Non-Invasive Ventilation

Apria Healthcare provides comprehensive care for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients throughout all stages of the disease from mild to moderate, to severe or very severe. We can assist in the diagnosis, assessment and management of all COPD patients.

Knowing a patient’s risk factors and proper testing can detect COPD earlier. Oximetry tests can be used to assess daytime saturation in COPD patients and help identify those who may benefit from oxygen therapy.

NIV is an effective therapy in the treatment of patients suffering from chronic respiratory failure resulting from exacerbations of COPD.  Prospective studies have shown that NIV reduces the need for intubation, improves survival, and reduces complications in these patients. When initiated early, NIV can help reduce exacerbation frequency, hospital admission rates, length of stay, and healthcare costs while maintaining or improving quality of life.¹

Injury or disease affecting the parts of the brain which control breathing can interfere with the signal that would normally stimulate breathing. If this signal becomes irregular or absent, mechanical support for breathing such as NIV is necessary.

Damage to the spinal cord can also hinder or stop the signal from reaching the breathing muscles, necessitating mechanical support for breathing.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), muscular dystrophy, and head or spinal cord injuries are all examples of severe neuromuscular disorders.

Severe restrictive thoracic disorders are conditions that cause severe pressure or restriction of the lungs, which can affect the muscles of breathing. Thoracic disorders, such as scoliosis and kyphosis, may weaken the breathing muscles or the way muscles receive the signal from the brain, making mechanical support for breathing necessary.

NIV can play an important role in preventing recurrent hospital admissions for patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.¹ In addition, today’s technology allows patients to receive at home the same non-invasive ventilator support that they formerly could receive only at a hospital.

Apria’s Home NIV program uses technology that prevents breath stacking — allowing patients to exhale completely before delivering their next breath — which is a significant benefit for COPD patients. In addition, for those patients requiring Mouthpiece Ventilation, this technology offers “Dual Setting” capabilities, allowing patients to toggle back and forth between their nighttime and daytime settings with the push of 3 buttons.

Financial Hardship assistance may also be available for some patients. Talk with your Apria representative to find out if you might qualify.

Patient Financial Services Application