Amara gel FFM--what am I doing wrong?

[Lea_T]

I've used nasal pillows since getting diagnosed about 2.5 years ago, but due to nasal congestion issues I wanted to try a FFM. (Plus I've met my deductible for the year, so this seemed like a good time to try!)

The DME strongly suggested the Amara Gel, and since it was on my list of FFMs that people seem to like, I was willing to give it a try. He sized me with the small and petite cushions and thought I was definitely petite (only part of me that is, lol). I checked with the sizing gauge and I think he's probably right about the petite, though I'm on the edge of being small. It leaked out the bottom when I tried it on, but he didn't seem at all concerned and I figured it might be better when I was lying down. I know you're supposed to test them lying down, but there is nowhere to do so at my providers--the little room isn't even big enough to lie down on the floor.

But I spent over an hour today trying it out at home, and the leak out the bottom is awful. To stop it I have to tighten the bottom straps literally as hard as I can, and then the whole cushion hurts my face. I've read "Taming the Mirage Quattro" for general tips, and I have the forehead support dialed pulled out to the mask and the upper straps pretty loose, but when I tighten the bottom straps that much it still ends up pressing very hard on the bridge of my nose. Plus, even when I have it as tight as I can get it, all I have to do is tuck my chin down toward my chest a tiny bit and it starts leaking again.

I know it is not supposed to be this tight, but if I don't pull the straps tight it's like it doesn't even touch my chin area once the pressure is on. My pressure is not that high, I have my range set from 10 - 11.5. I read the instructions that came with it, and they say that some leaking is normal--but how much? This feels like wind rushing down my jaw and I just don't think I can sleep with it. Do people just get used to it? Am I doing something wrong? Is my face just weird? (FWIW the DME said I had a "normal" face...) Are there any tips I can try, or do I just need to take it back tomorrow?

[Julie]

Take it back before you accidentally cut the silicone or something . It doesn't fit and there are plenty of others out there that will be better or at least more tweakable. Why fuss with one just because it suited someone else? Plus you need to find one that works for you!

[Vader]

I got suckered into trying the Amara Gel too! For me it was one of the worst masks I ever tried.
I couldn't even come close to making the Amara work. I would take that thing back while you can. There are far better options. I REALLY like the Quattro Air, and it's been my most trouble free mask yet. Other great options that quite a few here would recommend are the Mirage Quattro, and the Quattro FX.

[hyperlexis]

I've used nasal pillows since getting diagnosed about 2.5 years ago, but due to nasal congestion issues I wanted to try a FFM. (Plus I've met my deductible for the year, so this seemed like a good time to try!)

The DME strongly suggested the Amara Gel, and since it was on my list of FFMs that people seem to like, I was willing to give it a try. He sized me with the small and petite cushions and thought I was definitely petite (only part of me that is, lol). I checked with the sizing gauge and I think he's probably right about the petite, though I'm on the edge of being small. It leaked out the bottom when I tried it on, but he didn't seem at all concerned and I figured it might be better when I was lying down. I know you're supposed to test them lying down, but there is nowhere to do so at my providers--the little room isn't even big enough to lie down on the floor.

But I spent over an hour today trying it out at home, and the leak out the bottom is awful. To stop it I have to tighten the bottom straps literally as hard as I can, and then the whole cushion hurts my face. I've read "Taming the Mirage Quattro" for general tips, and I have the forehead support dialed pulled out to the mask and the upper straps pretty loose, but when I tighten the bottom straps that much it still ends up pressing very hard on the bridge of my nose. Plus, even when I have it as tight as I can get it, all I have to do is tuck my chin down toward my chest a tiny bit and it starts leaking again.

I know it is not supposed to be this tight, but if I don't pull the straps tight it's like it doesn't even touch my chin area once the pressure is on. My pressure is not that high, I have my range set from 10 - 11.5. I read the instructions that came with it, and they say that some leaking is normal--but how much? This feels like wind rushing down my jaw and I just don't think I can sleep with it. Do people just get used to it? Am I doing something wrong? Is my face just weird? (FWIW the DME said I had a "normal" face...) Are there any tips I can try, or do I just need to take it back tomorrow?

Try this >>>>>> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3zVKElDXBg

The Amara isn't supposed to touch your lower chin -- its supposed to have the bottom edge of the cushion at just below the lower lip. The upper top of the cushion sits almost right between the eyes or slightly below. The fitting video should be helpful in figuring out how to set the straps. The gel mask is slightly rubbery compared to the standard silicone version, so it has some more give to it. So you may need to experiment with the tightness of the lower cushion. Have you used the mask check setting on the machine?

Keep at it you'll be fine. I've used the Amara Gel and found it to be a great, comfortable mask and extremely simple to clean, far easier than the old Quattro.

