Many ALS patients are faced with the decision whether or not to use a mechanical ventilator to help them breathe. The International Ventilator Users Network offers a excellent explanation of mechanical ventilation and an introduction to ventilator-assisted living ? what this treatment means to your health and your lifestyle. This guide is available online and is also availble as a 12-page printed brochure. For more information, click here.

Where can I find more information on mechanical ventilation?

Resource Directory for Ventilator-Assisted Living (www.post-polio.org/ivun/d.html) identifies health professionals and ventilator users who are knowledgeable about long-term ventilator use, ventilator equipment and mask manufacturers, and health organizations. Many organizations such as Post-Polio Health International (formerly Gazette International Networking Institute), The ALS Association, The Muscular Dystrophy Association, CCHS Family Network, and Families of SMA provide information on their websites and also publish handbooks and guides. Many of the ventilator equipment and mask manufacturers also provide product information on their websites.

More on this topic from the ALS News Center

Dr. John Bach "Inspires" Patients to Survive and Thrive with Nonevasive Breathing Methods