The first thing I remember after my accident wasn't so much hat I couldn't move, but that I couldn't breathe...
Later I found out it was because I lost the use of my chest muscles.......
In 2007 I went to the hospital with pneumonia, not the first time I had it....... Anyway this time I had good respiratory doctor who asked me why I wasn't using a bipap machine..... I didn't know gat the hell he was talking about...... Anyway he put me on one at the hospital, and for the first time in over 25 years I could breathe normal again..... The instant you inhale the unit forces air into your lungs........
Why in the hell didn't any of my previous doctors tell me about these......

He said since I was a quad I automatically qualify for one, without any tests......

Medicare covers these, they're awesome.....

Here's my unit and description.......

Jim
Respironics BiPAP Auto M-Series with BiFlex and integrated heated humidifier
Click to view attachment
The BiPAP Auto M Series combines auto adjusting bi-level pressure delivery with the breath-by-breath pressure relief of Bi-Flex, all in the small, sleek, easy-to-use M Series design. A proactive, multi-level algorithm analyzes several parameters to monitor and respond to a patient's breathing. It determines how much of a response is necessary to eliminate events and position the patient with a more appropriate pressure, as well as compensate for elevated leak levels and variable breathing.
Bi-Flex technology "softens" the airflow in inhalation and exhalation to provide increased pressure relief, making breathing more comfortable for the patient. Digital Auto-Trak™ Sensitivity works with Bi-Flex and the auto algorithm to track each breath so that the device can cycle between inspiratory and expiratory pressure based on the patient's breathing. The result is more natural and comfortable therapy.
The BiPAP Auto M Series also features Respironics' new "smart ramp" technology that enables patients to benefit from the added comfort of ramp without risk of impacting therapy. The smart ramp technology will detect and treat events while ramp is activated.
When combined with Encore® Pro SmartCard® , BiPAP Auto M Series can record events like snores, apneas, hypopneas and leak to provide insight into patients' therapy. An optional integrated heated humidifier features an easy-turn dial to get the right setting and does not need to be reset if therapy is temporarily suspended. Plus, the hidden water chamber is easy to use and fill, and delivers continuous humidification throughout the night.

Nothing to do with SCI but I've been using a CPAP machine for the past 10 years or so because of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea.
Unlike BIPAP, CPAP stands for "continuous positive air pressure". Air is pumped through a humidifier at slightly greater than normal air pressure which stops the throat passage from collapsing on itself as the muscles relax during sleep.

Without it, I'd probably be dead of heart failure or stroke by now.

Hey! Perhaps that's why my foot's swelling. Damned CPAP is inflating me!

Never wanted one, never thought I needed one. Was diagnosed while in ICU four years ago and they put me on one. I couldn't sleep now without it. Like GB, I probably would have stroked or had the big one by now without it. It really opens you up.

I'm C6-7 and I use one during the night, but Medicaid actually required an overnight hospital sleep study to qualify. They also do an overnight oximeter reading periodically to justify it.

I use a CPAP due to sleep apnea. Before I had mine I slept very little and never felt rested, I actually have 2, one is a bit older that was given to me through a reconditioned medical supply group and a new one that medicaid paid for.

I use a Respironics REMstarPLUS M series with heated humidifier.

I have trouble finding mask that fit correctly, the small is too small and the medium is too big! The ones that stick into your nostrils dont work for me

I've ended up with a ResMed Mirage Quattro full face mask. If you haven't tried a full face, Dave, I recommend it. It doesn't really cover your whole face, just nose and mouth.

This mask is easily the best one I've had in 10 years. Their designs have come a long way since I started. Even so, it still takes a bit of fiddling to get the seal right. What seems perfect for one night, the next night keeps you awake with the leaks making farting noises all round your face. Very difficult to sleep through that , but the benefits far outweigh these minor irritations.

My machine and mask was supplied by the NHS via my local sleep clinic. It's a great service. If I have a problem, a phone call is all it takes to get to see someone, and any hint of a fault gets the unit swapped out for a new one immediately.

Very interesting no quads have replied....... I don't need mine for sleep related
problems, it just forces air down my lungs.......
Flushes the tar outta my lungs, so I can recharge them when I smoke......

Jim

That sounds useful, Jim.

Yeah GB, Wish I could kick that GOD DAMN bad habit......
Jim

Jim, thanks for posting the pic and info, going to hit medicare up for one.

I've been c5-6 quad for 31+ years now. Just during the past year I noticed that I was always tired, unless adrenaline rushing. I'd go to bed exhausted and wake-up tired, even after 10 hours of sleep. After a sleep study a month-or-so ago, I was diagnosed with severe sleep apnea and that my O2 sats were as low as 77% during the night. I was waking up, literally, hundreds of times in a night and rarely reached REM and only for very short periods.

Insurance paid for a bi-pap machine for me and, although it takes a bit of getting used to, it is paying off. I wake-up rested and my energy level is markedly improved only after about 2 weeks.

PS...I use the nasal "pillow" which is less-invasive than ad mask. It is a small soft device having two soft pillows that get pushed-up against your nostrils creating a seal. It's held on with velcroed headgear.

Here's a pic: http://optilife.respironics.com/

I answered, and I am C6-7. The ventilator for 3-1/2 mos after my accident "cured" me of smoking. I'd never be able to smoke now. I'd probably drop dead (lol). Of course I had a LONG history of smoking wacky tobaccy until a few yrs. before my accident.

i use a CPAP--hate the thing. i finally settled on a Resmed shallow mask system for my small face features.

i'll check into the Bipap.

Thanks for sharing this information, Illinois Boy.

Greybeard, do your eyes get dry easily from using a full-face mask?

No. It doesn't cover your eyes, just your nose and mouth. The name is misleading as it's only slightly larger than a nasal mask.

The reason I changed from nasal to full-face is because of farty noises from leakages out of my mouth while asleep. If you don't have a humidifier, get one. or you'll get sore, bleeding cracks inside your nose caused by dryness..

I have a mask like GB, and sometimes iy leaks by my eyes and makes them red and itchy........

Jim

I'm still waking-up [sort-of] a bunch of times and fidgeting with whichever mask i'm wearing. Usually the nasal pillows but sometimes the one that covers my nose that has "brace" that goes against my forehead. If either are too tight, they begin to hurt after awhile. I wake up with a sore nose or in-grown mustache hairs, if not shaved, or my top two front teeth will hurt. Hope I can get used to these soon.

If I could only figure out how to make my cpap into a vaporizer I'd be set.

my doctor is ordering another sleep study for me. I am so depressed about it. I gave her the information about the bipap... and, she knows i have struggled with my CPAP for over a year. maybe the study will give me a more successful sleep. i hope so. I am encouraged about everything i have read about the bipap.

Are the BIPAP machines easy to clean? Thanks for sharing this information.

-Sno

Sno, they are very easy to clean...... Mine has a foam filter I clean with warm water every couple of weeks.
I also have a allergy paper filter I change every couple of months..... takes about a minute to change....
Jim

Thanks Jim. that does sound easy