Aerobika
I've now seen two or maybe three people refer to the fact that they use this device known as an Aerobika. I would like to know who all uses these and has it proven well worth adding this piece to your daily BE care routine. Thanks ahead for your replies. Much appreciated!
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Aerobika seems to be pretty popular as it's recommended by National Jewish Hospital, which treats bronchiectasis, MAC and many other respiratory diseases. It can be used while inhaling saline via nebulizer, so in that way it's efficient. There also the Acapella Green, which I used for awhile before I switched to Aerobika. I like the Aerobika better because it can be connected to the nebulizer easily.
https://www.monaghanmed.com/product/aeroeclipse-xl-r-ban-nebulizer-with-ombra-compressor/
https://www.nationaljewish.org/NJH/media/pdf/MF-Using-The-AerobiKA.pdf?ext=.pdf
https://www.nationaljewish.org/conditions/medications/airway-clearance-techniques-devices/acapella-choice
@zscline I prefer the Aerobika over the Acapella and another device I was given due to its compact size - it fits easily in my nebulizer case or in a small pouch in my purse. I tried it connected to the nebulizer, and it was too hard for me to breathe. Many times, I use it without any neb (I cough up mucus easily & do not have MAC now) and feel it helps my asthma as well as my airway clearance. My pulmonologist is very pleased with how I am maintaining lung function.
Sue
I also prefer the Aerobika to the Acapella because of the ease of cleaning and sterilizing it. The cleaning instructions state that it can be autoclaved and so it easily stands up to a baby bottle sterilizer! I clean (in sudsy water), rinse, and sterilize the Aerobika (Chicco 3-in-1 bottle sterilizer is nice and compact) daily and so do not have to fuss with distilled water, hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, etc. as one does with the Acapella. The Aerobika is available, new, on eBay for about $40, and costs about twice that amount from a medical supply company, unless your insurance covers the device.
I also use the Aerobika for all the same reasons ( ease of cleaning, use with the nebulizer) plus it withstands all the taking apart, cleaning, and reassembly that needs to be done so often. I tried the Acapella (provided and paid for by insurance) for a while and each time it broke so easily. So, I pay out of pocket for the Aerobika but it is a much better product.
Also, @carolj68, I use the Chicco baby bottle warmer/sterlizer the same as you! It's small and fits all the parts just right. All the other baby bottle sterlizers were like large countertop appliances and way to bulky!
I find it works better for clearance than the Aerobika.
I love my Aerobika. It is easy to use and it helps bring up mucus. I use it on a daily basis and it helps tremendously.
I’ve only used the Aerobika, but I find it to be extremely helpful in loosening up mucus. It may be helpful if more general practitioners and even gastroenterologists knew about it. I don’t need to attach it to any other product so I can’t speak to that. I do find it small and ideal for travel. I purchased an extra Aerobika to have on hand and will travel with the two.
Thanks for the input. I hate to keep adding extra devices and procedures to dealing with this BE condition, but it sounds as if this Aerobika gets a thumbs up from all who have commented, so guess I will look into getting one. Interesting, but not good, that the insurance companies will cover the Acapella and not the Aerobika. Anyway, it doesn't look as if it's a very costly device. That's good.
My Blue Cross covers it if recommended by the pulmonologist or respiratory therapist. I just learned this at my latest visit.
Sue
I assume that if a person purchases it via Amazon Prime (or some other online company), they must have to submit a claim along with a copy of the doctor's recommendation. It doesn't seem as if pharmacies stock these devices or that they can be obtained with a prescription. Am I correct?