The Game Changer-BiPAP
I remember this day well. The start of an unbelievable journey.
I needed a BiPAP
Who would have thought I needed to wear a BiPAP? It has never come to my mind. I wore BiPAP once when I was hospitalized due to a respiratory synthetical virus. That was way back in 2017.
I guess it all started there. Fast forward 2 years later, I was diagnosed with hypoventilation. A mixed feeling came when I was told by my respiratory doctor to wear BiPAP.
I remember she said, “Wear it at least for 4 hours at night during sleep. Start slowly by wearing it for 30 minutes at first. Then slowly increase the time. The longer you wear it, the better”.
I remember nodding in agreement, but inside, I was filled with uncertainty. Would this be a permanent part of my life? Picture this: Having something like an elephant trunk on your face while sleeping is just not easy. The thought of it makes me feel daunted and overwhelmed.
Memories of my late sister, and her BiPAP
As I grappled with these thoughts, memories of my late sister, who also used BiPAP, flooded my mind. I recalled her struggles during her last hospitalization and how she found solace when the mask was removed. Her experience served as a poignant reminder of the challenges ahead.
Finding the perfect mask
I never knew it could happen till I realized how bad my face was. I woke up with a reddened nose, pimples and itchy around the mask strap area, just a week after first trying the BiPAP. I was fine at first and suddenly I wasn't. It was easy to overlook little changes.
I made a call to the BiPAP supplier informing them about the matter. They came over to my house and brought another type of mask. They let me try another mask. They also loaned a set for trial. After a few days of usage, I settled on a nasal pillow mask. I remember testing it a few weeks and it fitted nicely on my face. I am so glad it did because there wasn’t much choice to choose from.
I love the soft nose cushion which takes away a good amount of pressure on my nose bridge. It makes me comfortable to wear for long hours. And not to forget the unblocked view, making it easy for me to look and play with my phone while wearing BiPAP. It also provides me with much-needed comfort.
Choose the mask you are comfortable with
One of the tips I could say is to choose a mask according to your needs. The doctor might suggest a different mask for you but you know yourself better. You know which mask you’re comfortable with. Give yourself some time to try a different mask.
Yes, I admit it can take longer to find the right mask but it will be worth it.
Stay hydrated
I was told by my doctor that the most common thing when wearing BiPAP is dryness. The air pressure from the machine can and will make your nose and throat dry. Staying hydrated became crucial, as dryness was a common issue while using BiPAP.
Some BiPAP machines come with heated humidifiers. It can cater to your own needs, by keeping your throat moist and making you more comfortable while wearing BiPAP. Sadly mine does not come with a humidifier. I take the alternative way by making it a habit to keep a bottle of water by my bedside.
Sharing my BiPAP journey is my way of reaching out to others who may be facing similar challenges. Embracing this "game changer" is a significant adjustment, and hopefully, my experiences will offer encouragement and guidance to those adapting to this equipment.
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