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← Return to Using the Smartvest
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MAC & Bronchiectasis | Last Active: Sep 25, 2023 | Replies (81)
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Yes, airway clearance can be time consuming! This is the routine I have adapted to save some time. I use the Combivent inhaler (or Duoneb neb) usually sometime later in the afternoon and nebulize the saline early evening. Typically I put on the Smartvest and then nebulize 7% for a few minutes befort turning on the vest. While vest is still running I do some deep breathing with breath holding (autogenic drainage) to help "unstick" mucus, and then do some Aerobika when vest stops. I can produce a fair amout of mucus with this routine which takes about 20-25 min. Ideally, postural drainage would follow. Hope this helps!
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My step grand daughter has cystic fibrosis and her mom told me that their provider suggested, when vesting, to stop it every 5 or so minutes and do a couple rounds of huff coughing, then resume vesting- alternate this through the session. I've tried it and it is quite effective in helping bring up mucus. Today, for the first time, I tried vesting while nebbing 7% saline (because my Aerobika stopped working) and I did the start/stop as well. That was effective. A note about Aerobika: their staff said you must make sure the device is completely dry before using it. Apparently, if there is any moisture in the flutter part, it may malfunction. That however was not my problem. It simply pooped out after only 2 or 3 months. It is a great little device though and I ordered another hoping this problem won't reoccur.