BiPAP and Low Oxygen Levels on Machine

Hi,

My husband got a BiPAP machine delivered today and when my husband used it during his nap all seemed to be fine for about 15 minutes but I noticed his body was 'jerking' around almost violently when he fell asleep and something just didn't seem right. I grabbed our pulse oximeter and checked and he was at 73!!! I whipped the BiPAP OFF of him and put his nasal cannula back on and plugged him back in to just his oxygen machine and off the BiPAP and within a few minutes he went back up to 95. He does get oxygen when on the BiPAP so I am unsure what the heck happened. I called the oxygen company and they didn't answer (it was after 5:00 pm), so I called his lung doctor and he told me NOT to use the BiPAP right now since that was not good having his numbers go so low on it.

Did anyone here that uses a BiPAP take a while to adjust to it so your oxygen levels didn't drop while on it? I am pretty sure we had it on correctly - we went through all the steps and made sure there were no leaks/etc.

Thanks,
Angel

I have COPD. I receive 2L of 02 w/my bi-level. I have used both the Resmed VPAP Auto and the PR S1 BPAP Auto.

Which brand and model is your husband using?

It sure sounds like either the bi-level wasn't running or that it wasn't running at your husband's titrated pressure settings.

I would take it back to your local DME provider and have them verify the scripted pressure settings w/this bi-level's pressure settings just to make sure there was no mistake or misunderstanding between the sleep lab, the DME provider's and your hubby's bi-level. Be sure they check Ramp settings and any -Flex settings if hubby's bi-level has that option.

Something isn't kosher 'cause he should breathe very easily and comfortably w/bi-level and 02 supplementation.