Which Fan? (to help breathing)

[duncan146294]

My wife finds that she needs windows open all the time to ensure a steady flow of air across her face and gets very uncomfortable in any space where there is not a flow of cool air and finds it harder to breathe. For example, we visited the GP recently and after a minute or so I had to take her out even though the office window was open and the GP had to come outside with us to complete the consultation (he was confused but that is another story) . Obviously this is getting to be a big problem now that it is turning colder as any room she is in is freezing and myself and our care assistant will be wearing coats to try to keep warm soon .

Today our MND Respiratory Physio and a member of the palliative care team visited and they suggested getting a Dyson fan which they have seen work with other patients. I have just been on Amazon and Dyson's own website and fell off my chair when I saw the price. Anyway, that is not an issue if it helps her I will get one. However, before I do so I wondered if anyone else had any experience with Dyson fans and if they help. Also, they have quite a few different models so I am at a loss to understand which to choose. I'd be grateful if anyone has any experience with Dyson fans (or other models) that they can share.

Many thanks,

Duncan

[Ellie]

duncan146294 I'm not sure if the subject of NIV (a machine to help with breathing) came up or if it's something your wife would consider. If it is, she can use it whenever she feels it would benefit her.

If she doesn't want to use NIV, I would think that some anti-anxiety meds could be part of the solution. If we feel short of breath or a lack of air, we naturally change how we breathe and start breathing quicker and taking shallow breaths - which puts us into a cycle, leading to feeling almost panicked. A small dose of Lorazepam or an even smaller dose of liquid morphine dose a lot to regularise breathing.

In summer, I have used a bog standard height adjustable, oscillating fan, on low or medium, which suited me. I have also used my NIV machine, minus the mask, with the hose near my face, when outdoors.

She might find it best to avoid polo necks, necklaces, scarves and even hair in her face. If the house is full of dry heat, perhaps the thermostat could go down a tad and try putting a bowl of water near the rads.

Good luck! xx

[Deb]

Hi duncan146294 .When I was teaching I had a little boy in my class who had severe excema. It got worse when he was warm or if he stressed about it so I persuaded the school to fund a Dyson fan. They are excellent because they can can cool the air in a small space without any blowing or draughts. He was able to control it himself with a remote.

However, it was incredibly expensive then so I guess you need to know it's worth it .It's a pity you can't have a trial xx😘

[MMG]

I got this one for my husband as he was always hot, It looks quite industrial but is very lightweight and slim so doesn't take up too much space and quite powerful.

It was less than £30 so pretty good value for money.

It was never explained why he was always hot, his body temperature was normal and he felt cool to the touch but always complained of being too hot the consultant suggested it was his nerve bunches overworking???

[Ellie]

Dyson fan. They are excellent because they can can cool the air in a small space without any blowing or draughts.

For me, who has very poor respiratory function and can't take a deep breath in (or even a medium breath in 😏), the whole purpose of the fan was to feel that blow, and not to feel smothered. xx

[Jackie R]

My husband used ordinary fans all of the time, he had a hand held rechargeable fan for when we went out anywhere.