Thoughts on self percussion vest

@jessed First, I am not a vest user, but one was offered some years ago and I declined.
Here is what my current pulmonologist uses as her criteria for "which vest" -
1) a trial period during which it can be returned without penalty - preferably 90 days, but at least 30.
2) in person support to set up, adjust & teach.
3) not for those with osteoporosis or serious arthritis in spine or rib cage.
I will add, based on years of reading on Connect - multiple sizes. There is a HUGE difference in size between someone 5 feet tall and 110 pounds and someone 5'7"and 150 pounds.
Your pulmonologist may only be offering what is supported locally. Did you ask?

@sueinmn Oh Sue, you response is so helpful. I have osteoporosis. I may decline also unless there is a way I could use it lying down after active cycle of breathing? Thoughts? I will ask if they can only get local support. Thanks again! Best, jessed

I use the Phillips Incourage percussive vest. I like it a lot and feel that it really helps loosen the phelgm and makes it easier to cough up, I have osteoporsis and arthritis so I keep it at 35%. I've been using it over a year with no problems. It can be adjusted up or down according to what works best for the individual.

I have osteporosis and I have the Baxter. They start you out in the middle settings, but I actually reprogrammed mine to a higher frequency because my mucus is SO sticky - it needs a lot of action to dislodge. I was initially surprised how easily my body tolerated the higher setting. I like to think the percussions are good for osteoporosis - like a vibration plate, the action stimulates your skeleton. After reading countless articles over the years, I do believe that all activity that puts stress on the bones is a good thing. Of course, these are my choices, and I did not check with a medical professional. My worst area on DEXA is -2.6.

@bobbej Thank you so much bobbej. your response is so informative and hopeful. I am glad to know. I declined the vest but now I wish I hadn't. I hope you are okay if copy and paste your response for the RN that works with my Pulmonologist?

@ursala7 Thank you ursala7. I agree with your hunch that the percussions at lower settings are a helpful way to strengthen your bones. But I'm not an MD

My bone scan from 2024 showed osteopenia and my worst T-score is -1.3 but 3 years bf the scan at another facility showed scores of Osteoporosis. I need another scan to determine what I do have. Best, Jessed

I have been using the Baxter twice a day for 6 months along with the AerbiKa and while they aren't my favorite times of the day, they are helpful. The Baxter specialist will program the settings for how much inflation the vest delivers during each of the 3 parts of the cycle and the vest adjusts for each individual. Its not a one size fits all! It is very helpful at mobilizing the secretions I don't know are there but just like the Aerobika, good instruction produces best results!