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Smart Vest
Is anybody using Smart Vest and does it really help?
I have been using it for a while and do not notice any changes. In fact they had to put me on antibiotics and steroids to clean up my infections.
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@desgnr In addition to the Smart Vest, have you been instructed in any other airway clearance techniques? The purpose of the vest is to help loosen secretions in your lungs, but then you need to get them out.
Here are some frequently used treatments to supplement the vest:
Nebulizing albuterol or a similar medication to open the airways (or using an inhaler.)
Nebulizing saline solutions to thin the mucus, making it move more easily.
Controlled breathing plus huff coughing to expel the mucus.
Exercise, like walking, yoga or stretches to further mobilize the airways.
If you would like to know more about these techniques, I invite you to visit the Bronchiectasis support group (our challenges are similar to yours):
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/mac-bronchiectasis/
Then, in the "Search discussions" box, enter the keywords for the topic you are interested in. You will get a list of specific conversations on the topic.
Hint: At the bottom of each summary is the date last active. Choose the more recent ones to converse with people who are managing similar problems.