I Got My New NIV Machine!
So, my RT Jason showed up with it on Wednesday 02/16/22. It is a ResMed Astral 150. It is a whizbang fancy computerized thingamajig that supposedly does everything but clean my glasses. I didn't realize it would take medical school (just kidding) to learn how to operate it. Let's just say there are a lot of variables involved. But I do look like an alien with the mask on, which is cool, though somewhat cumbersome.
So far, I have been unable to sleep with it. If it was a bicycle, I'd have skinned knees. Right now, all I can say is that when I lie down with it to sleep, there is too much going on and that is distracting, and I cannot fall asleep. I love the way it pushes air into me - sort of. It feels good, and it is totally amazing how it literally anticipated every inhale so that it is exactly synchronizing with me. I don't understand how it does that without being directly connected to my brain, but it does. I thought it would be noisy, though it is sitting on my nightstand right next to my concentrator. But it isn't. The thing is, how-sum-ever, that it makes a sort of combination noise/motion, right on my face. It really feels good the way it fills my lungs, although it feels weird the way it fills my whole face and head first. But the way it all feels, is that there is a lot of action going on each time I inhale, and exhale, and no matter how sleepy I am, I simply cannot fall asleep. Yet. I guess I'll figure it out, with Jason's help, eventually. We'll see. I had a feeling it was going to be an odd experience. Anyway, I will report back when I know more. Meanwhile, I'd love to hear from anyone who is successfully using one of these and who has any tips or helpful hints. I'm usually a quick study, but this gives new meaning to the term "study." Later.
Hi
, I'm so glad to hear it finally arrived! Adjusting to new things like this unit can take some time and i'm sure if any of our community members have some suggestions they will chime in. Just keep at it! Please do check back in and let us know how it is going. All the best, Sam S. (COPD.net, team member). 
Hi kloker - well, now you have it, finally, after all this waiting. Give yourself some time, be patient. Everything you've described is exactly what I've seen patients managing as new users of BiPAP. But, eventually, with some adjustments and accommodations, I am hopeful you will be sleeping peacefully through the night.
We'll look forward to your updates moving forward.
Enjoy the weekend!
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)02/26 Update: After two weeks and several attempts, I'm still unable to fall asleep with the machine. My RT Jason came again, and made some adjustments to the settings, also giving me a larger mask that fits better. I can see now after we talked that it is going to take maybe a while longer than I had thought to adapt to it, but I will just keep working on it. Meanwhile, the news is unchanged on my POC. I had a visit with my oxygen provider yesterday and I am one of a bunch of local patients waiting on machines. Still waiting after 3.5 months. Oh, well. Now I'll just hope it is here by Spring. I would like to have a life again, if Medicare doesn't mind.
Hi kloker - and thanks for this update. Adjusting to a new CPAP machine can take some doing and that is what you seem to be doing. With the help of the clinician, Jason - tweaking the settings and titrating the mask/face interface may help you move forward with this.
I've seen the very same attention to care with other patients in the home care setting. Keep at it - you'll get there I'm sure! You sound positively determined and that will help you as well.
We'll keep hoping for a sooner-rather-than-later Spring arrival of this elusive portable oxygen concentrator. I understand how challenging this has been for you to wait. Hang in there!
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)
So glad to hear you finally received your device. I love how you articulate your experience so far. You are a great writer. Over the past 25 years as an RT, I have interviewed hundreds of people prescribed this or some similar device. And almost all of them said, after some adjustments and time, they have come to love theirs so much they cannot sleep without it. I am sure, with your dedication, you will provide a similar report in the coming days, weeks. Wishing you all the best. John. copd.net community moderator.
