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Vibralung Acoustical Percussor
I am new to the group, but have appreciated the input from everyone on various issues. I have had MAC for about two years. My main symptom is always being extremely short of breath. Because of my weight ( very low) my local pulmonologist has felt I am not a candidate for normal antibiotic treatment. The only thing I have been doing is using 3% saline along with an albuterol inhaler, and a flutter valve. Nothing makes me cough. I am unable to cough up anything. I recently had a televisit with a doctor from the University of North Carolina pulmonary clinic. She recommended I change to 7% saline and work on airway clearance. She recommended I try a VibraLung which uses sound waves to hopefully dislodge the bacteria in my lungs. I also have a hole in my lung. So, I do not know if I am a candidate for this. The VibraLung is very expensive (about $4,000), which is not covered by Medicare or insurance. It is also nonreturnable. Has anyone used a VibraLung? What were your experiences?
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Hi SHS, Are you otherwise eligible for Medicare coverage? Don
I am not familiar with vibralung, but I do use a percussion vest. I was not able to cough up hardly anything either until my pulmonologist prescribed this vest. I use it along with my nebulizing treatments and now am able to clear my lungs better. I don't know with your condition if you are a candidate for this but it is very helpful. My Medicare covered the cost except for a low monthly fee I pay for 13 months and then it is considered mine. Good luck to you.
Yes, I am on Medicare. But, neither that nor my supplement insurance pay for it. It is considered experimental. They do cover the percussion vest. But, my doctor doesn’t think I could tolerate it.
Thank you for your response. I will check again with my pulmonologist about the vest. I am glad you are having good results with it!
@shs Check to see if our insurance company has an appeal process. You may have to rent &try a vest first to prove it not suitable, then ask for reconsideration.
Sue
Medicare paid Respirtech a little north of $14,000.00 for one of their inCourage units I don’t think they did it just due to my uncommonly good looks. ,.And as gej says After 13 months it was mine. Insofar as not “tolerating” it, the pulsating speed and pressure is adjustable; the “tolerance” issue seems to warrant further amplification to rule out it being bogus. I think the pulmo needs to advocate for you.? Don
I was at NJH last week for my follow up and they're getting me the Afflovest. I requested it because you don't need to be tethered with a compressor. I'm sure they would have told if Medicare doesn't cover and I have Plan F Supplement. Does anyone use the Afflovest?
I have been using the VibrALung for more than a year. I love it. I’m small, tried vests when I was in the hospital with an exacerbation. Shook my body too hard. As for expense, it was about $3,000, and many meds can cost that over a year or a month, but you own this. Should last a few years. Easy to use, easy to clean. Specialist in Bronch/MAC at UNC said it was as effective as vest.
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1 ReactionI have had my Afflovest for over a year now, and really like it much better than the InCourage best I had before. Not tied to a heavy compressor, much easier to travel with, you can move around with it if you wish although I usually do nebulizer at the same time. Seems to do a better job on clearance too. Often I have to get on a slant pillow while using it to help with drainage. This is easier when you are free to move around. It does weigh about 10 lbs.
Ann, as you point out, the Afflovest does have advantages. Glad it’s working for you. Don