Amara View mask leaks

[astrodeb]

Hi folks,

I thank you all again for your amazing help during the past two weeks. My AHI has settled down into a region from 1.5 - 3, but I am still having some annoying mask leakage problems. Basically, I am waking 3 - 5 times per night to adjust the Amara View mask as it inevitably starts leaking around either my jaw (probably when it relaxes in sleep) or the nose cushion. I think my nose is perhaps smaller than the one for which the nasal cushion was designed. I tried using the Remzzzs FFM liner, but it only increased the leakage (although it decreased the noise!). There is no Padacheek liner for this mask yet. Most frequently, the big leaks seem to occur when the pressure increases beyond about 14. Should I ditch this otherwise very comfortable mask? I still haven't adjusted the minimum pressure to 7 but will try that tonight. Here are the last several nights:






Many thanks!

[bigjack711]

I just started PAP again for the 3rd time in 10 years or so after failures in 2004 and 2008, and this Amara mask I think is the difference this time. I am tolerating the therapy every night and getting decent sleep, with AHI's under 5 for the first time ever. This mask is amazingly comfortable.

I'm at 12.5 and the mask does leak some, mask "burps" waking me up at night. I think if I can figure this out, I can do this and avoid MMA which I was on the fast track with a surgery date.

I'll keep an eye on this thread for a solution. Thanks for posting.

-Jack

[bigjack711]

Deb,

Are you still using the Amara View ? I switched to a nasal nano and chin strap, and my leaks are basically gone, but this rig is not nearly as comfortable. Thinking of trying Amara View again with some sort of liner...

Jack

[LSAT]

Based on your 95% pressures, I would gradually increase your minimum pressure to about 10 and start using a mask liner to reduce leaks.

[Vermonter]

I'm a very hard to fit FFM user. My narrow deep bridge causes leaks into my eyes no matter what I do to the headgear. I've found some relief using moleskin strips on the mask to build up the cushion but I have to replace them every 2 days (the strips, not the cushions). I also replace my headgear monthly..I've found if they are stretched out, I don't get a good enough seal. I just learned to put up with a certain amount of mask leak.

I would give good money for a FFM I just put on, roll over and fall asleep.

[astrodeb]

At 2.5 months into CPAP, the nose cushion on the Amara View mask is so stretched that it wakes me with leaks every night. Unfortunately, Pad-a-cheek doesn't make a liner for this mask yet. It will probably be difficult to do since the soft part enclosing the nose is the part that leaks most. My DME promised a replacement nose seal monthly, but wasn't able to comply as the parts are still rare. Presumably, I'll get the whole thing replaced at 3 months. I will stick with this mask if I can get a monthly "soft cushion" replacement on it.

[Steve F]

I'm a very hard to fit FFM user. My narrow deep bridge causes leaks into my eyes no matter what I do to the headgear. I've found some relief using moleskin strips on the mask to build up the cushion but I have to replace them every 2 days (the strips, not the cushions). I also replace my headgear monthly..I've found if they are stretched out, I don't get a good enough seal. I just learned to put up with a certain amount of mask leak.

I would give good money for a FFM I just put on, roll over and fall asleep.

I have been using the Amara View for a week and have gotten much better seal with less strap tension than with my previous F10 FFM. Leak rate has been 0-2 L/min. I would recommend trying it, just get return insurance in case you aren't comfortable with it after a week or two.

[jubilla]

I am a newbie - just started on CPAP 6 days ago. I have the new Respironics Amara View full face mask. I am very claustrophobic so this one seemed to work the best. However, I am having an issue that there are leaks from the top even when I tighten the straps, so I have had to tighten more than is comfortable. I am now having soreness, redness and burning all day long on my cheeks where the mask rests. I am a side sleeper and the mask does press into my face. Is there anything to help this?

[Sheriff Buford]

You folks are ticklin' my interest in this mask. Comment and question:

- make a liner out of a t-shirt until padacheek makes them.

- Is the cushion replaceable, or do you have to replace the whole mask when the seal wears out?


Sheriff

[Pugsy]

Is the cushion replaceable, or do you have to replace the whole mask when the seal wears out?

The cushion/cradle is available as a separate item in 3 sizes.
Those 3 sizes will fit the plastic shell/frame which is universal in size. So one can try a different size cushion and not have to buy new headgear or frame.

Looks like the headgear is also available separately in 2 sizes.

From the looks of things if someone wants the plastic shell/frame it is only available as part of the entire package (at least from what I see on cpap.com).

[chunkyfrog]

If Respironics doesn't get off the pot, they could lose all their early adopters of this mask.
At the very least, anyone who has this mask is OWED A COUPLE CUSHIONS--just for waiting!

[jubilla]

Thank you. I'll try making my own temporary liner. I did see some cloth and paper liners online but not sure if they work with this mask or not.

[chunkyfrog]

I was thinking about trying a new full face mask, maybe even this one.
Maybe not just yet.

[jubilla]

I definitely thought it was better than the other masks. It is just that I have really sensitive skin that doesn't seem to like plastic and silicone pressed into it for 6 or 7 hours a night.

[chunkyfrog]

I see our hosts now have the cushions.