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Vibrating vest

Posted by spider109 @spider109, Nov 3, 2024

I was just asked to try the AffloVest which of course vibrates to help loosen mucus from our airways to be expelled. There are three modes, vibrating, percussion, and drainage. This vest is battery operated so you can be mobile while using. I would like to hear anyone who has used this particular vest what there experiences are. Particularly do you use it at the same time you nebulize? I nebulize Albuterol followed by 7% saline. Or do you use vest after nebulizing. Thank-you. Any Tips and advice appreciated

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blm1007blm1007 | @blm1007blm1007 | Apr 5, 2025
In reply to @notnancy88 "I have used the Afflovest on the medium setting for a little over a year. Medicare..." + (show)
Profile picture for notnancy88 @notnancy88

I have used the Afflovest on the medium setting for a little over a year. Medicare pays. The respiratory therapist working with the UTexas Tyler Pulmonary Clinic instructed me to use it AFTER my nebulizing, coughing( including Huff Coughing, and using the Aerobika and my nebulizer). For the last part of the vest 'session'- Drainage- I lay on my left side on the bed or couch. I have Bronchiectasis and Myco Abscessus abscessus. I find that this all works and helps me. Good Luck

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Hi - There are a couple of us, or more, who have been patients at Tyler that are on this site. Becky the respiratory therapist is great and nurse Tracy is wonderful.

I can see why to use the vest after all the other, moisture loosened it, vest to help break it up and then up and out with Drainage and huff cough again.
I understand the Afflovest is heavy, is it? It is great that one can walk around with it on.
Were you seeing doctor McShane? I was. What have you decided?
I am in OKC, so it is a little bit of a drive etc. but worth it when the care is good.
Barbara

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ktw1147 | @ktw1147 | Apr 6, 2025
In reply to @dolllover "I have worn the vest for years for 30 minutes once or twice a day presribed..." + (show)
Profile picture for dolllover @dolllover

I have worn the vest for years for 30 minutes once or twice a day presribed by my doctor. I have not been able to tell that the vest helps bring up anything. I am one of those that have never been able to get sputum up.

After reading messages on this website, I tried several over the counter things and now can get lots of sputum up.

But, even though I get a lot up, it's not enough. I just had a bronchoscopy after six months and my pulmonoligist said I was full up to my neck. They found pseudomonas and I am on azithromycin Mon-Wed-Fri for three months, possibly rest of life.

I am a firm believer in bronchoscopies. We need to have them every several months to find out what is going on down in our chest.

Stay Positive.

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What over-the-counter products have you found that work for you?

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lvalenti | @lvalenti | Apr 6, 2025
In reply to @dolllover "I have worn the vest for years for 30 minutes once or twice a day presribed..." + (show)
Profile picture for dolllover @dolllover

I have worn the vest for years for 30 minutes once or twice a day presribed by my doctor. I have not been able to tell that the vest helps bring up anything. I am one of those that have never been able to get sputum up.

After reading messages on this website, I tried several over the counter things and now can get lots of sputum up.

But, even though I get a lot up, it's not enough. I just had a bronchoscopy after six months and my pulmonoligist said I was full up to my neck. They found pseudomonas and I am on azithromycin Mon-Wed-Fri for three months, possibly rest of life.

I am a firm believer in bronchoscopies. We need to have them every several months to find out what is going on down in our chest.

Stay Positive.

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Dolllover, Can I ask what over the counter products you’re using that helps with getting mucus up. Thank you.

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hoopsnest17897 | @hoopsnest17897 | Apr 7, 2025

My pulmonologist gave a definite NO when I asked him this same question in an effort to cut my morning & evening treatment session time. I adhere to this advice.

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smc17 | @smc17 | May 28 8:31pm
In reply to @chris1321 "Hi. I’m wondering how you’re doing with the Afflowvest currently. I’m just reading this thread. I..." + (show)
Profile picture for chris1321 @chris1321

Hi. I’m wondering how you’re doing with the Afflowvest currently. I’m just reading this thread. I started the HillRom about 3 weeks ago & neb 7% saline at the same time. I do this 2-3x/d 25 minutes each. Sometimes I don’t fit a midday session in but 3 really helps clear me up so I feel better. I have BE, MAC that didn’t clear after treatment (maybe starting new regimen) & chronic pseudomonas. It’s a lot of work & I only feel better if I do it so I’m motivated to continue. I used to use aerobika before a pseudomonas exacerbation. It’s not enough anymore. How do you like the afflowvest? did you buy it or did your insurance cover it? My insurance only covers HillRom. I’m thinking about purchasing a refurbished Afflowvest for the mobility. Good luck & thanks for any input.

