[Product Review] F&P Forma and Phillips Amara Full Face masks

[TomR1]

I have two full face masks. They are poth a positive solution to the problem of mouth breathing. When i use a nazel mask the pressure inside my navel cavity forces air out of my mouth. The result is a dry mouth condition that is very uncomfortable and limited my CPAP use. I tried gagets to block my mouth and to keep my jaw closed buy they were unsatisfactory. In terms of fixing my problem both masks are 5 stars.

Which is better?

It depends. The Amara from respironics covers the nose and mouth to between the lower lip and the chin. Headgeat ajsustments are via velcro closures. I learned very quickly that the mask needed to be tight or the pressure would force leaks around the edges. Over time the headgear has stretched.

The Forma from Fisher & Paykel hooks slightly under the jaw. The headgear has a clasp that one uses to unhook the gear when taking the mask off.

Both seem to keep the jaw closed although the Forma does a better job.

Other than that both masks are very similer. Both masks use a soft insert that expands when under pressure and seals. The Forma Has heavy foam cushioning underneath the insert while the Amara has another silicone seal.

In terms of comfort and price the Amara is slightly better UNTIL the mask gets blown off your face and leaks.  The Forma seems to stay on my face better and not get blown off as easily.

[SuperSleeper]

Thanks for the reviews, Tom...

and welcome to Apnea Board!

[timsvulcan]

I agree the forma is an awesome mask have been using it for almost a year and haven't had to replace anything and no leaks.

[Roxy]

The amara was great at low pressures but it leaked like crazy at higher pressures

[Airstream]

Does the Forma let you breathe through your mouth if needed? Thank you. Jeff.

[Sleepster]

Does the Forma let you breathe through your mouth if needed? Thank you. Jeff.

These are full face masks so, yes, they allow you to breathe through your mouth and your nose. The same is true of hybrid masks.

Oral masks are quite rare, and they allow you to breathe through your mouth only.

Nasal masks and nasal pillows masks allow you to breathe through your nose only.

[Airstream]

Thanks for your reply Sleepster.
I've read posts that mention the Fisher-Paykal full face masks set under the chin to prevent you from opening your mouth. I would guess that they help you keep your mouth closed, not prevent you from opening it. Was hoping a FP user could confirm this.
Thank you. Jeff.

[squid13]

I have been using the Forma for over a year and yes the under the chin helps keep your mouth closed but you can still breath through your mouth with no problem.

[GuitarManDave]

I just started with the Forma and will be switching to something else as soon as I can meet with my provider. It definitely discourages you from opening your mouth but it does not prevent it. Indeed when I am very relaxed in certain positions my mouth opens completely and my chin slips out of the mask causing a huge leak and waking me up. I tried adding a chin strap but since the mask goes over the chin it also goes over the strap and there is a lot of leakage around the strap.

Thanks for your reply Sleepster.
I've read posts that mention the Fisher-Paykal full face masks set under the chin to prevent you from opening your mouth. I would guess that they help you keep your mouth closed, not prevent you from opening it. Was hoping a FP user could confirm this.
Thank you. Jeff.

[Tommy012175]

I just got the amara mask today. I was using zest q nasal mask but its rubbing sore under nose.

For ones who have used it does lot of air come out of you exhalation vent??

Mine does inhaling or exhaling. My pressure is 15.

Thanks.