Bipap

[sinclair61]

Following on from dyson's thread, does anyone use a bipap at night for co2 retention and find it helps with their symptoms during the day?

Thanks

Sinclair

[Watfordgirl]

Hello Sinclair,

If you have CO2 retention, confirmed by arterial blood gases then you have to wear a BiPAP mask at night to help you breath out the CO2. When the levels are normal you do feel much better during the day.

Hope this helps a bit, Sue

[Sunflower13]

Hi Sinclair, I use a bi-pap, have done for abt 2.5 yrs now. It's even on holiday with me now. I noticed an improvement in tiredness, very rarely needed to sleep in afternoon & it made the quality of sleep much better. I wouldn't be without it now, in fact I look forward to going to sleep at night with on as I know it's really helping to give my lungs a rest. Have you been prescribed this? If so once you get used to it, you won't look back 🙂 Good luck 🌻Christina

[sinclair61]

Hi

I haven't been diagnosed with co2 retention but all my symptons add up.

I was just wondering whether the majority of co2 retention occurs during sleep, to the extent that if you prevent it from happening at night then it will alleviate symptoms during the day?

I'm also slightly aggrieved that my Dr allowed so much damage to happen from my flare before giving me steroids. I'm left thinking that if hadn't been for that 3 weeks of damage I wouldn't need daily inhalers and co2 retention wouldn't have become chronic (if I do indeed do have co2 retention) because my symptons do not match up with my functional status and my FEV.

Sinclair

[broadband1]

I was in a bad way thought I'd had it breathing was really bad I locked myself away & the last resort was I collapsed door open all nite when I came round I was frozen & disoriantated my neighbour got me warm & I decided to call ambulance they put me on a ventilator for 3 days plus drugs & drips galore I was in 12 days after which was sent home with the machine it's my best friend don't need oxygen during day Sats gone to 93 from 80/90 it will be your best friend I'm a different person now enjoying life & enjoying my grandchildren I'm 63 had COPD 4 yrs good luck