Amara View FFM - correct size blocks nostrils

[kodamom]

My new sleep doc/RT switched me from a ResMed Quattro Air FFM to an Amara View FFM. The RT sized me as a Medium. Got extra-blasted with air all night the first 2 nights and wound up with a fever and sinus infection for my efforts.

Half of each nostril was covered by the silicone seal no matter how I positioned the mask. Yes, I re-positioned it several times, following the directions and drawings and re-adjusting the mask straps. I believe the higher than usual air blasting was due to the small nose/nostrils hole in the cushion. This forced air through a smaller than nostril-sized opening in a venturi effect that resulted in a higher air speed into my nose, pushing more air into my sinuses.

The RT ran air through the mask as I wore it sitting in her office, with no problem. But I can hardly breathe through the nose/nostrils hole when I lie down, even during the ramp-up stage.

So my Qs are: has anyone here cut the nostril hole wider - that is horizontally wider? What happened when you did? Did it help? Besides incurring leaks if I cut too far, is there a downside to widening the nostril hole?

[Gasper62]

I'd go back to the old one, it doesn't seem like the new one is working out for you at all. Sometimes, it's best to disregard what the "professionals" tell you. Good luck.

[bpb21]

I have that mask, but am having a different problem. The horizontal plastic piece that separates the nose and mouth holes digs into the bottom of my nose during the night. Doesn't seem to matter how I adjust the thing; I'm developing blisters (or, ugh, callouses) on the bottom of my nose.

Point being: I cut that plastic strip out of one (had a medium and large to experiment with) but it didn't want to seal correctly after that. So, I'd be careful with cutting it; you might find it doesn't seal correctly if you widen it horizontally.

BTW: I'm looking into getting a WW1 gas mask. I think those things sealed pretty well...

[Feileacan67]

I am having the same issue as the OP. Just got fitted for a medium but I have fairly large nostrils. In my case as soon as the air pressure hits I get the combination of the air slot covering half of my nostrils and the sensation of someones hand covering my mouth and nose. I was fine sitting in the big comfy chair in the office when I was fitted, and they even used higher pressure than I do to test for leakage, but at home sitting on my bed it was like being smothered.

[RogerSC]

BTW: I'm looking into getting a WW1 gas mask. I think those things sealed pretty well...

That would be tough for side sleeping, hope that you sleep on your back *smile*!

[ClayL]

The first one - small - the DME fitted me with did the same thing and he switched to a medium which is fine. Might be worth going up a size and see what happens.

[ClayL]

I have that mask, but am having a different problem. The horizontal plastic piece that separates the nose and mouth holes digs into the bottom of my nose during the night. Doesn't seem to matter how I adjust the thing; I'm developing blisters (or, ugh, callouses) on the bottom of my nose.
.

I had that issue and the adjustment took a couple of weeks - an 1/8 of an inch or so at a time.
What fixed the bottom of the nose problem for me - from the initial settings by the DME - was to loosen the strap over the top of my head until the strap was just above my ears.
At this point it is the most comfortable mask I have used in my 10 years of using CPAP and doesn't leak in any position I sleep in.

[tbirdwilson]

Likewise, switched from small to medium Amara View and have had good results with seal after some tweaking. I start with top strap, then move to middle velcro, then clips. Sometimes requires wiggling to close the seal. I do get pressure points on the tip of my nose, though it was worse with small. I do like the Amara view, though it took more than two weeks to get comfortable it.

[Okie bipap]

Likewise, switched from small to medium Amara View and have had good results with seal after some tweaking. I start with top strap, then move to middle velcro, then clips. Sometimes requires wiggling to close the seal. I do get pressure points on the tip of my nose, though it was worse with small. I do like the Amara view, though it took more than two weeks to get comfortable it.

If your nose is rubbing the mask, you may want to try the large size cushion. I had to go to the large size, and really like the mask. I had problems with most full face masks making the bridge of my nose sore. I have a very narrow bridge, and it is hard to get a regular full face mask to seal so ti doesn't blow into my eyes.