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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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I use the Aerobika, nebulize 7% and the vest at the same time. 2x daily. The Dr just mentioned the Vibralung if I wanted to try it.
I'm not sure how this works, I have used the an aerobica & parasprint with a 7% saline, NJH gave me for about 4 years and have had excellent results with clearance of sputum & my NTM cultures.... still have issues with extreme weight loss, inflammation, excess sputum and bronchiectasis so I'm interested in info on the vest. I am very tiny with the weight loss and read somewhere recently it can be uncomfortable for smaller women ? Thanks in advance...
I use the Vibralung. In the hospital, pulmonary therapist had me try different vests and the Vibralung. I didn’t like the way any vest shook my whole body. I’m a small woman. . Dr Daniels suggested I try this. She said results were same as a vest. I use it before I nebulize 7% saline. Don’t know how to use Aerobika at same time. I like the vibrations of my lungs with this.
Thanks for the info I think I will give it a try. Does it make a lot of noise? I also go to Dr Daniels in NC. You can attach the Aerobika to your nebulizer cup and use it together....it works very well.
The Vibralung is noisy in that it works by playing sounds in different tonal patterns to vibrate your lungs. But it turns itself off after 10 minutes and I’ve learned I like the low tones “songs” more than the highest one. I’ll get out my Aerobika and figure out how to attach it to the neb cup. Thanks.
Hi poodledoc-Hope you are doing well!! Just FYI I have a nebulizer Cup that is built into My aerobika. You put saline in and then Attach to neb machine. I can do the aerobika nebulizer W/saline along with the aerobika at the same time!!
Also—my pulmonologist has me neb albuterol in my aerobika before I do my aerobika for 15”. He said it was to open Airways and prevent bronchospasm when I use Arikayce. After albuterol I do my Arikayce. Just thought I’d say some things since anything that I can find to save time I really appreciate.! Of course the albuterol isn’t saving time but we wanting meds to work the best They can. Healing thots! Judy
7% saline helps make you cough if you breathe it thru a nebulizer. Some come with a cup built onto the aerobika that you can attach to a nebulizer and take your saline at the same time they’re great!!