Percussion Vest and Nebulizer: Do you use both, one or the other?

I tried the nebulizer first with some results. After speaking with my pulmonologist he ordered the percussion vest and it made a significant difference. Between the two the vest is what helps the most I think, but have always nebulized at the same time so maybe a combination of the two. I haven't had any problems with the vibration of the vest but really have never had back problems. Hope this helps to contribute to the conversation.

Thanks for your input gej.

Have you looked into using the VibraLung instead of percussion vest? NIH reports equal effectiveness

I use the nebulizer and SmartVest simultaneously, per my doctor's orders. I'm not sure what the effect would be to use them separately as I've never tried that, but the combination almost always causes me to cough some stuff pretty easily afterwards.

Woot, I’ve only recently learned of Vibra Lung. Is it less jarring to the old Bod?

No body jarring. It vibrates only my lungs. It’s a hand held device about the size of a hair dryer, even looks kind of like one. (You’re not old enough to picture the old hoods ladies sat under in the salons, are you?😉) you plug it into a rechargeable box the size of two large decks of cards. You choose a tone pattern, put the mouthpiece in, hit go. It sends tones into your lungs that vibrate like a deep bass feels when it’s loud. I’m sitting at a table now, typing this with one hand, holding the Vibralungin my mouth with my other hand. Takes 10 minutes. Then I’ll do my nebulizing with 7% saline. I finally figured out how to attach my Aerobike to the nebulizer so now I get more lung vibration with that. NIH studies show results of Vibralung equal to vest. I’m sorry your back is hurting. Maybe this would help.

Hi thumperguy! I experience some back pain too and that is my signal to turn down the thumper %. I lose some of my mucus production but it eliminates the pain and then in a few weeks or months (depending-winter is better as I wear so many clothes😜) I turn the vest volume back up 5%. I’ve only ever manage 45%, but that certainly helps me with mucus production! I have arthritis in my spine, so that probably contributes to the problem periodically. I hope this assists you with your question. Take care.

I use the Vest at the same time as nebulizer and it works great. I also have the Vibra Lung but it doesn't do much for me, I get up much more mucus with the Vest. I was told the Vest works best if your Bronchiectasis is in the lower lungs.

Hi
Does anyone do just chest percussion and Aerobica 2Xs a day?
Does anyone have terrible itching and nerve pain from head to pelvis?
I had lung surgery last year and the MAC and 2 cavitary lesions were removed (hopefully)
Do you all have elevated SED rate and CRP????
Ellen

I use my vest twice a day with 3% saline nebulized. The nebulizer is attached to my Aerobika (per instructons from my pulmonologist). This is working well for me except the vest vibration can upset my stomach if done too soon after eating. Depending on my schedule, I someitmes only do the Aereobika/nebulizer combo in the evening. I don't always get mucus up during the process. Sometimes both during and after, especially if I follow up by drinking water or some other hydrating drink. No back problems for me in this process; only stomach. I have had multiple PICC line and other treatments for my pseudomonas which still show as "heavy" in the sputum culture. Doctor says it is not an active infection. He says we're keeping the pseudonomas at bay, and that seems to be the goal. I am convinced that the system I am using with the vest, nebulizer, and Aerobika is what is keeping them at bay.