Amara Full Face - Red forehead marks all day

My adult son (can't get him to get on the board yet) is having problems with his Amara Full Face mask. His forehead has red marks that last all day. That won't work in the long run. Any suggestions? He said he put some moisturizer on his forehead, but it must not be sufficient.

I am having the same problem with that mask. I am trying to get a nasal pillow mask to work, but I suspect I may be headed to a third mask after my first week of treatment. The Amara leaves the bridge of my nose sore even when using a mask liner. I suspect a thicker fabric liner under the forehead pad, such as a piece of microfleece might help with the red marks on the forehead.

Yes, the mini fleece might work. My son has to have a full face mask as he has dry mouth. But perhaps a different mask may be worth trying for.

jshuler43 wrote:My adult son (can't get him to get on the board yet) is having problems with his Amara Full Face mask. His forehead has red marks that last all day. That won't work in the long run. Any suggestions? He said he put some moisturizer on his forehead, but it must not be sufficient.

His forehead???? Where on his forehead????

The Amara silicone (clear) version has long had a design problem with the main cushion (for the nose and mouth) which has caused many to develop pressure sores at the bridge of the nose. So PR developed the Amara GEL version which is made with a thicker, squishier gel material for the cushion, preventing such problems. Plus it has a shorter frame which positions things better to prevent the nasal pressure issue. But there should be no issue with pressure marks on the forehead. The Amara is no different than any other FFM with a forehead bar with a silicone pad in that respect.

Any mask with a forehead bar (the Quattro, etc.) can put pressure on the forehead, which can cause a small mark, that goes away quickly -- it shouldn't cause pressure sores, however, if fitted properly.

The forehead straps do NOT need to be tightened down severely. That may be what your son's issue is.

Definitely re-read the fitting instructions and watch the fitting videos on youtube. That may help a lot.

I know that my Amara Gel leaves red marks on my forehead even when fitted so loosely that my mask barely makes a seal. It also leaves red marks on the bridge of my nose. I have tried a nasal pillow, but I have to wake up constantly to readjust the pillows to keep the airflow. The search for the right mask continues.

MINItron wrote:I know that my Amara Gel leaves red marks on my forehead even when fitted so loosely that my mask barely makes a seal. It also leaves red marks on the bridge of my nose. I have tried a nasal pillow, but I have to wake up constantly to readjust the pillows to keep the airflow. The search for the right mask continues.

I've worn both. Never red marks on the forehead. Some mark, yes (it's a forehead bar and it presses on the forehead....), but nothing ever severe. Only on the nose with the old silicone version.

I just went to my DME at lunch, and got a new mask. This time I got a RESMED Quattro FX in Large. It doesn't have a forehead bar, and doesn't squeeze the bridge of my nose the way the Amara did. I guess I will see how it goes tonight. I go on leave at the end of the week, and will be out of the state for the rest of my 30 mask trial period. I hate to rush my mask decision making, but what ever I have at the end of the week is what I will be stuck with until it is time for Tricare to buy me a new mask.

I had forehead/nose bridge issues with the Quattro FFM and switched to the QFX. My RT fitted me with a medium, but I felt like the Large would be better for me. I got a mask liner and have had great success with it. I hope you can fiddle with the mask enough to get a comfortable fit/seal like I did.

This should help with your forehead marks http://www.padacheek.com/Forehead_pads.html and this should help with your nose http://www.padacheek.com/PAC_Nosebridge.html

I've learned that everyone's face is different and what works for one may absolutely not work for another. Having said that if you read reviews of the Amara FFM it does seem to have more negatives than most.

I've personally had three; 2 with silicone seals in both the large frame and the universal frame and one of the gel models. For me they were all awful. The combination of leaks and red sores finally caused me to give up entirely on the Amara, although I really wanted it to work. It just wouldn't.

It might be time to explore some other options.

My hubby used the Amara previously & he had leaks, sore nose & forehead marks. He finally agreed to try another mask (I ordered it & he agreed since I already had it). He tried & loved the AirFit F10. You might want to consider this mask for your son.

I tried the AMARA and hated it. My main issue was where the air enters the mask. It blows over the nose and feels like a mini hurricane all night. The size extra small was still too tall for my short face. When I opened my mouth, the bottom of the mask slipped into my mouth.

I wore my new Quattro FX last night for the first time. It was SO MUCH more comfortable. I woke up a few times to fuss with the mask, and I may end needing one of those pillows with the fancy cutouts, but my nose was very much happier this morning.