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Does anyone have any experience with a percussion vest?

Posted by gj53 @gj53, Oct 10, 2019

Does anyone have any experience with a percussion vest? I could not tolerate an albuterol nebulizer so this is the next step he has recommended. However, the co-payment is pretty hefty and would like to have some feedback before investing in this. I did have a bad cough that is improved, however, am unable to produce any sputum and he said this will loosen the secretions in my chest. Thanks so much.

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susanjs13 | @susanjs13 | Jan 21, 2023

I have the HillRom vest for bronchiectasis and use it daily. But I’m interested in hearing more from people who have the afflovest because I’d like to travel more easily. The HillRom transports in a cumbersome duffel bag, and it is difficult to manage myself along with a suitcase.

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sue102 | @sue102 | Jan 21, 2023

Monaj,
Once my doctor and his respiratory physical therapist decided I was a candidate for a Vest, I was fitted into two vests. The first was the Hill Rom 105 Vest and the second was a battery operated portable one. I could not bear the weight of the battery operated one and had to take it off before turning it on. The HR 105 vest was more welcoming for me. I use mine twice daily with 7% saline and Albuterol. It helps clear some mucous plugs in the morning, but none in the evening. I was asked to continue the evening sessions, nonetheless. My pulmonologist at NJH said “What doesn’t come out in the evening will come out in the morning.” So, I don’t labor any more and I don’t spend 2 hours/session any more. It is 30 minutes/ session, twice daily.

REPLY
1 reply
gej53 | @gej53 | Jan 21, 2023

I have a Smart Vest/percussion vest that has helped me. My physician did give me a Rx for it and it was covered by my insurance with a co-payment.-

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heusner3 | @heusner3 | Jan 21, 2023
In reply to @monaj "I am doing some research on various vests and am interested in learning more about the..." + (show)
@monaj

I am doing some research on various vests and am interested in learning more about the Afflovest, as I think it may be a good additional option for me. I understand that it uses a different technology than the ones that use air compression and that the vest is heavier in comparison to the air driven versions.
Does the weight cause any negative issues?
I really like the fact that this vest is portable and look forward to learning any pros/cons you can give.
FYI for anyone else reading this: I already use an air driven vest and nebulized saline/meds and all have helped me. I too produce little sputum and it took a few months of use before I can say it really helped. I still do not produce a lot, but what I can produce makes a difference for how I feel. In the beginning of using the vest, I did have to consult with the company to adjust settings in order to mitigate some muscle discomfort. The adjustments made all the difference and I comfortably use my vest at this time (3-4 times/day). I like the vest I have; I am just exploring the portable option, as I live far from appointments and would like the convenience of a portable vest.
I greatly appreciate this forum. Thank you!

Jump to this post

I have used an AffloVest for probably 7-10 years. I love it! I usually get stuff up with the vest. I do the Vest as I am nebulizing. Try to do as much as I can to shorten my sessions. I have nothing but good things to say about it!

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1 reply
heusner3 | @heusner3 | Jan 21, 2023
In reply to @clynnford "Did your Dr. give you a Rx for the vest? I was told this would be..." + (show)
@clynnford

Did your Dr. give you a Rx for the vest? I was told this would be the only way to have ins. cover it. Then only with proof that you don't produce sputum on your own? I do but only with nebbing abuterol which increases my heart rate like crazy! I would like to get the vest covered if possible.

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Yes my dr. did give me a prescription.

REPLY
raney | @raney | Jan 21, 2023
In reply to @monaj "I am doing some research on various vests and am interested in learning more about the..." + (show)
@monaj

I am doing some research on various vests and am interested in learning more about the Afflovest, as I think it may be a good additional option for me. I understand that it uses a different technology than the ones that use air compression and that the vest is heavier in comparison to the air driven versions.
Does the weight cause any negative issues?
I really like the fact that this vest is portable and look forward to learning any pros/cons you can give.
FYI for anyone else reading this: I already use an air driven vest and nebulized saline/meds and all have helped me. I too produce little sputum and it took a few months of use before I can say it really helped. I still do not produce a lot, but what I can produce makes a difference for how I feel. In the beginning of using the vest, I did have to consult with the company to adjust settings in order to mitigate some muscle discomfort. The adjustments made all the difference and I comfortably use my vest at this time (3-4 times/day). I like the vest I have; I am just exploring the portable option, as I live far from appointments and would like the convenience of a portable vest.
I greatly appreciate this forum. Thank you!