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@chris1321 I use the aflovest. Only for the past couple months. I just it after having a exacerbation do to psuedonama a. Double pnuemonia. I have BE had lung cancer . Resected upper lobe cancer gone mac gone now have psuedonama to deal with. Ive never coughed with my BE. Extremely difficult to get mucus up. Plugs all over. Im experimenting with doing ipratropium bromide first then 3% in the morning 7% evening sodium chloride. Then the vest. Sometimes i do it with the sodium. Dont see any difference. I use the vest in 3 ,10 min. Sessions . Percussion, vibrate drainage. I use the Alcatel or aerobeka next. Huffing coughing . Lay down while using aeribeka. Its literally 6 hours a day. Sometimes an hour mid day laying down and I feel the mucus moving up. So my mucus doesnt move right away , it tends to move later after treatment with it all.. any help advise ill take it. Wish you all the best .stay positive

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winterfelllvoyager75 | @winterfelllvoyager75 | May 29 9:28pm

I had used the afflovest for about 4 months. It was ok for a while but has to be charged more frequently than I had anticipated. It’s nice that it is portable but I never took advantage of that as it was heavy and I found it easier just to sit down and do my treatments.
Also, one of the bronchiectasis centers suggested I try the Baxter APX vest.
I’m loving this vest therapy so much better and you can travel with it.
It really gets the job done and the vest is feather weight and so much smaller than the afflovest!! You might want to try it out before committing to the Afflovest. There are other vests out there too and I did try the others as well but the Baxter fit the bill for me.
Good luck and hope you find a vest that you are happy with!

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2 replies
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smc17 | @smc17 | Jun 1 4:42pm
In reply to @winterfelllvoyager75 "I had used the afflovest for about 4 months. It was ok for a while but..." + (show)
Profile picture for winterfelllvoyager75 @winterfelllvoyager75

I had used the afflovest for about 4 months. It was ok for a while but has to be charged more frequently than I had anticipated. It’s nice that it is portable but I never took advantage of that as it was heavy and I found it easier just to sit down and do my treatments.
Also, one of the bronchiectasis centers suggested I try the Baxter APX vest.
I’m loving this vest therapy so much better and you can travel with it.
It really gets the job done and the vest is feather weight and so much smaller than the afflovest!! You might want to try it out before committing to the Afflovest. There are other vests out there too and I did try the others as well but the Baxter fit the bill for me.
Good luck and hope you find a vest that you are happy with!

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@winterfelllvoyager75 thx you for the information. I will look into it

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winterfelllvoyager75 | @winterfelllvoyager75 | Jun 1 5:25pm
In reply to @smc17 "@winterfelllvoyager75 thx you for the information. I will look into it" + (show)
Profile picture for smc17 @smc17

@winterfelllvoyager75 thx you for the information. I will look into it

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@smc17 Your welcome! Hope you find a vest soon that will be a good fit for you.

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ursala7 | @ursala7 | Jun 2 5:11pm
In reply to @winterfelllvoyager75 "I had used the afflovest for about 4 months. It was ok for a while but..." + (show)
Profile picture for winterfelllvoyager75 @winterfelllvoyager75

I had used the afflovest for about 4 months. It was ok for a while but has to be charged more frequently than I had anticipated. It’s nice that it is portable but I never took advantage of that as it was heavy and I found it easier just to sit down and do my treatments.
Also, one of the bronchiectasis centers suggested I try the Baxter APX vest.
I’m loving this vest therapy so much better and you can travel with it.
It really gets the job done and the vest is feather weight and so much smaller than the afflovest!! You might want to try it out before committing to the Afflovest. There are other vests out there too and I did try the others as well but the Baxter fit the bill for me.
Good luck and hope you find a vest that you are happy with!

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@winterfelllvoyager75 I have had the Baster APX vest for only a week (after hospitalization for pneumonia) and I have been happy and grateful to have it. Not heavy. They programmed it to 6 for intensity (the middle therapy setting). it's not as strong as the 10 they were doing in the hospital when I was coughing horrendously. I just hope 6 is strong enough. Right now I, while the pneumonia has been beaten back through antibiotics, 6 seems fine. Don't know if it will be during an exacerbation. I'm glad I can bring it on my cabin vacation.

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winterfelllvoyager75 | @winterfelllvoyager75 | Jun 2 7:50pm
In reply to @ursala7 "@winterfelllvoyager75 I have had the Baster APX vest for only a week (after hospitalization for pneumonia)..." + (show)
Profile picture for ursala7 @ursala7

@winterfelllvoyager75 I have had the Baster APX vest for only a week (after hospitalization for pneumonia) and I have been happy and grateful to have it. Not heavy. They programmed it to 6 for intensity (the middle therapy setting). it's not as strong as the 10 they were doing in the hospital when I was coughing horrendously. I just hope 6 is strong enough. Right now I, while the pneumonia has been beaten back through antibiotics, 6 seems fine. Don't know if it will be during an exacerbation. I'm glad I can bring it on my cabin vacation.

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@ursala7 You know you can always call your Baxter rep and they will come out to your home to evaluate the settings for you. My rep has come out a few time to check everything. They are really wonderful and supportive! Very responsive! Have a wonderful vacation!

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