BiPap machine ?

[Sleeprider]

Grammabear, if it wasn't obvious, I disagree with Sleepster. BiPAP can be really comfortable, but using a pressure support of 16 is not going to work. I'm sure the machine was setup for comfort which would be closer to a pressure support of 4.

[Sleepster]

Sleepster, what would happen to you if your machine was setup as you described? 20/4, you've gotta be kidding! That would over-ventilate most of us into severe CA territory...give it a try.

No, I won't! If I raise my PS much above 4 it induces CA's. If I were to raise my IPAP to 20 I'd be pumping my stomach up like a balloon.

Interesting, though, to think about what effect this would have on someone who doesn't have OSA. Would all those CA's interfere with their sleep quality? Probably no one has ever looked at that.

[GrammaBear]

My grandson's father tells me that he is improving slightly and I know tis true. My Son also told me that the boy has exhibited a "teen-age" attitude - so doesn't that mean he may be getting better? At any rate, today they will begin weaning him from the Bipap machine to see if he can maintain his breathing and oxygen levels on his own power. He has pneumonia in his left lung but is beginning to sound better to the nurse when she listens to his chest. Again, thank you for your kind wishes and the explanations about the Bipap machine.

[PsychoMike]

SleepRider, I dunno....if it is severe pneumonia, they could very well have it at 20 IPAP 4 EPAP.

I've heard of that sort of use where there is still just enough spontaneous air exchange by the patient...but they are really working hard to keep it going. It's less invasive than intubating (which means the respiration has degraded to the point where full mechanical support is needed), but still gives the support needed while letting the patient initiated breathing control the cycle (more comfortable for the patient, less recovery getting the body to breathe on its own again).

Regardless, it's definitely not a setting you'd see in a typical apnea patient!

[GrammaBear]

Update:

My grandson has improved to the point where he has been dismissed with a feeding tube for additional calories. He was moved from ICU last weekend when he could maintain his breathing without the BiPap machine. We are happy he is recovering slowly but surely. Thank you for the positive thoughts and prayers.

[OpalRose]

GrammaBear,
Glad to hear your grandson is improving!
I know it's not easy to watch our children and grandchildren get sick.
Wishing you and your family the best. Keep us posted.