BIPAP

[Annieosb]

I have just been precribed one of these machines. Finding it very difficult. Hospital said I will get used to it. Any ideas on how long this will take?

[Spacecat1]

I have a niv mask which I wear at night and I sometimes use during day took me about a month on and off. You do get used to it. takes time getting used to having to wear a mask.. give it time. You will get there been my mask since 2017 I still have odd moments.. Take care

[Annieosb in reply to Spacecat1]

Thank you very much, I will keep trying.

[vwtopaz in reply to Annieosb]

Hi Annie I commenced bi-pap on January while an inpatient in hospital, tried lots of masks, I’m back in hospital now using machine 24/7, nasal mask allows me to eat and drink, I have 2 machines, ones portable, my experience would be try getting used to mask before bedtime, I watched tv in bed at first, rather than take the whole mask off I detach the hose take a drink of water with a straw, dry mouth is my biggest problem.

You will eventually adjust giving time.

I’m very weak due to weight loss, battling pneumonia, I had hoped I could wear the nasal mask all the time, however tosca study showed desaturation, full mask which is comfortable also I find having the humidifier makes the therapy tolerable particularly in the hot weather. You could ask you’re respiratory team.

Take your time, sometimes we put ourselves under pressure, all the very best to you, take care.

[Patk1 in reply to vwtopaz]

Get well soon vwtopaz xx

[Annieosb]

Thank you so much for this helpful reply. Hope you get better soon x

[Ian1967]

Hi Annieosb, I’ve been using BiPAP and oxygen at bedtime since January 2018, it’s not easy at the beginning but I wouldn’t be without it now, my health and life has changed for the better.

I was diagnosed with Type II Respiratory Failure in April 2017 and was put on oxygen 24/7 1 litre at rest and 2 litres ambulatory, I couldn’t go above 2 litres because I’m a CO2 retainer, that’s the reason I have to use BiPAP and oxygen at bedtime.

I now only use ambulatory oxygen between 2 and 5 litres for getting around and exercise I also use oxygen1 litre at bedtime with my BiPAP, this time of year I tend to use my BiPAP for 2 and half hours in the afternoon without oxygen, because I just use it whilst I’m on my PC I don’t go to bed, at bedtime I use my BiPAP and oxygen for 7 hours, I generally go to bed about 22.45 I don’t get straight into bed, but I put my BiPAP and oxygen to let my body get used to it, I normally get in bed about 10 to 30 minutes later.

I use a ResMed AirFit F20 full face mask with a chin strap, because unfortunately I’m a mouth breather which partially defeats using BiPAP so the chin strap encourages you stop mouth breathing.

I would advise you to contact your Respiratory Specialist or Physio to see if they can help you get the correct mask for you, once you get that sorted you will soon get used to it and using your BiPAP machine and it becomes second nature putting your mask on.

I hope I have been some help.

Ian.

[Annieosb in reply to Ian1967]

Thank you so much for this information and help, I am sure I will get used to it sooner or later. Only a week so far. A