NIV Mask

[Spacecat1]

I use a niv mask for CO2. I dont usually go to bed til about 1.30am and get up about 7am. Is that long enough to be wearing it. I sometimes feel when I get up that my breathing can be a struggle. Know copd dosent. I also suffer with anxiety and panic attacks which dosent help. Just wondered how many hours other users of the NIV mask use it for.

[Dazbazbez]

Hi you have just asked the question that i was going to write,if my hubby dosent have a full night with it on would a couple of hours in the day make up for it he only got nippy machine 4 days ago when he came out of hospital ,when he was in hospital he didn't have to use it once his levels were normal but i must say i have noticed a small improvement since he has been wearing it. When he was in hospital they showed him how to work it but i wish i had been there as he doesn't ask questions like i would we have a appointment in January so i will be going with him . Hope one of our helpful friends can reply although i know we are not all the same,

[Spacecat1 in reply to Dazbazbez]

They did say to me use it during the day as well if I felt I needed to. Because I only do 6 hours which is probably not enough as when I was in hospital had to wear it quite some time. I do find using the machine does help. So I do extra couple of hours but I just wondered should I wear longer.

It is easy to use the 2 buttons on the top press one then the other. And just press them again to turn off.

[Dilly2]

Hello I've had my NIV machine for 5 year's the hospital just changed it for a newer model.

I was just like you I felt I couldn't breath when I came of it. Best thing to do is make sure you breath by making sure your breathing in and out make a point to concentrate on your breathing

It helps also I've been told at least 8 hours anight and you can always do a couple of hours in the afternoon.

I stay in bed until midmorning watch a bit of telly. I don't want to go back on it in the afternoon.

What ever suits you best.

When you see you're respiratory nurse she will monitor your blood and check your co2 levels. Best of luck and a merry Christmas

[Spacecat1 in reply to Dilly2]

Thank you and a Merry Christmas to you and your family

[astragal]

Good morning and a merry Christmas to all.

I received my Nippy from Harefield and the Dr advised minimum 6 hours, plus if I feel like a nap in the day use it then too.

A few months ago I had a blocked nose and couldn’t use the machine easily, Dr advised using it in manageable blocks to get as much benefit as I can.

A heated humidifier added to the machine eased nasal congestion caused by dry air. This also helped to reduce the breathlessness after mask comes off.

I have turned my room into a sort of bed sit, bed, comfy chair, tv ,laptop, etc so when it gets to around 10.30. I put the mask on as I watch tv, don’t usually go to bed till around 1am most nights and get up at 6am .

I find by around 4pm I need to use it again for an hour, just as a boost.

As Dilly said, whatever suits you best within your routine.

Wishing you a merry Christmas and best wishes for a good new year.

[Spacecat1]

Thank you and a Merry Christmas to you