CPAP.Due to start a CPAP trial due to sleep apnea which is probably linked to my IPF.Any advice or tips would be much appreciated.Thanks.

[Mrbojangles]

CPAP trial...

[Katinka46]

I have been using a CPAP since the beginning of November. Not for sleep apnea but for tracheobronchomalacia, (TBM, collapsing airways). I cannot say that it helped my symptoms but I will continue to experiment with it. Initially I found that it was making my nose stream and caused massive sneezing fits. I contacted the sleep team and they sent me a humidifier that slots into the side of the machine. I was pleasantly surprised that it was not as difficult as I feared to cope with. I am quite a restless sleeper but the tubing was long enough to accommodate that. I felt like an elephant tucking its trunk neatly to one side...Mine is linked to the sleep clinic so they can monitor how things are, usage and breathing patterns.

All the best

K

[Hacienda in reply to Katinka46]

Morning Kate, Can I ask if the BIPAP is the same? I will be Talking to Amy about me having this machine when I see her next week. I am told by my New Nurse it may Help me with C02 Retention? I sleep ok with Oxygen all night, I also am using Nebulisers with the Oxygen cannula, which Helps. Just trying to Gather Info. Hope your ok Kate. Stay Safe Hun. Much Love. C. XXX

[Katinka46 in reply to Hacienda]

Morning dear Carolina. A CPAP machine doesn’t deliver oxygen, it just does air. It pumps air into one’s nose at a certain pressure. It is very good for those with sleep apnea as it helps them when they stop breathing. For me it was to hold open my airways when they collapse. As it just uses room air it is quite small, 12” x 6” x 6”. drawing air in and then pumping it down a tube to a nose mask. Lovely to hear from you,

All’s right with the world when you are on the forum.

Love and gentle hugs K xxxx

[Hacienda in reply to Katinka46]

Thank You my Dear Friend, I Knew The "Magic Wand" would come in useful now & Again, "Puff" She's here.

I am still Learning, Thank you for the explanation of the CPAP, so The BIPAP will, as I am vaguely aware will deliver Oxygen.

I must say, This Morning I woke feeling Better compared to recent times. We do strive to Keep our "Warrior" Avatars in place, Good to hear from You also Dear Friend, Together we can do This.

Much Love as Always , Stay Safe, Roll on the Vaccinations. XXX

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[Ian1967 in reply to Hacienda]

Hi Hacienda, CPAP and BiPAP are similar, but BiPAP works on two pressures, IPAP (inhalation) and EPAP (exhalation), the IPAP pressure is always set higher than EPAP pressure. CPAP uses just one constant pressure, so can take more getting used to.

I use BiPAP and oxygen at bedtime for C02 retention and it has had a positive effect on my life, I was originally diagnosed with Type II Respiratory Failure in April 2017 and put oxygen 24/7 1 Litre at rest and 2 Litres ambulatory, I couldn't go above those settings because of my C02 retention.

Since February 2019 my blood gases are back to normal, I now only use ambulatory oxygen between 2 and 5 Litres for walking an exercise, at bedtime I use my BiPAP and 1 Litre of oxygen.

So Hacienda, if you are offered BiPAP take it, it can some time to get used to the mask, but it really will improve your condition.

Stay Safe.

Ian.

[Hacienda in reply to Ian1967]

Thank You Ian, I had read before about your Improvement on the BIPAP, that is Great News, so that Gives me Security for using it.

I am used to A Mask for Nebs, and a Cannula for Oxygen, I don't have a problem with either. I am on slightly more 02 @ 2.5 resting 3. for moving, 24/7,as you say too high and the CD comes in. I have been Relieved from my Oxygen after I have had 5 mins on a Nebuliser, But, Some days, it doesn't work, it can be hit & Miss, I can work with that though. I can have 2/4 hours free on a Good Day. Thanks again Ian, Feel Good about the Pending BIPAP now. Stay Safe. Love C. XXX

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Good morning! My husband has been on a machine for the past twelve years at least. I have a daughter who also has the diagnosis but chooses, at present, not to wear a machine and finds that she cannot tolerate it. Once diagnosis eventually came, he was so much better, so relieved and so was I! There was the cold night air to contend with, which, of course, kept us apart from each other!! Shall I say still does to get a good quality of sleep and peace of mind. He has changed machines numerous times over the years. Eventually he decided to purchase his own which was much quieter and easier to fit into his suitcase when travelling abroad, or now because of COVID 19 and with the hope in our hearts about the future travel, locally. Not much of that happening though. We have been house bound for 18 months now. Hope this information has not come too late for you. Regards xx.