COPD and CPAP

[Milton14]

I have a question relating to CPAP use and COPD. If you use a CPAP, I would like to know if you feel it is helping you with your COPD and day-time breathing and satuaration levels? Do you feel there is any relationship between the two:? If you were anxious about using the CPAP, how did you get over that? I was in the hospital with sepsis and pneumonia last March and my breathing is worse than before the incident and don't seem to be improving at this point. Using oxygen for activity. My pulmonologist is pushing for a CPAP and sleep study test, but I get very anxious about something on my face. I had to use one in the hospital but had to be given sedatives to get through the night with it on. Thanks in advance for your comments.

[DebbieI]

I am glad you asked this my pulmonary Dr wants me to use a CPap at night hoping that I will sleep better and have more energy during the day ? I get anxious thinking about it ?

[glenda818]

My nurse talked to me about this. She says that the CPAP forces the alveoli that have been damaged to open, and that they are hoping that this will return function to them. She was going to talk to the Dr about getting it for me, but I haven't heard anything more about it.

[valiejean]

I woke up from a surgery unable to breathe. I am on a BPAP machine and you are right it's a pain in the butt. I have adjusted to it by sleeping on my back w/ a very small hard pillow under my neck so my air flow is clear. I also take a mild anti anxitiy drug to help me sleep. My oxygen is connected to it as i'm on oxygen 24/7. I stop breathing at night so I must do this. You can get used to it and it will actually feel normal to help you breathe. Good luck

[Florence72]

I know how you feel.I had CRAP in hospital to every night.I go to see my lung dr.in sept.I hope he do not tell ne I need CRAP I am on oxygen 24/7.God bless and breat easy.

[Mgharris01]

I had a sleep study at Papworth Hospital in December 2016, and it was decided I needed the CPAP machine. I have now had this at home for a month and sleep much better most nights. I do find it restrictive but see this as a necessary evil. Along with the nebulised therapies it seems to be working and I feel much better in myself. All I can say is, if you are offered the CPAP therapy give it a try, don't be scared about it, embrace the fact that your condition is now recognised and you are getting the help you need. Try to relax for an hour or two before needing to go to bed and use the CPAP machine, and talk to the Doctors to try and relieve the anxieties about having to wear a mask. See whether the nasal mask is better for you than a full face mask, you may be surprised.