Vest to BiWaze Clear for airway clearance

https://abmrc.com/biwaze-clear-home-care/
Looks interesting and a possible competitor to Volara? Internet says $5,000 for a new one and about half that for a re-conditioned one. 10 minute treatment. Sounds great!

@lnduh72 please tell us more details!

Scoop,

I don't receive the device until after all the paperwork, ordering, etc. are done. I did demo the system with my ME provider and the product rep. That demo included their nebulizer attachment using my 3% sodium chloride. Although a brief demonstration, it seemed to work okay. You can program the device according to your tolerance or use a preprogramed setting. I will share my opinion after I receive it. At this time, it is apparently NOT approved to be used with any solutions/medications other than sodium chloride. The device and accessories are covered by Medicare if you are not currently receiving Medicare coverage for another airway clearance device, such as a vest. I hope this helps.

Thank you for the information on BiWaze. I am not familiar with this system. Do you know how to clean/sterilize the long tube? I cannot wear the vest either, and the BiWaze might be a good alternative to better AWC's techniques.

Thank you.

That is a very good question. I asked the rep, but she was not all that familiar with the product other than the programming of the base unit. The info that I did receive was that the hose needed to be cleaned after each use in soap and water and dried thoroughly. My ME ordered 2 hose units for me since I do 2 Rx a day. I think there needs to be more to it than that, so i am going to research this further. The hose is long and a bit cumbersome, but I think I can hand this better than the vest. The web site is http://www.abmrc.com (ABM Respiratory Care).

This does look interesting. I did a quick check on the FDA website. Only one adverse event reported in the past year, no patient injury was reported. There was a burning/ smoke smell which triggered the report. The device was replaced by the manufacturer and investigated to determine the cause. This being said, with only one report the safety record is not at all concerning giving this another positive potential option for treatment.

FYI Biwaze is currently conducting a six-month long study where they are hoping to show that the Clear device is beneficial for daily use with BE patients.
https://respiratory-therapy.com/disorders-diseases/chronic-pulmonary-disorders/chronic-diseases/home-care-biwaze-clear-bronchiectasis/

That is very interesting. I did not realize this, and the representative never mentioned it. I thank you for the link. Maybe I will hold off until this study is complete??

It seems this device has been approved by the FDA so unless you have severe reservations, I see no reason to wait. There are studies going on all the time; this one might be for marketing purposes. I can't tell but I know that companies run them after approval to help promote/sell their products.

That is true. I just want to be sure and not give out any misinformation. Are you considering the new BE drug that is supposed to come out this fall?

Yes, I hope to. Many outstanding questions, like timing availability, cost, etc. I suspect there will be a prior authorization process. If it looks unlikely I will enroll in a clinical trial for a similar drug and hope I get the real drug. Wishful thinking I know!