I don't know what your physical condition is. Maybe I was in better
physical condition when I began using a ventilator (I was about 23 years
old at the time) than you are. Maybe your neck is too imobile or too weak
to be able to use a mouthpiece? Do you have difficulty swallowing food? I
do. I tend to get small particles stuck in the back of my throat. This
results in the formation of large amounts of congestion. I don't have an
adequate cough to bring up large amounts of congestion or food particles. I
have a machine called an In-Exsufflator made by J.H. Emerson Co.
http://www.jhemerson.com/ which clears secreations. I also use it to bring
up those small particles of food I sometimes gag on. I also use an
In-Exsufflator to keep colds and respiratory infections from setting into
phemonia. I can't do without it. I usually wake up in the morning with
small amounts of congestion. I can clear this by rolling on my side and
clearing my throat. After about 15 minutes the congestion comes up. I've
used a vent for approximately 10 years. To use a ventilator overnight you
really need a nosepiece customized for your face. That is what I use. But,
it is hard to find someone who makes these. Mine is made at a dental clinic.
I'm leaving my messages on the vent-users message page instead of e-mailing
you direcly so others will be able too read them.
Jeff Gray