Welcome to HMViP
This website aims to provide patients, carers and clinicians with useful information on Home Mechanical Ventilation (HMV), a treatment used to improve the quality of life and reduce hospital admissions for patients with respiratory conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and some neuromuscular disorders.
The site contains information on the treatment and what to expect from HMV, as well as patient videos and stories sharing the patient experience.
Cripping Breath 2026
Cripping Breath, a research project funded by the Wellcome Trust, is looking for HMV users to take part in a series of creative photographic storytelling workshops. They would like to speak to people who regularly use long-term ventilation to help with their breathing.
The team would love to hear from you if you:
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Have at some point needed ventilation to support your breathing? (NIV, BIPAP, CPAP, VPAP, tracheostomy etc)
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Would like to share your experiences as someone who uses, or has used, a ventilator or breathing support device?
The aim of the workshops is to produce an accessible exhibition of photos and captions. This will be hosted in person at the Florence Nightingale Museum in London in February 2027, and online. We are interested in hearing about what your life is like using ventilation, and your thoughts on wider issues that affect respiratory health, and exploring how we can share your experiences with a wider audience.
They have created a video which you can watch here.
Taking part involves taking photos, and discussing your photos in a series of workshops with other participants and researchers from the project. These will be six online workshops from September to November 2026. They will let you know the planned days and times of the workshops before you agree to take part.
At the end of the series of workshops, you will decide which photos you would like exhibited, and the team will send you a voucher to thank you for your time.
If you’d like to know more please visit Everyday Stories of Breathing and Ventilation | Cripping Breath | The University of Sheffield. If you are interested, please request an information sheet, or if you have any questions about the project, please contact Jennifer Kettle.
New Patient Leaflet
What is Home Mechanical Ventilation?
We have produced a NEW, updated home mechanical ventilation user leaflet. If you are a patient, a family member or a carer, the leaflet gives you information about HMV, what it is and who might benefit this.
For clinicians, a printable artwork version is available on our Resources section if you would like copies to give out, particularly to new patients.
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower: Help when travelling if your condition isn’t obvious
ACTION REQUIRED – Patient Survey – Shaping the Future of Care
The Clinical Research Collaboration (CRC), supported by the European Respiratory Society (ERS) has launched a survey which aims to improve patient care for those using Home Mechanical Ventilation.
If you are a patient using long-term ventilation and you would like to shape patient care for the future, please consider taking part in this survey.
Click the link below to find out more, and thank you for helping to build the future of respiratory care!
Asthma and Lung UK Home Ventilation Support Group
The Asthma and Lung UK Home Ventilation Support Group is open to all who use home ventilation on a regular basis and provides an opportunity to find out more about living with HMV and the chance to meet other users.
The meeting takes place online on the first Monday of every month at 3pm and provides talks from specialist healthcare providers, pulmonary rehab specialists and dietitians. There is no pressure to contribute, your comments and experiences are welcome but if you want to just listen, that’s fine too! If you’d like to join in, please click on the link below to sign up:
Neuro-disability and Home Mechanical Ventilation
Around 2% of people in the UK have a learning disability. People with a learning disability are more likely to have other medical conditions and experience avoidable hospital admissions. Common causes of admission to hospital are respiratory illnesses such as pneumonia.
Travelling with HMV
For patients using home mechanical ventilation, airline travel carries significantly increased risk, and careful planning is essential.
Find out more information, hints and tips.
Patient Stories
Watch our patients sharing their story in our videos.
Patient Story – Ian and Lynda
Patient Story - Ian and LyndaRelationships and intimacy may be a concern, particularly for those starting home mechanical ventilation therapy. Ian and Lynda share their experience on how they have...
Patient Story – Sarah/Fleur
Patient Story - Sarah/Fleur
Patient Story – Sam
Patient Story - SamFull story to follow for Sam, please view the video below:
HMV Support & Advice
Everyone has a different experience with Home Mechanical Ventilation (HMV). Some patients get used to the device easily, whilst others can struggle. Included within this section are some common issues with tips and advice for resolving or improving these.
