? CPAP for FIL w/COPD

Hello everyone. I was wondering if anyone had any experience with COPD/congestive hear failure and cpap. My father-in-law's lung doctor has suggested a sleep study/possible cpap because "that's the only other thing I can do to help you". He wears oxygen 24/7, but he is 74 and very, very feeble. His son is a DME rep, but I'm just worried...other family members have not been positive in their cpap experience - I'm going to take my machine/masks to visit - just looking for any advice, magic wand etc.

I've been a user for almost a year, lazy at times, but consistently using...

Thanks for any and all advice.

Sandy's mom wrote:Hello everyone. I was wondering if anyone had any experience with COPD/congestive hear failure and cpap. My father-in-law's lung doctor has suggested a sleep study/possible cpap because "that's the only other thing I can do to help you". He wears oxygen 24/7, but he is 74 and very, very feeble. His son is a DME rep, but I'm just worried...other family members have not been positive in their cpap experience - I'm going to take my machine/masks to visit - just looking for any advice, magic wand etc.

I've been a user for almost a year, lazy at times, but consistently using...

Thanks for any and all advice.

It cannot undo the damage already done and probably would have helped a bit earlier. I sounds as if he is in good hands. It is just so much harder to accept a change like this the older we get.

My heart continues to check out fine, but I do have COPD. I was started w/a straight CPAP, purchased an APAP outta pocket, and was then switched by my sleep pulmonologist doctor to a bi-level. I insisted on a bi-level Auto. I've done very well since switching to the bi-level auto but it wasn't w/o a few bumps in the road altho none so bad as when acclimating to the straight CPAP and the APAP.

I've found w/the COPD that a COPD exacerbation could change my CPAP, APAP and bi-level pressure needs. A good bi-level Auto can be used in straight bi-level mode or in bi-level auto mode and even in straight CPAP mode. I would insist that he be provided w/a bi-level Auto if it were me. And one that is FULLY DATA CAPABLE w/the data easily accessible via the LCD screen or immediate and easy access to software and necessary cable reader. His data should be checked every day watching for trends to indicate whether he is experiencing an exacerbation or not. (One night doesn't necessarily tell the whole story).

I wish your father-in-law good luck and God's blessings.