Myasthenia Gravis Support Group

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a neuromuscular disease leading to fluctuating muscle weakness and fatiguability. The hallmark of myasthenia gravis is muscle weakness that increases during periods of activity and improves after periods of rest. Although myasthenia gravis may affect any voluntary muscle, muscles that control eye and eyelid movement, facial expression, and...

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Bipap vs CPAP

DEEW4
DEEW4
I was noticing that Flutebell was seeing a sleep doctor soon. I wanted to let her and any other needing CPAP. At first I was given a CPAP and every night I choked trying to breath against the air flow. I got my pulmonologist, neurologist and sleep medicine on same page and they were able to convince Medicare that I needed a BiPap.
I don't know about the rest of MG'rs. I just know my breathing out is much weaker than breathing in. Cpap I believe may be balanced where my air level is almost double ability breathing in than breathing out.
I also have low level oxygen supplement at night. (I don't need to travel with it)
With BiPap and oxygen I now get a great night sleep.
Wishing you all the same.
Good night
flutebell
flutebell
Thanks, Dee! The sleep lab has machines in the facility to put onto patients during the study. I did check that they had BiPaps available as I'm pretty sure I hypoventilate at night as CO2 has been high in bloodwork. I have to fill out a sleep log this week at home and I swear I slept much worse last night because I had to record number of awakenings in the morning. I normally try not to dwell on that aspect and sleep better!
Cheers
Flutebell
GreenMarie
GreenMarie
It is very important that you give feedback to your sleep doctor and keep pushing until you have the machine that is right for you. I went quickly from CPAP to BIPAP to Auto SV and now I have a back up rate as well. I have had about 8 sleep studies to get everything tweaked to what is right for me at this time. Just be aware that what is right can change over time and you are the only one who can let the doctor know in between that things are not working right. Our bodies change and sometimes what as right one months no lonoger working.

Keep tabs on yoyr AHI. I do best when mine is below 5. Also keep tabs on quality of sleep. If you are waking during the night frequently something is wrong. I found that the RT working with my sleep doctor was a great resource in between visits if something went wrong.

This is one area where persistence and communication are key to getting things right. Good luck with this! Marie
jen0517
jen0517
I'm also on BiPAP. I had sleep apnea or hypoventilation for years before it was diagnosed. It was amazing how much better I felt after I started using the machine. Now I would not sleep without. I have also found that using a "full-face" mask works best for me. I also use supplemental oxygen at night and have a back-up rate. Hope your study goes easily. Best Wishes.
Jen