Non-Invasive Ventilation (NIV)
Comfortable and convenient breathing support at home
When you have trouble breathing, every second can feel like an eternity. Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) helps take your mind off breathing and back to enjoying your daily activities.
Our highly skilled specialists provide the support and services you need to feel empowered in managing your condition. We combine an individualized approach with the latest medical technology so you can be confident in the care you receive.
Overview
Understanding Non-Invasive Ventilation
An NIV machine provides breathing support through a mouthpiece, face or nasal mask. The ventilator helps your body eliminate carbon dioxide, which creates shortness of breath in patients with chronic lung or neuromuscular conditions.
Unlike some breathing therapies, NIV is personalized to you and your unique preferences. Whether you need breathing support at various times throughout the day or just at night, the portable device fits your schedule. When using the machine, it will adapt to your natural respiratory patterns to help rest the breathing muscles and improve breathing performance.
Who is the Right Candidate for Non-Invasive Ventilation?
NIV is an effective therapy option for individuals with respiratory failure that benefit from intermittent ventilation, including:
Neuromuscular and Restrictive Thoracic Disorders:
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
- Multiple sclerosis
- Muscular Dystrophy
- Kyphoscoliosis
- Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome (OHS)
Chronic Respiratory Diseases:
If you are interested in exploring NIV as a respiratory therapy option, consult with your provider.
What are the Benefits of Non-Invasive Ventilation?
Aside from easier breathing, routine use of NIV has several advantages, including:
- Reduced hospital visits
- Decreased shortness of breath
- Increased independence in daily living
- Improved quality of sleep
- Increased energy
- Improved concentration and fewer headaches
What to Expect with Non-invasive Ventilation
Throughout your NIV journey, we offer patient-centered care that is accessible and convenient. We will be by your side from machine delivery through maintenance and beyond.
Getting Your NIV Machine
When your care team decides NIV is the right therapy option for you, they will deliver the equipment to you whether you are at home or in a hospital setting. You and your caregiver will be walked through how to use, clean and care for the equipment.
At this time, you will also be fitted for your mask. It is important that you communicate to your care team if your mask fits properly so you can be as comfortable as possible.
Adjusting to NIV
At first, it may be difficult for you to get used to NIV. Take time to adjust at your own pace. Start small by using the machine a few hours at a time and gradually increase to use to all night and as needed during the day.
If you experience initial discomfort, you might be tempted to not use the machine. In order to quickly adjust and benefit from therapy, it’s important you continue use as instructed by your care team. If you experience consistent challenges, your care team can help provide solutions.
Follow Up Appointments
We’re committed to making your NIV experience as seamless as possible. While you acclimate to your machine, we will set up additional appointments to ensure you are properly using and benefitting from your machine. The follow up program will include:
- Three follow ups within the first thirty days of use
- Monthly follow ups for the next two months
- Quarterly clinical respiratory assessments after the first three months
- Additional follow ups may be performed as requested by your doctor or as determined by your clinician
Caring for Your Machine
To experience the best results and stay healthy, it’s important you keep your machine clean. Your care team will train you when you first receive your machine, but key tips include:
- Daily: Unplug and wipe down your mask and ventilator equipment using a damp cloth and soap. Clean and refill the heater base with distilled water.
- Weekly: Give your circuit, mask, headwear and water chamber a deeper clean by soaking in warm water and soap. Clean or replace the black air filter. If your mask has a foam insert, it cannot be submerged. You will receive care instructions at the time of set up.
- Monthly: Replace your bacteria filter.
By properly cleaning and replacing supplies regularly, your machine will perform better and last longer.
Need new supplies?
To place an order for supplies that are damaged or need to be replaced, contact us at 317.962.4600, option 6 or asrtdmeventteam@iuhealth.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Issues
What do I do if my mask is uncomfortable?
Making sure your mask properly fits is an important part of effective therapy. If your mask is too tight or loose, adjust it to what feels best. If this doesn’t resolve the issue, speak with your care team about other mask styles available.
How can I prevent my nose from becoming runny, stuffy or dry from my machine?
Using and adjusting the humidifier is the best way to prevent dryness.
Can I adjust the pressure of my machine if it feels too strong?
The machine settings are ordered by your physician. The settings will adjust automatically to meet your needs.
Trilogy Troubleshooting
How do I turn the alarm off?
If your ventilator detects an alarm, the screen will show a description of the alarm. To silence the alarm, press the Audio Pause/Audio Silence button. If the cause of the alarm is not corrected, it will sound again in one minute. Once the situation causing the alarm has been corrected, press Reset to clear the message.
What do I do if my machine loses power or is on low battery?
All NIV devices have built in battery back–up with a minimum battery time of 6 hour (device dependent). The machine will alarm to tell you if the battery is running low and you should seek a location that has power if you need to use the device at that time. If you have any questions, contact your care team.
What do I do if my machine is telling me to check circuit or pressure?
If your device is alarming or administering inconsistent pressure, make sure the breathing tube is not kinked or pinched. All tubing and exhalation devices must be plugged in and clear of condensation. Try changing the filter between the machine and the tubing. If the machine still won’t work properly, contact your care team.
Insurance & Billing
Does insurance cover the device?
Yes, insurance covers the device with a qualifying diagnosis and proper documentation subject to deductibles and copays.
What do I do if I get a bill I cannot afford?
Contact our business operations supervisor for NIV at 463.202.5603.