I use it when I can’t exercise. I don’t find it does me much good, but that is probably because I exercise 5-6 times a week by cycling, using a Garmin to make sure I get a decent workout. What that is depends on age and fitness, but after a few weeks you will know what that is for you.
I use my Afflo vest every day. It has three programs. The final one is Drainage. For that part, I lay on my side with two pillows under my hips to aid the drainage from my lower lobes. I have the vest on the highest percussive setting.
I was diagnosed with Mac and bronchiectasis in August 2021. I have been using my vest since then twice a day 30 minutes each time. I have still been unable to cough up any mucus however I do not have any symptoms and I have remain stable. My CT scans have come back stable with no progression and my doctor says I just may be one of those that will not produce mucus. I do worry about it because I think you have to get it out of your system in order to get rid of it but as long as I remain stable, that is my main concern. I do not and I’m trying not to have to take the medication and that’s why I am so religious on the airway clearance and exercise . I was just replying to your comment about not getting mucus and wanted to let you know that this is what I have been dealing with.
I just got a vest a few weeks ago. I nebulizer 7% saline first, then nebulizer another while running the vest for 20 minutes. Seems to help but I still have to do drainage postures to get it all.
Have used The Vest for about 8 years and then my pulm ordered the Monarch. It ended up being so heavy that it exacerbated my back issues. I am being treated for the back issues so I am currently back to The Vest but will go back to The Monarch eventually.
I have The Vest and have had three sciatica flares since I started using it 6 months ago. I I have degenerative disease in my lower spine, L4-S1, but understood the contra-indications to The Vest were limited to cervical and thoracic concerns. Now wondering if my lower lumbar sciatic flares (which did not start until after I started using The Vest) are related to The Vest. If anyone has any input on the use of The Vest and lower lumbar related pain, please let me know. Thanks.
I have The Vest and have had three sciatica flares since I started using it 6 months ago. I I have degenerative disease in my lower spine, L4-S1, but understood the contra-indications to The Vest were limited to cervical and thoracic concerns. Now wondering if my lower lumbar sciatic flares (which did not start until after I started using The Vest) are related to The Vest. If anyone has any input on the use of The Vest and lower lumbar related pain, please let me know. Thanks.
You have probably read some have no problems with the vest and others do, including me. I started having a sensation on on lower left side just above my waist. I quit using it.
I think it can cause new problems for some, that's how it was for me. I believe it can irritate existing problems etc. I think it is working and pumping in areas that are not necessary to be worked. I found my way to doing my own "percussion clapping" on my chest/lungs on either side of the breast bone and 'fist hammering' comfortably on my lungs at my back and sides on either side of the spine. I believe it does satisfy what is needed. So with doing that along with nebulizing, Active Cycling Breathing Technique etc. I am moving the mucus out. I realize some can do it all and not feel they are accomplishing much.
I sent the vest back and they are to credit Medicare and my Supplement Plan for the period I was not using it before returning it. I was told to let Hill Rom/Baxter know ASAP when I stopped using it in order to return it and credit the insurances. The only problem is if you feel you might want it again and you return it Medicare may or may not approve it again.
Hope you find your way so that you don't have the sciatica flares.
Barbara
Hi friend -
These comments are all very interesting and helpful, as I am considering getting a vest myself. National Jewish recommends the Smart Vest. I spoke to the people there and they said they really don't experience complaints or returns. I wonder if there is a difference in performance based on the different companies and models?
Jill
I was unable to use the AffloVest; it was too painful. I have fibromyalgia and degenerative disc disease and there was too much pressure. I have been more successful using the SmartVest. I usually nebulize 7% saline during the session, taking breaks each 5 minutes (over a 20 minute session) to huff cough.
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How long did you use it for? I’ve been using mine for a month. It helped with the coughing but I haven’t been able to produce any sputum
@lhgb1 I used the vest for maybe 4-5 months regularly, then on and off for a few months. I never felt any positive results but kept at it hoping it was perhaps breaking up mucous. I finally just gave up. What I did find extremely helpful is autogenic drainage /clearance. It is a breathing technique that has had great results for me. Dr Pamela McShane has a video that explains how to do it along with other systems and techniques. I think it is right around 30 minutes into the video but the entire video is worth watching. Hope this helps. Kate
https://www.google.com/search?q=airway+clearance+by+Dr+Pamela+McShane&rlz=1C1CHZN_enUS984US984&oq=airway+clearance+by+Dr+Pamela+McShane&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIHCAEQIRigATIHCAIQIRigATIHCAMQIRigATIHCAQQIRigATIHCAUQIRigAdIBCjI0NjEyajFqMTWoAgiwAgE&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:baa7fd50,vid:VEYK67nld_o,st:0
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4 ReactionsI use my Afflo vest every day. It has three programs. The final one is Drainage. For that part, I lay on my side with two pillows under my hips to aid the drainage from my lower lobes. I have the vest on the highest percussive setting.
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1 ReactionI was diagnosed with Mac and bronchiectasis in August 2021. I have been using my vest since then twice a day 30 minutes each time. I have still been unable to cough up any mucus however I do not have any symptoms and I have remain stable. My CT scans have come back stable with no progression and my doctor says I just may be one of those that will not produce mucus. I do worry about it because I think you have to get it out of your system in order to get rid of it but as long as I remain stable, that is my main concern. I do not and I’m trying not to have to take the medication and that’s why I am so religious on the airway clearance and exercise . I was just replying to your comment about not getting mucus and wanted to let you know that this is what I have been dealing with.
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1 ReactionHelps me produce a bit but only in the morning!
I just got a vest a few weeks ago. I nebulizer 7% saline first, then nebulizer another while running the vest for 20 minutes. Seems to help but I still have to do drainage postures to get it all.
I have The Vest and have had three sciatica flares since I started using it 6 months ago. I I have degenerative disease in my lower spine, L4-S1, but understood the contra-indications to The Vest were limited to cervical and thoracic concerns. Now wondering if my lower lumbar sciatic flares (which did not start until after I started using The Vest) are related to The Vest. If anyone has any input on the use of The Vest and lower lumbar related pain, please let me know. Thanks.
You have probably read some have no problems with the vest and others do, including me. I started having a sensation on on lower left side just above my waist. I quit using it.
I think it can cause new problems for some, that's how it was for me. I believe it can irritate existing problems etc. I think it is working and pumping in areas that are not necessary to be worked. I found my way to doing my own "percussion clapping" on my chest/lungs on either side of the breast bone and 'fist hammering' comfortably on my lungs at my back and sides on either side of the spine. I believe it does satisfy what is needed. So with doing that along with nebulizing, Active Cycling Breathing Technique etc. I am moving the mucus out. I realize some can do it all and not feel they are accomplishing much.
I sent the vest back and they are to credit Medicare and my Supplement Plan for the period I was not using it before returning it. I was told to let Hill Rom/Baxter know ASAP when I stopped using it in order to return it and credit the insurances. The only problem is if you feel you might want it again and you return it Medicare may or may not approve it again.
Hope you find your way so that you don't have the sciatica flares.
Barbara
Hi friend -
These comments are all very interesting and helpful, as I am considering getting a vest myself. National Jewish recommends the Smart Vest. I spoke to the people there and they said they really don't experience complaints or returns. I wonder if there is a difference in performance based on the different companies and models?
Jill
I was unable to use the AffloVest; it was too painful. I have fibromyalgia and degenerative disc disease and there was too much pressure. I have been more successful using the SmartVest. I usually nebulize 7% saline during the session, taking breaks each 5 minutes (over a 20 minute session) to huff cough.