Scenario 1: I just got my new “sleep breathing machine,” but I cannot sleep!
First, contact the respiratory care company that set up the device and the clinician that ordered it. Be detailed. Is there an issue with the way the mask interface feels? Is it too tight? Does air leak out? Or is the machine itself delivering breaths in an uncomfortable manner?
Were you given a bi-level ventilation device which offers two positive airway pressures as opposed to a CPAP which offers one and is not appropriate for those with Neuromuscular breathing weakness?
What ventilation mode was enabled (BiPAP S/T, AVAPS/IVAPS, etc.)? What are the specific settings that were enabled? It’s common for the EPAP (Expiratory Positive Airway Pressure) to be set too high due to a common misconception that EPAP has to be high to “blow off” Carbon Dioxide (CO2). For those with weakened expiratory muscles, having a work out while exhaling prevents breathing muscle rest.
Adjusting to mechanical ventilation is different for everyone and takes time. Many find using their ventilation a few hours a day while watching TV or reading is an easier way to adjust and then gradually increase the hours of use.
The mask interface is a huge factor in comfort. Learn about mask options from the respiratory care company and members of our Breathe with MD Support Group. If there is one type (full face, oronasal, nasal, nasal pillows), that you might prefer, do a browser search of images of those to explore the options.
If you were given a basic bi-level device that only accommodates fixed IPAP (Inspiratory Positive Airway Pressure) and EPAP (Expiratory Positive Airway Pressure), values instead of a range of values, it is possible that you may feel better and be more adequately supported on a more advanced machine such as a portable ventilator that has additional modes and the ability to better customize each delivered breath.
No matter what, know that this is a common challenge among those who start noninvasive ventilation, and the benefits outweigh the frustration.
Have you lived through this “real world scenario?” How did you work through it?
First, contact the respiratory care company that set up the device and the clinician that ordered it. Be detailed. Is there an issue with the way the mask interface feels? Is it too tight? Does air leak out? Or is the machine itself delivering breaths in an uncomfortable manner?
Were you given a bi-level ventilation device which offers two positive airway pressures as opposed to a CPAP which offers one and is not appropriate for those with Neuromuscular breathing weakness?
What ventilation mode was enabled (BiPAP S/T, AVAPS/IVAPS, etc.)? What are the specific settings that were enabled? It’s common for the EPAP (Expiratory Positive Airway Pressure) to be set too high due to a common misconception that EPAP has to be high to “blow off” Carbon Dioxide (CO2). For those with weakened expiratory muscles, having a work out while exhaling prevents breathing muscle rest.
Adjusting to mechanical ventilation is different for everyone and takes time. Many find using their ventilation a few hours a day while watching TV or reading is an easier way to adjust and then gradually increase the hours of use.
The mask interface is a huge factor in comfort. Learn about mask options from the respiratory care company and members of our Breathe with MD Support Group. If there is one type (full face, oronasal, nasal, nasal pillows), that you might prefer, do a browser search of images of those to explore the options.
If you were given a basic bi-level device that only accommodates fixed IPAP (Inspiratory Positive Airway Pressure) and EPAP (Expiratory Positive Airway Pressure), values instead of a range of values, it is possible that you may feel better and be more adequately supported on a more advanced machine such as a portable ventilator that has additional modes and the ability to better customize each delivered breath.
No matter what, know that this is a common challenge among those who start noninvasive ventilation, and the benefits outweigh the frustration.
Have you lived through this “real world scenario?” How did you work through it?