New Mask Review: Amara Gel

In case anyone is interested in a new FF mask I just received an Amara Gel and here's a basic review:

I have used the new gel cushion for a few days and basically, it's a great improvement over the standard, silicone Amara cushion. The new 'gel' cushion is thicker, more stable, and when adjusted properly, provides much better cushioning and comfort at the nose bridge. So the prior problem with the original Amara cushion causing pressure sores at the nose bridge has been greatly reduced if not completely eliminated. I have used it for days with no redness or problems at all. It took some initial adjusting using the 'mask fit' feature on the CPAP to get a good seal, but once adjusted, it has been very comfortable and mostly leak free.

The design of the cushion seems similar to the original, but due to the thicker, more rubbery 'gel' material, it provides much greater cushioning. (Plus the light blue color is just awesome).

The mask is a very good competitor to the standard Quattro, if not the new Quattro Air. The Amara is much, much smaller, and less bulky in proportion to the old Quattro, and therefore better for side or stomach sleepers.

The vent is located on the mask elbow and is quiet. Airflow direction changes with the position of the swivel.

The headgear is very good quality, and attractive material and hooks into convenient 'slots' at the top of the forehead brace (like the Quattro) for quick removal for cleaning. The lower 'talon clip' quick connects take some getting used to but are generally simple to handle and undo.

The forehead brace has a very simple angle adjustment, using a push button release. It does not adjust as far outward as the Quattro's dial adjustment, but for me it has been mostly sufficient.

Cleaning, like the regular Amara, is beyond easy. Either take off the headgear and wash the whole thing at once, or just pop out the cushion and forehead pad and wash those alone. Unlike the old Quattro, the Amara only uses 4 parts. Cleaning is a breeze. The Amara is more like the Quattro Air in this respect.

Plus, because this is a PR product, I have finally been able to turn on the 'resistance control' feature (level X1) on my machine with this mask. And my nightly numbers have since been changing. Pressures have been varying and the 'large leak' feature has been showing activity, where before with my other masks, it has showed straight zeros, almost always. I don't know if this is a yet another cpap-tech fluke and/or because resistance control is now working, but it was something I have noticed out of the ordinary. I have actually slept well, through the past few nights, without waking up due to any leaks, so I am not sure what is happening, but the machine has noted it.

Anyway I would give the Amara Gel an A or A- and definitely recommend it to FF users as something to try.