gettting use to the bi-pap machine

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beverly rees

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Lost a loved one
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My husband is finding that using the bi-pap machine is making him feel weaker. He has only been using it a few days. Has anyone else had this experience? Bev
 
I don't know the condition of your husband, but if he needed one, it should only improve him. It must be set at his own right numbers for him to inhale and exhale while in deep sleep, and to "ramp" until he falls to sleep. Contact your specialist and talk over the situation. The bipap should give him renewed strength as it levels out his oxygen and carbon dioxide levels. There is a learning curve for a couple nights, but otherwise should be a Godsend.
I hope he had a sleep study to determine his needs and that you have a good specialist.
Please tell us how this all works out for your husband.
 
yes, I echo Marjorie, it should give more energy. Find out how long the 'ramp up" is set for, as the more gradual, the easier it is to accustom oneself to. He can keep hitting the ramp button as many times as he needs to. it does not have to be a one time thing.

Maybe the pressure for his exhale is set too high. If it is, he may be having more co2 build up, rather than getting rid of it, and that would explain why he feels that way. is he having headaches? Does he complain of his ears clogging or getting air down in his esophagus?

Keep at them to get it set correctly for him. Also, its ok if he tries if for a few hours each night and then takes it off. I was told that the goal in the beginning is to be able to wear it for 5 hours a night.
 
I agree with Marjorie. It took several tries and settings for my husband to finally have it right. The first settings made it practically impossible for him to breathe. He felt as though he was not getting any air. It turned out that his settings were way too high on the expiratory setting, and not high enough on the inspiratory setting. We called and the tech came to our house three different times before it was set correctly for him. That does not count the two or three times the settings were changed while he was in the hospital. Don't give up! He now uses it any time he is horizontal. I do not believe he would be alive without it.
Hang in there!
Lynn
 
bipap

Hi Beverly

Hang in there. It can be the stress of him getting use to it. My husband is never "nervous like me" but honestly, it took some getting use to, so much so that I got him some meds that the doctor had me break in half to calm him down 1/2 hour before bedtime and I would tickle his back and tell him ocean/beach stories, like the kids.

Now, the bipap is his best buddy and no problems at all. It is an adjustment. Keep in touch and let us know how he is doing.

Patty
 
Thank you so much for all your support. We have a friend coming over tonight who is a respitary therapist who is going to help us with the mask. She came over in the past and helped regulate the setting which really helped. I am sure with perseverance and patience we will succeed. Thanks again for all your responses. I will give you an update when we get it together. Bev
 
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