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@coffcoff

I have a percussion vest which I tried to use once a day but cracked a rib (I have osteoporosis, which is supposedly a contraindication for using a vest). My NJH doc suggested using a Volara device, which I know nothing about. Anybody heard of it or have used one?

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Replies to "I have a percussion vest which I tried to use once a day but cracked a..."

The Volara is made by Baxter who also makes the vest that NJH also recommends....by Hill Rom/Baxter. I would imagine there is information on it on line.???
Barbara

Go to Hillrom.com
And search for it there. Hillrom/Baxter is the manufacturer.

Yes I got Volara system in late fall after NJH doctor’s recommendation and Hillrom’s appeal to my insurance. After about two months of using it only at night ( faster that separate sodium, aerobika and vest) on medium pressure I started having chest pain and tight chest. I did not think first it could be the reason so I went through heart testing and some pulmo test. All was good. I contacted my doctor at NJH. And their answer was it could be caused by the changing air pressure pushed to the lungs. They advised to restart using it after the pain is gone -and it’s gone since I haven’t used it for the last two weeks) and then restart using it on the low setting. I am not ready to do it yet. Anyway you can have the volara system for the trial period. Summing up I think it is a convenient device to have as a back up may be when you are sick. We want to have whatever is available and help so I guess that’s why I got it. But generally for me it has not been very useful so far and I don’t use it to its full capacity for sure. I might even return it. I would say try it and then decide.

Referring back to the Volara. Interesting that NJH suggested using the Volara. For me at the time, I was there in OCT. 2023, they suggested the one called The Vest, Air Clearance System. Sometime after receiving the VEST I also learned that they had another device called the Volara. I am not sure fully how it works. What I do know is that I myself also, as others, have mentioned that they began having pain. Others have mentioned having injures of the ribs. I think this happens to many of us. Some are told to start on high vs starting low and gradually building up to a higher pressure setting to understand what is best for them. Truth is, I now own it due to the timing of use and non use and am now wondering if I could begin again using it and not have the same problem. I have osteoporosis and have had it before going to NJH. The pulmonologist I see outside of NJH is not a fan of The Vest as is the case with some other pulmonologists. For some patients it apparently is not a good thing because it can cause bone and muscle problems for us, especially if one has osteopenia or osteoporosis etc. etc.
I believe there is a thread on this Mayo Connect that discusses the systems and use of.
Barbara