Skip to content

Breathing support for people with ALS

Progress — 20%

How does NIV work?

NIV uses air pressure to help you breathe. Here’s how it works.

You’ll wear a mask that’s attached to a device. There are a few different types of masks, so you can choose the one that’s most comfortable for you. Some masks cover just your nose, and others cover your mouth and your nose.

When you wear the NIV device, it helps you get more air into your lungs, so you can breathe more easily.

Some people use NIV all the time. Some people only use it at night or for short periods during the day. As your needs change, your ALS care team may recommend that you use NIV more often. Your care team may also change the amount of air pressure that you get through the NIV device.

A woman puts on an NIV mask.
Together toward a cure.
Sign up for the latest news on ALS care and research, upcoming events and resources for people living with ALS. Because nobody in our community fights ALS alone.
Join our email list
close-link
DONATE