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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies >> 02 question
        
(Message started by: southwalessunshine on Aug 21^st, 2007, 4:16pm)

Title: 02 question
Post by southwalessunshine on Aug 21^st, 2007, 4:16pm

Hello all,
I may be looking into this a little too deep and causing myself problems but I'm a little confused with the whole non re breather a mask thing. My doc didn't show me how to use the mask and I don't know if there's anything I should be doing? I cut off the string and got a good seal around my face. But how should I breathe? Do I breath normally, or slightly more exagerated? Should I breath in through my mouth or my nose? It prob sounds silly but my doc didn't show me how to use the mask and he is trying hard for me where the CH is concerned but I can't get an apt for 2 days and I know he's not totally 100% clued up even though he's trying, so i guessed you guys would be the best people to ask. Thanx in advance x

Title: Re: 02 question
Post by DennisM1045 on Aug 21^st, 2007, 7:35pm

I've heard people breath all different ways. I try to completely fill my lungs and then exhale completely then repeat. Some purposfully hyperventilate. Just breath man ;;D

If the bag empties and you create a vacume your flow rate is too low. If the bag doesn't empty at least half way your flow rate is too high and you're wasting precious O2.

There are two butterfly valves on the typical non-rebreather mask. Both should have valve covers in place. These close when you breath in to make sure no room air gets into the mask. If your mask is missing one (like mine was) make sure you cover the hole. I had to scotch tape one of mine closed.

You want to make sure you hold the mask so that it makes a tight seal to your face. Don't let any room air in or you defeat the whole purpose of sucking on 100% O2.

Hope this helps...

-Dennis-

Title: Re: 02 question
Post by ski2k on Aug 22^nd, 2007, 12:48am

Hey,
I personally like to breathe through my nose, if I'm not too plugged up. I think it helps keep from drying out my mouth and throat some. I also try to take a little larger than normal breathes. If a particular attack is coming on unusually quick, I'll breathe a little deeper still.
I agree that you want to check the valves, and make sure you don't get any room air.
I guess the best way is to try it out, and see what works for you. As long as the mask is working right, and you're getting the right amount of O2 (12-15 lpm for most people), you should be ok.
I hope this helps, and hope the O2 works for you!!
Pain free wishes to you!

Adam

Title: Re: 02 question
Post by luveemom on Aug 23^rd, 2007, 2:29pm

Hi,
I work as an EMT on an ambulance an although it is different as we are not treating CH pt's, we do use non-rebreathers all day. The advice above is good, tight seal. I personally use the elastics on mine because I never wear it to bed. We tell people to breath normally, inhale through your mouth, exhale through your nose, but you can exhale through your mouth too..whatever is comfortbale for you. Take a nice deep breath each time. The butterfly valve will allow the air to escape. Many people here tape one up, that is fine. If you breathe to quickly you may hyperventilate. It should work fine at your normal rate of breathing. Try to relax and let the o2 do it's job. Best PF wishes.
Alicia

Title: Re: 02 question
Post by totka2 on Aug 23^rd, 2007, 3:40pm

And a piece of advice: buy a Clustermasx ---->http://clustermasx.com/

Title: Re: 02 question
Post by luveemom on Aug 23^rd, 2007, 3:42pm

You can't get'em they are not taking any orders.....

Title: Re: 02 question
Post by totka2 on Aug 24^th, 2007, 7:56am

Hmmm.

Maybe German Becker-mask?

http://www.lagertechnik-becker.de/

"Online-Shop" (second on the left menu)

"Masken" (last on left)

"System für CK-Patienten mit O2-Schlauch"