Page 1 of 3

REVIEW -Philips Respironics "Amara" Full Face Mask

Posted: Tue Jul 10, 2012 8:10 am
by Moondawg
I received the subject full face mask from my DME (Visiting Nurse service - GREAT, Akron, OH) yesterday 7/9/12. They are available now. So last night was my first night using it so please keep that in mind whilist reading my review. The Amara was a replacement mask for me as my previous mask, a Forma (Fisher & Paykel) FFM, just didn't work for me, i.e. bridge of my nose was being rubbed raw with attempts to adjust subsequently caused leaks around my chin, yet I could have 'made' it work. The Amara. Darn amazing piece of gear. High tech yet so simple in its' design and use. The head gear is simpler to fit and does not remind me of the cargo nets you see over the sides of battleships in WWII movies. One just puts the mask on and lightly snugs the top and bottom chin straps. Your chin DOES NOT rest IN the mask! Here is the sweet part about this mask....there is an adjustment button(six position adjustment I believe) on the top of the mask that can thrust in/out either the lower or the upper part of the mask respectively to get just the right seal. And amazingly, it works!! I would not be honest if I did not say there is a little 'voodoo' to perform in getting the straps adjusted properly so the adjustment button can do its' job; took me maybe 15 minutes to get it right. When doing this initial strap adjustment - make sure your head is tilted back(as if you were sleeping flat on your back) otherwise ANY FFM will leak. The silicone seal and hard plastic mask are one inseparable unit so cleaning is simple. IMHO, PR hit a home run with this mask. Stay tunned if anthing changes. Hope the above mess helps you make an informed choice.

Re: REVIEW -Philips Respironics "Amara" Full Face Mask

Posted: Wed Jul 11, 2012 2:44 pm
by Cokomo
Anything to add from day 2?

Re: REVIEW -Philips Respironics "Amara" Full Face Mask

Posted: Wed Jul 11, 2012 3:25 pm
by Moondawg
Yes. Now that you asked. I have not nailed the adjustments yet as I woke up with the bridge of my nose red and sore. Other than that, extremely pleased.

Re: REVIEW -Philips Respironics "Amara" Full Face Mask

Posted: Wed Jul 11, 2012 4:52 pm
by DoriC
How were the leaks?

Re: REVIEW -Philips Respironics "Amara" Full Face Mask

Posted: Thu Jul 12, 2012 1:52 am
by 49er
One reason I am interested in waiting for this mask to show up on the online vendor sites is it claims to be lighter than most FF masks. Is the hype accurate in your opinion?

Thanks!

49er

Re: REVIEW -Philips Respironics "Amara" Full Face Mask

Posted: Thu Jul 12, 2012 8:36 am
by Moondawg
Hi 49er,

Well, yeah it's light but that's a relative term. It's lighter than the other FFM I've used. No matter what, you've got a chunk of plastic with a hose attached hanging off your face - totally unnatural and in 10 years from now it will seem like an antique as new technology evolves. It's a life changer, but small potatoes in the scheme of things. In short, I'm very pleased.

Re: REVIEW -Philips Respironics "Amara" Full Face Mask

Posted: Thu Jul 12, 2012 8:39 am
by Moondawg
DoriC wrote:How were the leaks?
With some minor adjustments, i.e. trial and error...pretty good seal. I've no complaints except I am still having an opportunity getting the adjustment right over the bridge of my nose. It's good.

Re: REVIEW -Philips Respironics "Amara" Full Face Mask

Posted: Thu Jul 12, 2012 9:09 am
by 123.Shawn T.W.
Do you have a beard?

Re: REVIEW -Philips Respironics "Amara" Full Face Mask

Posted: Thu Jul 12, 2012 9:20 am
by Moondawg
No beard dude. I don't think any FFM would work with one....maybe others know different..

Re: REVIEW -Philips Respironics "Amara" Full Face Mask

Posted: Thu Jul 12, 2012 9:39 am
by lazerguy
Good to get this day-to-day info. I've tried FFM for several years, but as a mouth breather, my doc wants me to try nasal mask.
Now trying to get review on Respironics Tru-Blue.

Re: REVIEW -Philips Respironics "Amara" Full Face Mask

Posted: Thu Jul 12, 2012 11:35 am
by Heavylids
Moondawg wrote:No beard dude. I don't think any FFM would work with one....maybe others know different..
I have a goatee but shave off the "soul patch" and my Mirage FFM fits very well. If any at all leaks usually develop around the sides of my nose. But even those are few. It does leave some interesting marks on my face though that go away within an hour of taking it off in the morning.

Re: REVIEW -Philips Respironics "Amara" Full Face Mask

Posted: Thu Jul 12, 2012 3:55 pm
by 49er
Moondawg wrote:Hi 49er,

Well, yeah it's light but that's a relative term. It's lighter than the other FFM I've used. No matter what, you've got a chunk of plastic with a hose attached hanging off your face - totally unnatural and in 10 years from now it will seem like an antique as new technology evolves. It's a life changer, but small potatoes in the scheme of things. In short, I'm very pleased.
Thanks Moondawg. I hear you about the term "light" being a relative term.

It sounds like I need to call Respironics for another update as to when the mask will show up on online vendor sites.

Glad you're happy with it.

49er

Re: REVIEW -Philips Respironics "Amara" Full Face Mask

Posted: Thu Jul 12, 2012 4:28 pm
by Starlette
Heavylids wrote:I have a goatee but shave off the "soul patch" and my Mirage FFM fits very well. If any at all leaks usually develop around the sides of my nose. But even those are few. It does leave some interesting marks on my face though that go away within an hour of taking it off in the morning.
I have to ask being that I'm female and don't know much about male terminology. You men know men terminology, I don't.
QUESTION: What is a soul patch? I know what a goatee is

Starlette

Re: REVIEW -Philips Respironics "Amara" Full Face Mask

Posted: Sat Jul 14, 2012 9:53 am
by Grand-PAP
Starlette wrote:QUESTION: What is a soul patch?

Starlette
Hi Starlette,

No better model than Howie Mandel:

Image

It's the patch of hair on the chin below the lip.

Re: REVIEW -Philips Respironics "Amara" Full Face Mask

Posted: Sat Jul 14, 2012 12:08 pm
by Moondawg
Ok, whats' it been, 5 nights now with the new Amara FFM. So here is an update. My wife was out of town for a week and took one look at me and thought I got punched in the nose. The bridge of my nose looks like raw hamburger, blood blisters, etc.. I have put some polysporin and and a Band-Aid over it as it looks that bad. My poor wife is playing a guilt trip on herself as it was at her urging that this whole sleep study/diagnosis/cpap came about. I am fine with the diagnosis and treatment. As I mentioned earlier, this was my main concern with this new FFM. HOWEVER, I think last night I broke the code. I WAS lowering the mask on my face/nose each night to keep it off the developing sores. Last night I RAISED the mask so it was above the sore spot. Seems to have solved the problem - I can be a slow learner. Still getting an excellent seal and find the mask comfortable. The adjustability button works great to allow for getting the right pressure. Hope this helps someone make a decision.