What types of respiratory support are available?

Options include airway clearance techniques (exercises and methods to help clear mucus), cough-assist devices (machines that generate extra force to help bring up mucus from the lungs), non-invasive ventilation such as CPAP or BiPAP (a mask worn during sleep connected to a machine that helps with breathing), and in some cases a tracheostomy (a surgical opening made in the throat to allow a ventilator to assist breathing directly). Early respiratory monitoring (regular breathing tests) helps identify the right time to introduce support.