, and manufacturer, so CPAP masks that are suitable for people with facial hair can be found at all price points. When deciding whether a mask fits into your budget, it’s important to remember that you’ll have to replace the mask components regularly.
Size and Fit
Choosing a CPAP mask that fits your facial features and head shape can prevent discomfort, air leakage, and skin irritation. If you have a thick beard and use a full face mask, you’ll also need to ensure that the headgear and frame are able to accommodate the extra bulk.
Sizing options can vary significantly among different mask models. Headgear, for example, may be one size fits all or available in different sizes. If you’re not sure what size to choose, most manufacturers offer a sizing guide on their official website.
Comfort and Convenience
Many modern CPAP masks are designed to keep you comfortable with features like a clear line of sight, padded or covered headgear, and swiveling hose connections. Convenience features, such as quick-release clips and easy-to-use headgear, are also popular. Different people have differing needs and preferences when it comes to CPAP masks, so you should consider what you prefer before making a purchase.
Sleep Position
While all CPAP masks work well for people who sleep on their back, some work better than others for people who sleep on their side or stomach. This is particularly true for people with a beard, since facial hair makes mask cushions more likely to slide around.
Nasal and nasal pillow masks, particularly minimalist designs with secure headgear, are almost always the most comfortable choice for side and stomach sleepers. CPAP pillows, which have cut-outs and curves to accommodate your mask, can also be helpful if you find it difficult to get comfortable when wearing your mask.
Materials and Construction
A well-constructed CPAP mask made of high-quality materials is likely to fit better, be more comfortable, and have a longer lifespan than a lower-quality mask. You may also want to consider the specific materials used in the mask, as some people with facial hair find that memory foam or gel cushions provide a better seal than the more common silicone cushions.
Compatibility
Most CPAP machines and hoses use a 22 millimeter hose connection that makes them compatible with almost all CPAP masks. However, there are a few CPAP machines — usually travel models — that can only be used with special hoses and specific masks.
It is also important to choose a mask that is compatible with your air pressure prescription, though this is unlikely to be a problem unless you need a very high or very low air pressure level. A more common concern is that nasal and nasal pillow masks are uncomfortable at higher air pressure levels, even when the mask is technically compatible with that range.
Beard Care and CPAP Masks
Keeping your skin and beard clean and soft is one of the best ways to prevent both CPAP leaks and skin irritation.
- Conditioning: Keeping your beard soft and supple with conditioners, oils, or balms will help your beard hair lay flat against your face and allow for a better, more comfortable seal. This is particularly important if your facial hair is curly or coily, as these hair types tend to require more moisture than straight hair.
- Skin care: Dirt and debris on your skin, including flaking skin and skin oils, can interfere with your mask seal and shorten your mask’s lifespan. Regularly washing and moisturizing your face will also help prevent skin irritation from your mask.
- Timing: Unabsorbed oils and creams can also cause problems with your mask seal and can damage your mask over time. You should allow enough time for any conditioning or moisturizing products you use to sink into your hair or skin before you go to bed. If your beard products do not absorb, you should wash them off before you go to bed.
- Trimming: If you have a full or long beard, keeping it trimmed and shaped can reduce the risk of it becoming tangled in your CPAP headgear or hose. People who use a full face mask may also want to keep the area around their mouth slightly shorter than the rest of their beard.
CPAP Mask Liners
Mask liners are made from soft fabric and provide a barrier between your skin and your mask cushion. CPAP mask liners can be useful for people with beards because they keep your beard contained and create a smooth surface for the cushion to seal against, protecting you against both air leaks and skin irritation.
How We Test
We choose our featured products after a rigorous research process that includes lab testing, hands-on testing by our team, and analysis of user reviews. Our testing team has years of experience with sleep products, and their diversity — in age, body size, sleep position, and more — gives us the knowledge and perspective we need to provide you with unbiased reviews that apply to all of our readers.
Frequently Asked Questions
People with beards must choose their CPAP mask carefully to avoid air leaks and skin irritation. While it might seem like over-tightening your CPAP mask helps make up for having a beard, choosing a different mask that is suitable for use with a beard will help ensure that you’re comfortable and your CPAP therapy is effective.
People with beards, including people with long or full beards, can use a CPAP machine without having to shave. Choosing the right mask and paying close attention to your beard and skin hygiene can make CPAP usage more comfortable and reduce the risk of air leaks.
In addition to choosing an appropriate mask, you can improve your CPAP mask’s seal by keeping your skin and facial hair clean and well-moisturized. Using a mask liner can also lower the risk of mask leaks by providing a smooth surface for your mask cushion to seal against.
Nasal and nasal pillow CPAP masks are the best option for people with thick beards since they do not seal below your mouth. If you have both a thick beard and a mustache, nasal pillow masks are a great choice that provide an excellent seal without any skin contact.
Beard oil can improve your mask seal by softening your facial hair, but using your mask while your beard is still oily can cause air leaks and damage your mask cushion. Oils that eventually sink into your beard without residue can be used before bed if you apply it with enough time to let it absorb, while other beard oils should be used earlier in the day and washed off before you sleep.
Written by
Danielle Pacheco, Staff WriterDanielle is originally from Vancouver, BC, where she has spent many hours staring at her ceiling trying to fall asleep. She channels her frustration into researching sleep solutions and sharing insights with fellow insomniacs. Danielle spends her downtime trying out new recipes and working off the calories on the soccer field. Danielle studied the science of sleep with a degree in psychology at the University of British Columbia
