Vest Therapy for expelling phlegm

[Joseph260268]

Does anyone on here use a vest system for expelling phlegm? Instead of postural draining?

Kind regards

Joe. x

[Bella395]

Yes, my OH uses one. He has asthma/bronchiectasis. Use ‘Smart Vest’ or similar in the search box and it will return some discussions about them.

[Joseph260268 in reply to Bella395]

Thank you for replying who did your OH get it through?

[Bella395 in reply to Joseph260268]

Hill-Rom.

[Alice70]

Hi Joe what is postural drainage

[Joseph260268 in reply to Alice70]

Good Morning, postural draining is where some once taps and claps on your back sides and chest over a period of about 10-15 minutes while you are lying down or in a comfortable position. This is done by my partner. By doing this they are trying to loosen phlegm from low down inside your lungs making it easier for you to expel more.

[Alice70 in reply to Joseph260268]

Thanks Joseph

[Hidden in reply to Alice70]

Not to nitpick, but postural drainage is actually the act of being in different positions to assist chest clearance using gravity e.g. lying on each side, on your back, and even upright. The tapping and patting of your chest is called percussion, and postural drainage is not unique to this method of chest clearance - it can be combined with pep, or AD (a type of active breathing) or even vest use for more effective physio. We do it whilst using hypertonic saline through an Aerobika.

[Joseph260268 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for adding that. It’s sometimes difficult to remember everything when replying. Take care and have a great day. 🙏

[Bella395 in reply to Joseph260268]

Joseph260268 - what is your lung problem? Vests are more commonly used in cystic fibrosis and to a lesser degree, non cf bronchiectasis. They can also be helpful for neurological conditions where the patient has problems with expectoration.

Do you have any other clearance devices and medications? We have only had the Vest for just over a year so my knowledge and experience is limited. However, if you have any questions that are not answered in previous threads, please ask and I will try to help. I too was assisting with percussion but was finding it difficult.

[Joseph260268 in reply to Bella395]

Hi there, I have sevear bronchiectasis and stage 4 COPD and I am currently on the Transplant list awaiting a double lung transplant. I am positive and remain proactive about my condition. I bring up lots of phlegm each day with my nebulisers and postural draining but I had heard and researched the vest and wondered if anyone else on here had used or was using one. 🙏

[cofdrop-UK in reply to Hidden]

Plus you can do PD + percussion yourself, unless you are child as in your little one’s case or are too infirm. Keeps your independance I have found.

My physio told me they no longer teach children with cf and non cf bronchiectasis pd + percussion anymore becauce they found children are getting reflux. I get reflux and my physio is trying to have me do less heads down and using other methods. I do try and incorporate varioius methods of lung clearance but after 71 years of having pd done and doing it for myself, for me it is the most efficient method of lung clearance. I am open to new tricks though as it is getting more difficult with age and other health isssues.

As you know Charlie the vest is very expensive in the UK and athough used sometimes in CF, it is not commonplace for NCFBE but is much more widely used in the States.

Love cx

[Joseph260268 in reply to cofdrop-UK]

Thank you for your reply.

[pete45 in reply to Joseph260268]

I have two grandsons at 3 and 7 who have PCD and have used the vests everyday in the mornings and they work very well for them. I am stage 2 plus and at this stage very fortunate to be able to expel everything for about 15 plus minutes every morning. So for me in the future I hope i don't get to the point of having to use a vest but on the other hand I see that they work VERY well and if need be will get one. They certainly speed the process up for the kids.

[Joseph260268 in reply to pete45]

Thank you Pete for your reply. 👍

[Bronc22]

Yes, I use the vest. I use the Afflo Vest. I also have the other tube type vest. I would highly recommend the Afflo Vest due it being battery operated. You will be more compliant with therapy due convenience. I am able to walk with it, move to any room, answer the door, sit in any chair and you can lay in any position to help drain. This has three settings that are timed or you can do this manually. Usualy ten minutes intervals which you view on the wired remote. Easy to use.

First thin in morning:

I lay on each side for 10 minutes each and back or chest 5 minutes . I then get in a slant position facing down over the bed for another 7 to 10 minutes. I am now looking into a full size cushion slant.

I have found its best to my albuterol treatment first and then a sodium chloride solution 7%. This helps loosen it.

You will come up with different ways that will help with you condition.

[Joseph260268 in reply to Bronc22]

Thank you so much for replying can you let me know where you got if from and the cost please. By all means you can send me a PM directly thank you for your time. 🙏

[Bronc22 in reply to Joseph260268]

My private insurance covers the cost. I don't know what this costs. I have had it several years. I am also in the USA. I would call the company direct and they may be able to give you procedure to get a price on this.

[Joseph260268 in reply to Bronc22]

Oh thank you for confirming that. I am in the UK and the Vests are currently not as talked about as what they are over there. Thank you one again for your time and help. 🙏