To give some background, I am a 50 year old male with a progressive
neurological
disorder called Spinal Muscular Atrophy. About a year and a half
ago I had respiratory failure which resulted in a tracheostomy. I
use a vent at night only. My vent is a PLV-100 with a external
humidifier.
My problem is this: after I have been up for 1 to 2 hours, I start to
accumulate mucus
and it requires that I go to a counter and cough for 1 to 2 hours.
As a result, I am exhausted. This seems to happen just about every
morning. Occasionally, I have no problem. As I recall, last year I
was clear for two or 3 months. But I don't know y. My wife and I
have adjusted the level of the humidifier, but nothing seems to help.
I am not taking any medication. I tried Humidibin (sp?), but it
didn't make any real difference.
I really hope someone has a suggestion.
Regards,
Charlie Elman
Ps. To reduce the amount of condensation, we have wrapped the tubing
in a small electric blanket. This has been very effective.