Amara vs Quattro FX full face mask

I'm new to CPAP. I was given a Resperonics Amara face mask with my machine. The first few days I had an increased amount of energy using my CPAP. Perhaps it was just physiological. After those first few days, I noticed a decrease in sleepiness but I wouldn't say I was full of energy. I was also having difficulty with the Amara mask. It was causing sores on my forehead and bridge of my nose and leaks (face farts) would wake me up throughout the night. I found myself getting frustrated with it and taking it off after 4-5 of sleep.

I contacted my DME and switched the Amara for the Quattro FX. It is WAY more comfortable and a lot easier to keep on all night. But doesn't seem as sturdy. The biggest problem is since using the Quattro for the past week, daytime fatigue and sleepiness has returned. The fatigue seems worse than pre-CPAP. But my AHI and leak rate have IMPROVED with the Quattro. I cant make sense of it. Im in my 4th week of CPAP treatment.

Anyone else have this kind of experience?
Could the fatigue have nothing to do with the masks? Perhaps my body adjusting to therapy?

Any experience you can share would be appreciated.

Jbc:

I've had great success in the past 14 months With the Quattro FX. Your QFX, however, may be riding up your face as you are asleep. This will cause leaks of which you're not aware.

A simple little chin strap (available at most medical supply stores) with velcro will connect the bottom links under your chin and prevent

1) the mask moving up
2) potential leaks and
3) discomfort on top of your nose.

God bless and good luck.

My suggestion is to get a Quattro Air. Although some folks do tolerate the Amara, it seems to be the one mask most often vilified by users. I've tried three of them, both frame sizes and one gel. All were junk for me, just as you describe. The FX can be OK but it does tend to "ride up" as noted and gets right in front of my eyes. Plus, I think it's overly complex.

Get the AIR and buy it a size larger than you normally use as it tends to run small. It's so light you hardly know it's there and it is so simple to use and even easier to remove the seal for washing, which you should do every day.

Good luck!

Tell the DME you want the Amara GEL cushion. He should replace it for free given the problems you had with the standard cushion. The newer gel version is much softer and more comfortable and has been found by many to not cause those pressure sores on the bridge of the nose. -- The standard cushion has been prone to cause such pressure sores and PR even redesigned the standard mask frame as a result. The great thing about the Amara is that you can just pop a new cushion into the same old frame. So I think if you try the gel, as long as you get the size right it should help you overcome your current concerns. The QFX is also a great mask too. Takes some adjusting to, like all masks, but still a very good mask with very good headgear, and the benefit of low profile with no forehead bar. Good luck.