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Vest tips and tricks
I just started using my smart vest this week so wanted to share my approach. I know through reading some prior posts many people have experienced issues and have decided to discontinue use. I am really hoping to be able to have this in my arsenal to keep infection away so don’t want to throw in the towel despite a rough start.
Initially I did my Breyna inhaler, then saline nebs followed by the vest. It really shook me up and left me feeling kind of woozy/dizzy because of my head and neck. The pressure on my chest was hard and it felt weird breathing. Anyway I tried using a neck pillow (like the kind for traveling but goes all the way around and closes with a buckle). Although I look like an alien (confirmed by my confused dog!), it seems to help.
I also tried nebbing while using the vest which is an approach I like due to it seeming less burdensome to combine. I had a bit of nausea which I pushed through, but maybe it was a good sign that it’s working and breaking things up. I don’t produce anything so hopefully this will change things.
Finally I put in ear buds and listen to a good podcast as a distraction. Looking at a screen or reading doesn’t work because of all the shaking and movement.
Please share any other things that are working for you.
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For me, I learned recently that my settings were too high and I was doing it longer than necessary. I have chronic lower back pain and had 3 BAD flares in the first 6 months after starting vest. Related? Hard to say. But I stopped using the Vest until I could get a better set of eyes on the problem. I am now at MUCH lower settings for less time (20 mts a session) and so far (knock on wood) it seems to be tolerable. Time will tell.
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2 ReactionsHi I also combine saline nebbing with my smart vest session and have an easier time producing sputum this way vs nebbing first & then the vest. My doctors approved. It doesn't work for everyone which makes me wonder if it has something to with what areas of the lungs are affected (mine is in both lower lobes which makes it harder to expel mucus). There are quite a few of us here who have success with the vest, you just don't hear about it as much since folks are more likely to be posting here with requests for help solving problems. And it's a great helpful bunch of folks! So I hope the combo works for you.
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1 ReactionYour settings on your vest may be too high. Also were you fitted properly.? I have never had nausea after or while using the vest.
Thanks for asking about that. I had an initial zoom call so follow up could be really helpful to see if some adjustments can be made. I believe they do a 5 and 30 day check in plus I have the number to call for support so can reach out for more guidance as well. Seems like good customer service so good option.
I have a programming sheet provided by smartvest, for bronchiectasis, the recommended setting:
8-12 Hz
pressure 20-40%
treatment time: 15-30 minutes
I think you have to play with it to know your comfort level and also work.
I set 13hz
45-50% pressure
25 minutes
To me, it is very crucial after the vest, doing huff coughing. My ID doctor, Kevin Winthrop told me I can use the vest in the morning and Aerobika in the evening. I don't have a lot of experience either, since I just started. But in theory, the vest should do something even though the result is not obvious at the beginning.
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1 ReactionWhat is saline nebbing?
Sorry for the abbreviations. Using hypertonic saline (3 or 7%) in the nebulizer to get it into your lungs. Part of the airway clearance routine.
Welcome to Mayo Connect and the MAC & Bronchiectasis support group. We often forget that new people come here and are not necessarily familiar with the shorthand we use to describe various aspects of our treatments.
Have you been diagnosed with Bronchiectasis, MAC or another lung condition?