Amara view and nose problems

[Babycatcher]

Been a CPAP user for many years and gone through the various machines and masks as theyve been developed. My husband also uses a CPAP machine so we support each other. We’re in the U.K.

My question is about the Phillips Amara view face mask. I’m really struggling with the bit that goes under your nose. Two nights and it’s causing major pain when I take it off in the morning. I used the full face (over the bridge of the nose mask) the last couple of months but it caused redness and dryness and peeling skin where it touched so decided to try this one instead. Does it get better? Are I doing something wrong? Used the fitting videos and sleep clinic sized me ok I think. Any suggestions please x

[Pugsy]

Welcome to forum.
I have used the Amara View...I can't imagine it causing intense pain in that area unless maybe you have the straps too tight or something.
What hurts...the nose/nostril area or the teeth/upper jaw area?

[Okie bipap]

It sound like you have the top straps pulled too snug or you may be using the wrong size cushion. I have used that mask in the past, but am currently using the Dreamwear full face mask.

[Babycatcher]

Welcome to forum.
I have used the Amara View...I can't imagine it causing intense pain in that area unless maybe you have the straps too tight or something.
What hurts...the nose/nostril area or the teeth/upper jaw area?

It’s the bit that sits up against the nostrils that hurts! Also just taken it off now and a ridge across the top of my nose too although not painful! I’m always a small or extra small but he’s given me a medium so size might be a problem. Husband also having problems with the bit that sits under the nose. I feel like cutting it off as can’t see why it’s there anyway!

Anna

[Babycatcher]

It sound like you have the top straps pulled too snug or you may be using the wrong size cushion. I have used that mask in the past, but am currently using the Dreamwear full face mask.

Straps may be too tight as I get horrible side marks with whichever mask I use but if I don’t have them like this I get more leaks. It’s a real problem for me. The marks take over 2 hours to go too - although I do have a fat face!!

Anna

[klm49]

It sound like you have the top straps pulled too snug or you may be using the wrong size cushion. I have used that mask in the past, but am currently using the Dreamwear full face mask.

Straps may be too tight as I get horrible side marks with whichever mask I use but if I don’t have them like this I get more leaks. It’s a real problem for me. The marks take over 2 hours to go too - although I do have a fat face!!

Anna

Are you sure you are fitting the mask correctly?
View this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mp02l4r6Je8
Sounds like either you are fitting it wrong or the straps over the head are way too tight forcing the piece that goes under your nose against your nostrils causing you pain.

[Pugsy]

If you are having to really crank down things to get it to seal then maybe simply the wrong size cushion.
You might indeed need the small.
There is a sizing guide available.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smF9qrs0Q5Y

It might also simply be the wrong mask for you.

Respironics improved on the Amara View concept with the DreamWear Full face mask. Have you seen it?
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/respir ... dgear.html
and here's a good video about it...and it also uses the same sizing guide as the Amara View.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RUwIa3xnsDQ

I know you are in the UK and the availability over there might still be limited but I have tried both the Amara View and the DreamWear FFM...I like the DreamWear so much better.

[dreamingofdreaming]

I had the same problem with this mask. It felt like my nose was bruised. I use a nasal mask now, but also have the Dreamwear full face as a back up. The dreamwear full face feels much better.

[Kris needs sleep]

I too started out with the Amara view and even with mask size change, the bit under my nose hurt. Especially the cartilage between the nostrils, figured out that the mask is too tall for the distance between my chin and nose but not wide enough for my mouth if I go down a size. It only worked if I opened my mouth and breathed. But the point is to stop being a mouth breather right? Like others have suggested, it may not be the right mask.
I switched to the Airfit F20 full face. Nose pain gone but irritation around the nose and mouth increased. To the point my skin cracked and bleeding. Tried a liner but the redness continued. Switched to the AirTouch F20 full face with memory foam seal. Used it for two nights and so far no cracks, redness is greatly reduced.

[Babycatcher]

I too started out with the Amara view and even with mask size change, the bit under my nose hurt. Especially the cartilage between the nostrils, figured out that the mask is too tall for the distance between my chin and nose but not wide enough for my mouth if I go down a size. It only worked if I opened my mouth and breathed. But the point is to stop being a mouth breather right? Like others have suggested, it may not be the right mask.
I switched to the Airfit F20 full face. Nose pain gone but irritation around the nose and mouth increased. To the point my skin cracked and bleeding. Tried a liner but the redness continued. Switched to the AirTouch F20 full face with memory foam seal. Used it for two nights and so far no cracks, redness is greatly reduced.

Exactly the same as me. Worn full face for years no problems. Switched to different machine and mask by clinic - ruduculoisly red and irritated skin which cracked. This is the clinics solution but I’m not sure it’s right for me. Husband persevering As he’s had major eye problems so prefers it to be away from his eyes.

I’ll try for the next week and go back if no bettter. I’m limited by what the clinic stocks though as to what else I can try

[Babycatcher]

Yes I’ve watched the fitting demo. I’m going to print out the fitting guide and see if it’s the size that’s wrong

[Pugsy]

Mask liner might help.
http://www.padacheek.com/PAC_Maskliners.html
scroll down to the bottom to see what the liner for the Amara View looks like. You can easily make a DIY liner out of some old T shirt.

[Okie bipap]

If you would like to try making a liner for the Amara View, I have a pattern I used when I used that mask. If you send me your email address in a PM, I will send it to you. I made mine out of an old, well-used tee shirt.

[sleepychar]

I have been using the Amara View mask for approx 8-9 months now and I am overall happy with it. Of course I would be happiest if I didn't need any mask but... The first mask I received, size Small, hurt the tip of my nose as described in these posts. The Medium size does not hurt my nose. There is a fitting template which I got from cpap.com which will help determine the correct size mask. With this mask, the sizing seems to have to do with how far your nose sticks out on your face. I had successfully used size Small in a previous type of mask but the Small in the Amara View hurt my nose. So it may be worth trying a larger size mask to see if the problem is alleviated.

[Chris8243]

I use Amara view. For the past couple months my nose has been getting irritated between my nostrils too. It feels itchy and annoying and raw but luckily the feeling goes away within a short time. Many nights I wake up and have to take the mask off because my nose is itchy.

I've been thinking it may be because my skin is getting too hot? By the way I wash it every morning with a tiny drop of regular Dawn dish soap.