Bedtime Blues

@flib I'm right there with you, Flib. I have a bottle of cough syrup with codeine....I also cough when I lie down...ALL THE TIME...so when I can't take it anymore I'll take that cough syrup. It helps to keep your sanity. I know we can't take it all the time but it sure is nice to have it when you're having a bad coughing night. Nan

I just started my SMARTVEST which I’m doing twice a day and I nebulize with just saline twice a day. Do you do the saline nebulizer first or the SMARTVEST?

I do not and have not used a vest. My docs (pulmonologist & primary) said I am not a candidate due to arthritis and my small size. I find even a vibrating massage chair at the nail salon to be painful.
Sue

Thank you.

I do saline first then smart vest. You can do them at the same time but I find that overwhelming!

Have you tried sleeping on a 30 degree foam wedge (as well as your favourite pillow)? My pulmonologist recommended it and it helps my night time coughing. It wasn't difficult to get accustomed to using.

Yes, I understand completely the nighttime “dreads”. I tried various strategies to ease the cough and phlegm nighttime problems. I found a few helpful routines. First, I nebulize without my vest prior to bedtime. This seems to dry up some of the phlegm causing a milder less forceful cough. Secondly, I changed bedtime position by NEVER sleeping on my back or any reclining position. I start the night sitting up in bed while reading a short devotional. Next if the coughing has calmed, I slide to a side position and hopefully fall asleep. It has worked for me and I can usually sleep through the night. I also keep by my bedside a Halls cough drop to use if needed. A side note… my cough was so bad that I purchased an adjustable bed frame and mattress to help maintain a better position. I found it of little help and reverted back to me controlling the position changes. We are all different but hopefully some of my suggestions will help you. I am also on Doxycycline and find the sleep disturbances side effects cause me as much or more problems than the coughing. Oh well!!!. One more obstacle to overcome. Best of luck and hope you find relief.

Thank you. ♥️

I joined a facebook group called Lung Matters: covid, bronchiectasis, mac, NTM… and the woman who started the group developed a guide that includes airway clearance techniques. One of the things she does is a final lung clearance at the end of the day, which I’ve tried and it’s helpful in getting out any sputum left in your airways that might interfere with sleep. You’re still coughing up goop but at least (for me, anyway) it feels more deliberate and you don’t have to dread the coughing when you go to bed. It’s a good manual and worth the read.

I use the vest and nebulize at the same time. I’m usually finished with the saline before the vest time (20 minutes) is finished. It’s nice to be able to do them at the same time unless you are too sensitive to use both together.