Constant Mask or On and Off for COPD?

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
DaughterOfCOPDGuy
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Constant Mask or On and Off for COPD?

Post by DaughterOfCOPDGuy » Mon Apr 27, 2015 10:05 am

Is it critical to use the mask for a constant period of time overnight? My dad lasts about 60 to 90 minutes and then needs to take it off for 30 minutes or so. He ends up using it about 4-5 hours per night at this point and it seems to make a difference in his mental ability. However, my absent sister insists that the mask must be on for a solid 3 hours at a stretch (getting into REM sleep) in order for it to do any good in driving out the carbon dioxide.

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kteague
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Re: Constant Mask or On and Off for COPD?

Post by kteague » Mon Apr 27, 2015 8:48 pm

That's a pretty specific medical question. Maybe someone with COPD or a respiratory therapist will come along with an answer. Just in general, I'm wondering if checking with an oximeter when not using the CPAP would give you the information you need to determine if he's ok taking it off periodically. Totally out of my league on this one, but curious about the answers as I have a friend with COPD who uses CPAP. There's such varying degree of compromise with COPD. Sounds like a good discussion to have with your father's pulmonologist. If you do that, it would be nice if you could report back.

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greatunclebill
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Re: Constant Mask or On and Off for COPD?

Post by greatunclebill » Mon Apr 27, 2015 10:40 pm

with copd it's important that the mask be worn as much as possible. if he has to take breaks you need to get him into the sleep doc or pulmonologist to find out what the exact problem is and what the doc can do to help. perhaps supplemental 02 would help keep the levels up. perhaps a pressure adjustment or even a different machine. meanwhile if he takes breaks don't obsess over 02 or c02. he's better off doing what he can than getting frustrated and not using it at all. with copd, asthma and apnea it took several visits to the er before i went to the doc and said i can't take the pressure. he gave me an auto machine and i use it virtually every night, all night. no more trips to the er.

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