Hi, 63. They prescribed the Smart Vest to me right away, as soon as I was diagnosed. I didn't use it for about the first six months, but then started using it. Actually, I really like using it. I know a lot of people do not, but I do. I don't nebulize, tho. My doctors have never talked about using a nebulizer. I am on the Big 3 tho. Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Trying to kill off those little booger bacteria. I keep my shower hose and nozzle dry and clean ( actually I use a copper nozzle to kill off bacteria). I also stopped using my waterpik. That may sound stupid, but I figure it's just another aerated water source and it's in my mouth..... maybe not a wise thing to do. So, I don't.
Oh, as for the cost of the Smart Vest, I didn't pay anything.... it was prescribed.....I would ask my doctor about that for yourself. See about the possibility of getting and using one. Being as my lungs harbor a lot of mucous, the Smart Vest is to break it up and help move it out of my lungs. So it's a medical device and was covered by Medicare. Hope this helps! Toni