Jump to this post

I have been using the SmartVest (air compressor type) for about a year. I got a pulmonologist order for it and my insurance is paying most of it. I make a small monthly copay. The compressor is heavy but it comes in a case on wheels (like a carry on piece of luggage). I use it for 15 to 20+ minutes 1 time a day when after I do the levalbuterol and saline. It does help with getting some of the DEEP mucus up. I can sometimes tell that I can take a deeper breath after using it.
I would not have it, if insurance was not paying for it. It cost as much as my used car!!!

Can someone post the link with pictures of the Afflovest?

REPLY
1 reply
sallyb827 | @sallyb827 | Jan 22, 2023
In reply to @margiebanks "Hello @gj53 I'm diagnosed w Bronchiectisis and MAC, and I didn't produce much sputum when first..." + (show)
@margiebanks

Hello @gj53 I'm diagnosed w Bronchiectisis and MAC, and I didn't produce much sputum when first diagnosed over a year ago. My percussion vest (inCourage Airway Therapy Vest) was the 1st investment on my journey to better health. I didn't think it did much for the first couple of months but was assured it was loosening the mucus in my tubes. I did a puff on an albuterol inhaler first to open up my airways. Thinking bigger is better I asked my doc for the nebulizer albuterol and couldn't tolerate it either. Made me too jittery. I did start nebulizing every morning w 7% saline solution (moisturizes, thins the mucus,cleanses) following up w the vest. Most days I can now cough up a couple or a few big plugs. The machine is expensive everyone's co- pay is different. Best of luck with your decision. Margie

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I also had trouble with albuterol and my Doctor switched me to levabuterol. It makes a big difference. No accelerated heart rate or being jittery.

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monaj | @monaj | Jan 22, 2023
In reply to @clynnford "Did your Dr. give you a Rx for the vest? I was told this would be..." + (show)
@clynnford

Did your Dr. give you a Rx for the vest? I was told this would be the only way to have ins. cover it. Then only with proof that you don't produce sputum on your own? I do but only with nebbing abuterol which increases my heart rate like crazy! I would like to get the vest covered if possible.

Jump to this post

Yes, my doctor prescribed my vest and insurance has provided coverage. I pay a small amount.
I don't know all the criteria needed for insurance to cover; my medical team coordinated with insurance and the vest company. I can say it took many weeks between the order and approval/delivery.
I also use nebulized albuterol and saline in conjunction with my vest. I am lucky that I tolerate all well. I hope your meds can be adjusted so you feel better and I hope you are able to get a vest with insurance coverage. Good Luck!

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1 reply
monaj | @monaj | Jan 22, 2023
In reply to @heusner3 "I have used an AffloVest for probably 7-10 years. I love it! I usually get stuff..." + (show)
@heusner3

I have used an AffloVest for probably 7-10 years. I love it! I usually get stuff up with the vest. I do the Vest as I am nebulizing. Try to do as much as I can to shorten my sessions. I have nothing but good things to say about it!

Jump to this post

Thank you so much for your response!

REPLY
monaj | @monaj | Jan 22, 2023
In reply to @sue102 "Monaj, Once my doctor and his respiratory physical therapist decided I was a candidate for a..." + (show)
@sue102

Monaj,
Once my doctor and his respiratory physical therapist decided I was a candidate for a Vest, I was fitted into two vests. The first was the Hill Rom 105 Vest and the second was a battery operated portable one. I could not bear the weight of the battery operated one and had to take it off before turning it on. The HR 105 vest was more welcoming for me. I use mine twice daily with 7% saline and Albuterol. It helps clear some mucous plugs in the morning, but none in the evening. I was asked to continue the evening sessions, nonetheless. My pulmonologist at NJH said “What doesn’t come out in the evening will come out in the morning.” So, I don’t labor any more and I don’t spend 2 hours/session any more. It is 30 minutes/ session, twice daily.

Jump to this post

Thank you for your response. It is helpful to learn your experience with comparing the two types of vests and encouraging to read how your treatments are successful.

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