Oxygen vs bipap

[Brenda56]

Has anyone been swapped over from supplementary Oxygen to oxygen and bipap

My resp nurse has made me an appointment i don't like the sound of it I have a major problem with masks

They say I'm a retainer of carbon dioxide and bipap will sort it x

Your experiences and knowledge please x

[Albertisadog1991]

I am a carbon retainer - but cannot be given oxygen. I therefore have to use a face mask with a NOV machine during the night or when sleeping to remove this carbon.

It is strange at first but will be got used to - will be interested how you get on and exchange experiences.

Be patience it's worth the effort and may be better in the long run.

[Brenda56 in reply to Albertisadog1991]

Thank you I'm just waiting for the app to come through she said it will be a 4 hrs appointment wowI'll let you know x

Brenda x

[Joy123]

Hi Brenda, I’m a carbon dioxide retainer and use an NIV at night and connect my oxygen to it. I took to mask like a duck to water, didn’t think I’d be able to tolerate it. The hospital were shocked how quickly I adapted to it as lots don’t. It’s now, 2 years on it gives me trouble, I don’t seem to be able to get it comfortable, tried different masks, but only manage an hour or so sleep these past few months and have to take it off. I used to sleep for 8 hours which I didn’t before using machine. Good luck, give it a try, hopefully you’ll be ok with it. It may actually help you have a more restful sleep. Joy x.

[ameliapoppy1234]

Hi I’m a retainer, I’m on bipap with oxygen entrained through it I have the nasal mask. I couldn’t tolerate a full mask or even this nasal one at first so never used my nivvy until I was in respiratory failure and told I wouldn’t wake up one morning. I’m now on bipap with oxygen most of the day and night I couldn’t be without it now. I had to stay in hospital over night to get to know how to use the machine and so they could get the pressure settings right. Good luck you’ll wonder what all the fuss was about once your used to it x

[Bham-Mo]

Hi Brenda56. I got swapped over to NiV+O2. Been on it for about 10 months now. Have to say it has been very good and feel a lot better and more rested.There are lots of different masks and now there are some new foam ones which a very gentle on the face. But make sure you try a couple of different ones and don’t be afraid to ask for a different one if you are not getting on with your current one and replace them every few months.

I find setting a good routine helpful and then if you like it you can invest in some accessories like mask liners, they really reduce the redness.

The most important thing to keep in mind is that this is a treatment and go into it with open positive mind set.

[_9carole]

Hi I was the same had too much carbon dioxide in me. Put on a mask for 10 hours Then was clear. Then found out I only needed oxygen as and when I needed it. Not 16 hours a day.

[Ian1967]

Hi Brenda, in March 2017 I was admitted to hospital suffering from Type II Respiratory Failure, I was put on oxygen 24/7 and I was also told I would probably need to use BiPAP for the rest of my life, I used BiPAP every night of the 10 days I was in hospital and it eased my Co2 retention greatly.

Unfortunately to get my own BiPAP machine for home, I would have to go to another hospital for a couple of days for it to be set up for my needs, so I was sent home on oxygen 24/7 only 1 litre at rest and 2 litres ambulatory, I wasn’t allowed to go above 2 litres because of my Co2 retention any more could have poisoned my system.

This worked okay for a few months, but in October 2017 I awoke in the middle of the night and found my oxygen cannula had come out, I checked my SATS and oxygen levels was in the mid 70s, the next morning I contacted my oxygen nurse and she arranged a at home Sleep Study for me, I did the study a couple of weeks later and I was told I definitely needed BiPAP at bedtime, but I couldn’t be seen until January 2018 at the earliest to have my own BiPAP set up.

The week before Christmas 2017 I was really unwell again and SATS were dropping to the mid 70s in the daytime at rest, so I was rushed to hospital again and was admitted to the Respiratory Unit and put back on BiPAP for a couple of days which made me feel a lot better and my SATS improved and I was sent home, unfortunately on New Year’s Day 2018 I was really sick again and this time I was admitted to the HDU unit for three days suffering from Pneumonia, after that I was admitted back to Respiratory Unit under a new Respiratory Specialist who said to me I wouldn’t be leaving the hospital until I had my own BiPAP machine because that was the top and bottom of my problems, 7 days later a specialist from the hospital I would normally have to be admitted to, to get my BiPAP brought the machine to the hospital I was in all set up for me, I then just spent one more night in hospital using my own BiPAP machine just to see everything was fine and I haven’t looked back since, I have gotten my life back.

When I went home within 6 weeks my oxygen usage went from 24/7 to 1 litre 15 hours a day including 8 hours with BiPAP at bedtime, a couple of months later I was dropped down BiPAP and oxygen at bedtime and ambulatory oxygen for walking and exercise.

BiPAP is daunting at first, but once you get a suitable mask for you, it becomes second nature putting it on at bedtime, I use the a ResMed AirFit F20 full face mask which covers your nose and mouth, but has no strapping on your forehead, but there are many different masks you can try from full face, nasal, nasal cushion and nasal pillow masks you can also get full face masks that sit under your nostrils and over your mouth in case you wear glasses to read or watch television in bed.

Sorry for the essay.

I hope I have been of some help.

Ian.

[CDPO16 in reply to Ian1967]

Gosh Ian you had a time of it. I have read your replies to queries about oxygen and found them to be very knowledgeable and helpful as is this one even though I am (as yet) not a Co2 retainer. Best wishes Carole

[Brenda56]

Thank you Everyone for all your support i promise to let you all know how I get on xx

[Poppy2525]

Hi Brenda I am a retainer and on oxygen when active and bi-pap at night. I have recently come off oxygen at night with the bi-pap after tests the oxygen wasn't necessary as I wasn't active during the night, so look for that if you are the same. it makes a difference as I don't have to have the concentrator on which makes quite a noise.

With regard to the mask, the one they gave me was horrible and cut into my face, so I made enquires and paid for a mask that sits under my nose it is much softer as well. its called 'Dreamwear' made by Phillips. but when I mentioned this to the bi-pap specialist she said I should have told her and now I get the masks on the NHS. unfortunately no one tells you anything, you have to find out for yourself.

Hope this helps but I must say the bi-pap is great and you shouldn't alter the settings this is all done by the bi-pap team, I got used to the new soft mask very quickly, give it a try and you might be surprised and also have a quieter night!! best of luck

[Albertisadog1991 in reply to Poppy2525]

I am amazed at the different treatment given around the county. Following a number of hospital visits when I was on a machine 24 hours a day for three weeks- on release I was told I had carbon retention and would have to use a NIV machine - but definitely no oxygen and was just given a machine and sent home - no practice - and an appointment made for six months later.How some it appears - get to practice using machine under hospital supervision ???

At 85 years old I could have done with a bit of that. My next appointment is in a couple of months time...!!!