I know how that is, my mom & me both have it (runs in the family?). It is the worst, your chest burns bad (except the coughing, I think that is the worst part). I usually sleep on the couch sitting up, that's usually the only way I get any sleep at all.
Have you ever been on a (ventilator, breathing machine-not sure what it's called)? It seems to help, but like you said, it's so expensive. I'm glad we have insurance.
Hope you start feeling better soon