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Using the Smartvest

Posted by lvalenti @lvalenti, Jul 7, 2023

I recently started using the Smartvest along with nebulizing Albuterol, sodium chloride, Arikayce and using the aerobika. It is very time consuming and I’m interested to know from anyone else doing the same what order they are using and how they are managing it all. Thank you.

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mimifeels | @mimifeels | Aug 14, 2023

Doing all this 2x a day, in combination with full-time work! And I used to complain about lack of free time.

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cayenne | @cayenne | Aug 14, 2023

I use the Aerobika with the Omron compressor at home and the DevilBiss when traveling. It works well with both.

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deb65 | @deb65 | Aug 14, 2023

Hi, I am also using the same as you. Yes it is time consuming. How many minutes are you using a day? I have 2- 15 min sessions. One in the am and one in the afternoon. I feel it's worth it as I'm very productive as far as getting the mucas up.

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annagh | @annagh | Aug 14, 2023
In reply to @equanimous "My step grand daughter has cystic fibrosis and her mom told me that their provider suggested,..." + (show)
@equanimous

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.

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Moisture often gets in my Aerobika and causes it to fail, especially when I use it lying down (left, right and back) as my doctor instructed. But I have found that if I tap/slap the side of it against my palm or leg it "unsticks." I now have a little routine of tapping on the breath holds before each exhale. A nuisance, but better than buying more Aerobikas!
Anna

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2 replies
AZ | @equanimous | Aug 14, 2023
In reply to @annagh "Moisture often gets in my Aerobika and causes it to fail, especially when I use it..." + (show)
@annagh

Moisture often gets in my Aerobika and causes it to fail, especially when I use it lying down (left, right and back) as my doctor instructed. But I have found that if I tap/slap the side of it against my palm or leg it "unsticks." I now have a little routine of tapping on the breath holds before each exhale. A nuisance, but better than buying more Aerobikas!
Anna

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Yes, I do the tapping as well. But, I try to make sure I give the Aerobika plenty of time to dry out.

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lvalenti | @lvalenti | Aug 14, 2023
In reply to @deb65 "Hi, I am also using the same as you. Yes it is time consuming. How many..." + (show)
@deb65

Hi, I am also using the same as you. Yes it is time consuming. How many minutes are you using a day? I have 2- 15 min sessions. One in the am and one in the afternoon. I feel it's worth it as I'm very productive as far as getting the mucas up.

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Hi Deb65. I use the vest for 30 minutes morning at night. With everything else I’m doing and then washing and sterilizing it takes me two hours in the morning and 1 1/2 hours in the evening. And I’m still not bringing up mucus but I continue to try. Thanks for your response and stay well.

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2 replies
donnaturn | @donnaturn | Aug 14, 2023
In reply to @greentree "I have the aerobika but wonder if there is a specific cup and nebulizer (machine) that..." + (show)
@greentree

I have the aerobika but wonder if there is a specific cup and nebulizer (machine) that I need to do this. My doctor did not have information about this but said that I would benefit from nebbing with the aerobika. Thanks for any help with this
HD

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I also use the nebulizer and compressor made by Monaghan, the same company that makes the Aerobika. The nebulizer is the AeroEclipse XL and the compressor is the Ombra. I also have a question for others in the group. My Aerobika will be a year old in October and should be replaced at that time. I purchased it myself last year, but would like to know if anyone has had success getting one paid for by Medicare. If so, where did you purchase it (must be a Medicare provider in order for them to pay)? Thank you! Donna Turnbaugh

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Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Aug 14, 2023
In reply to @donnaturn "I also use the nebulizer and compressor made by Monaghan, the same company that makes the..." + (show)
@donnaturn

I also use the nebulizer and compressor made by Monaghan, the same company that makes the Aerobika. The nebulizer is the AeroEclipse XL and the compressor is the Ombra. I also have a question for others in the group. My Aerobika will be a year old in October and should be replaced at that time. I purchased it myself last year, but would like to know if anyone has had success getting one paid for by Medicare. If so, where did you purchase it (must be a Medicare provider in order for them to pay)? Thank you! Donna Turnbaugh

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Because the Aerobika is recommended for annual replacement it is a supply and not durable medical equipment. So it will probably depend on the terms of your supplemental insurance.
Sue

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marthamac | @marthamac | Aug 15, 2023
In reply to @lvalenti "Hi Deb65. I use the vest for 30 minutes morning at night. With everything else I’m..." + (show)
@lvalenti

Hi Deb65. I use the vest for 30 minutes morning at night. With everything else I’m doing and then washing and sterilizing it takes me two hours in the morning and 1 1/2 hours in the evening. And I’m still not bringing up mucus but I continue to try. Thanks for your response and stay well.

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I used the Hill Rom vest for about a year and I finally returned it because I couldn’t tell it was helping me any more than the AeroBika. But I don’t think I washed, much less sterilized it, in the entire time I used it. That sounds terribly time consuming. Do you really have to do that?

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2 replies
scoop | @scoop | Aug 15, 2023
In reply to @lvalenti "Hi Deb65. I use the vest for 30 minutes morning at night. With everything else I’m..." + (show)
@lvalenti

Hi Deb65. I use the vest for 30 minutes morning at night. With everything else I’m doing and then washing and sterilizing it takes me two hours in the morning and 1 1/2 hours in the evening. And I’m still not bringing up mucus but I continue to try. Thanks for your response and stay well.

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@lvalenti Are you taking NAC or mucinex and hydrating, then using albuterol to open up airways before using 7% saline in your nebulizer? It takes some time to master the whole clearance routine, along the way figuring out what works for you. If you are doing all these things, perhaps you have "dry" bronchiectasis, which is something I don't know much about as mine is quite the opposite.

FWIW, the vest did nothing for me. Hill-Rom was nice enough to give me an extended loan and in that time I determined it was not as effective as autogenic drainage and/active cycle of breathing. Another brand vest I tried (Afflovest) seemed promising but it gave me rib pain. Not using the vest was a big time saver.
https://bronchiectasis.com.au/physiotherapy

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