Thoughts about nebulizing and using vibration vest at one time.

I've done it both ways but I suspect it's more efficient, though certainly more time-consuming, to neb first and then do the vest. The purpose of the neb is to get the mucus soft and flowing so you can cough it up. The vest facilitates the movement of the mucus out of the airways. If I have the time I'll do them separately, but if crunched I'll do them together. I don't see a huge difference in the outcome.

Thank you for the helpful information I will try them separately and see what happens. The vest has been a real help in clearing my lungs with much less huffing and puffing.

I am just back from my visit to NJH and have started nebulizing with albuteral and 7% saline and will receive my vibratory vest this Friday. The instruction I received is to wear it while nebulizing.

I choose to nebulize & use the vest at the same time. I've found it to be just as productive in my own experience. My doctors (at New York University bronchiectasis & mac program) approved & said do whatever works. Everyone's bronchiectasis and MAC is different.

I asked the infectious Dr this question. He felt as if I should not do them at the same time. Aspiration could be a problem, at least I think this is what he meant.

OK, I am going back to doing neutralizing at the same time I do the vest. It will save lots of time. On another note . . . . I am doing 3% saline at the moment. Ask Infectious Disease Dr about going to 7%. He said OK that he would send in a prescription to the pharmacist. Got a call from the pharmacist saying he could not fill that until he spoke with the Dr first. Pharmacy has no one using 7% saline and he said that it should only be used in a hospital setting. So he won't fill it until he speaks with Dr. It seems as if a lot of you are using 7%. I was trying to work my way up. Is it dangerous or something?????? What are the side effects that might be different from 3%. I figure it may be somewhat more harsh on the throat. Has anyone had a problem with not being able to lose weight on saline no matter how little you eat? I do have thyroid issue and am on meds. That could be the problem. Just checking!

I’m new to this, but I use 7% with no side effects. I looked up side effects and didn’t see anything to be concerned about.
I was told to stick my aerobics flutter device onto the nebulizer and do flutter and saline at the same time to save time. I’m curious if any of you prefer the chest vest over the flutter device?
This is a weird journey! Good luck figuring it all out!

I use the chest vest everyday 2x per day. I use the flutter valve device when I travel in a car because I have problems sitting for long periods of time. I can't breath well when I sit too long in a car or plane. My chest vest has probably saved my life and kept me out of the hospital at least 2x.

I want to get a vest soon! I hear it helps. NOTE: I read on one of the many resource sites ( but cant remember where , dang) that the vest vibration can or does close the smallest airways so vest should be done separately becuz we want the saline to penetrate to deepest airways. Which makes sense to me if vest indeed does that
Lmk

Also, re side effects of HS saline. Some people feel it as harsh. And some can get bronchospasms or such but probably much less common. I try to use aeroeclipse so it doesnt go to my eyes or room but Pari is used often too.

And i also read on a resource that they “dont know what long term Side effects of hypertonic saline are”. But since it helps so much to clear mucous seems we need it.

I believe that Dr Noah Greenspan of http://www.pulmarywellness.org says to do separately. BTW, he offers a six week course on pulmonary bootcamp. It is designed for anyone no matter what their condition. It is free. Look at the site. Let me know if you have any questions. He also offers free help for anyone. Is a Dr of Resp Therapy, EMT, paramedic, RT, etc. Amazing man. Amazing website.