I posted a couple of times about sort of the same issue - dh has trouble getting in enough air to laugh, has been sleeping upright in chair for months. Surgeon speculates that his thick mucous is sticking/drying to vocal cords and doesn't let air thru. Prescribed Dulera inhaler which has helped but not enough. Waiting for Medicare to kick in so he can see doc again. We've had a couple episodes where I was running for the phone to dial 911 but he's pulled out of it. Scary stuff. Hope you get some answers soon.