[Lea_T]

Thanks for the replies, everyone. I am glad to hear that I'm not the only one in the world whose face apparently doesn't fit this mask. I have an appointment today to go exchange it, and I will insist on trying at least one of the Quattros. I did ask to try the Mirage Quattro when I was there yesterday, but the RT "doesn't like it" so I let him persuade me to take the Amara. Maybe I'll have more luck asking for the Quattro Air. For some reason I hadn't been considering the Quattro FX--maybe I was thinking I should have a forehead piece for stabilization? I can't remember.

Hyperlexis, thanks for the very specific advice. I had already watched that video, but I watched it again to make sure I wasn't forgetting anything. I started over from a loose mask many times, gradually tightening, and each time even if I could get a seal while staying perfectly still, the second I moved my head at all in any direction it was gale force winds down my jawline on each side of my chin. I double checked the position of the cushion on my face, and the innermost edge of the cushion is right below my bottom lip. (I assume that's what you meant by bottom edge? because if the outer edge of the mask was just below my lip, the cushion would be covering both my lips.) It's hard to tell where the cushion at the top is sitting, but the upper edge of the whole mask assembly comes a bit above my eyebrows. I do feel the pressure farther down on the bridge of my nose though, so maybe it is hitting the right place. I already have the petite so I can't try a smaller size.

One good thing about trying this mask out for a few hours is that I had been concerned about claustrophobia, but I found it wasn't an issue at all. I think if I can just find a mask that 1) doesn't leak and 2) doesn't hurt, I will be just fine with a FFM when I need one.

[hyperlexis]

Thanks for the replies, everyone. I am glad to hear that I'm not the only one in the world whose face apparently doesn't fit this mask. I have an appointment today to go exchange it, and I will insist on trying at least one of the Quattros. I did ask to try the Mirage Quattro when I was there yesterday, but the RT "doesn't like it" so I let him persuade me to take the Amara. Maybe I'll have more luck asking for the Quattro Air. For some reason I hadn't been considering the Quattro FX--maybe I was thinking I should have a forehead piece for stabilization? I can't remember.

Hyperlexis, thanks for the very specific advice. I had already watched that video, but I watched it again to make sure I wasn't forgetting anything. I started over from a loose mask many times, gradually tightening, and each time even if I could get a seal while staying perfectly still, the second I moved my head at all in any direction it was gale force winds down my jawline on each side of my chin. I double checked the position of the cushion on my face, and the innermost edge of the cushion is right below my bottom lip. (I assume that's what you meant by bottom edge? because if the outer edge of the mask was just below my lip, the cushion would be covering both my lips.) It's hard to tell where the cushion at the top is sitting, but the upper edge of the whole mask assembly comes a bit above my eyebrows. I do feel the pressure farther down on the bridge of my nose though, so maybe it is hitting the right place. I already have the petite so I can't try a smaller size.

One good thing about trying this mask out for a few hours is that I had been concerned about claustrophobia, but I found it wasn't an issue at all. I think if I can just find a mask that 1) doesn't leak and 2) doesn't hurt, I will be just fine with a FFM when I need one.

You should actually try the small. You can literally just ask to try the small cushion, because the Amara frame fits multiple sized cushions. It sounds like the petite is too small for you.

The Quattro is a great mask, and offers great fit for many users, however it's much bulkier and tedious to disassemble and clean compared to the Amara. The Quattro Air is more like the Amara in and has very few parts. It could be very good for you as well. Try them all if your DME will allow.

[old dude]

Take it back before you accidentally cut the silicone or something . It doesn't fit and there are plenty of others out there that will be better or at least more tweakable. Why fuss with one just because it suited someone else? Plus you need to find one that works for you!

I'm with Julie all the way-take it back.

I LOVE the Amara-on paper that is. I've tried two different silicone seal Amaras and one Gel, all with the exact same results you have had. I tried so hard to make this mask work but could not.

I suggest you might want to give the Quattro Air a whirl, especially if you have a smaller face. It tends to run a bit small in the first place, and seals very nicely for me with less tightening than other FFMs I tried. By the way, just a hint: folks universally say not to over tighten the straps on an FFM, but that just has never worked for me, at all. I think it's one of those YMMV things, and if you have a face shape that requires some tightening you might as well get a comfortable mask. You hardly know the Quattro Air is there.

Good luck!

[Lea_T]

Unfortunately, my DME did not have the Quattro Air. (One of many reasons that I continue to be pretty unimpressed with them.) I was able to get the Mirage Quattro, and at least sitting up it didn't leak. I need to spend some time this evening working with it lying down to get it all fitted right.

But they did let me keep the Amara, so it's good to know a Small cushion would fit the frame. Looks like I could get one without an Rx at our sponsor, so I may do that at some point just so I know I've tried it thoroughly. It certainly is simpler than the Quattro to take apart.

old dude--thanks for both the feedback on the Amara and your experience with tightening. I won't worry that I'm tightening too much as long as I can get a comfortable fit with minimal leaks! I've already ordered a padacheek liner and strap cushions so hopefully those will help too.