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Vibralung Acoustical Percussor
I am new to the group, but have appreciated the input from everyone on various issues. I have had MAC for about two years. My main symptom is always being extremely short of breath. Because of my weight ( very low) my local pulmonologist has felt I am not a candidate for normal antibiotic treatment. The only thing I have been doing is using 3% saline along with an albuterol inhaler, and a flutter valve. Nothing makes me cough. I am unable to cough up anything. I recently had a televisit with a doctor from the University of North Carolina pulmonary clinic. She recommended I change to 7% saline and work on airway clearance. She recommended I try a VibraLung which uses sound waves to hopefully dislodge the bacteria in my lungs. I also have a hole in my lung. So, I do not know if I am a candidate for this. The VibraLung is very expensive (about $4,000), which is not covered by Medicare or insurance. It is also nonreturnable. Has anyone used a VibraLung? What were your experiences?
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How about using a gadget called an Aerobika? Some of us on here use that with success. I was prescribed one, but have yet to order it. https://www.aerobika-therapy.com/
An Aerobika is fine but does not do what a vest or VibraLung does. National Jewish gave me one years ago. I was only prescribe a vest or VibraLung last year. Maybe aAerobika is sufficient for less serious cases??.
Terri, I got an Aerobica a couple of months ago. My protocol for airway clearance is as follows - Early AM Aerobika for 10 minutes then shortly after I will nebulize with 7% saline followed by another 10 minutes of Aerobika. Later that AM I do postural drainage by lying flat on my back for 10 minutes or so then manual chest percussion (wife does back) followed by huff coughing then regular coughing. Works well for me to bring up sputum. I never have to cough the rest of the day. Later that evening I take my dose of Arikayce.
I would certainly give it a try. It is so adjustable. I use Smart Vest and it can be very, almost soothing, or very vigorous. The therapist should be able to adjust it to where you are comfortable. Good luck !!
Has anyone tried the Vibralung? Trying to see how it compares to the vest. Cost is $2800. not covered by medicare and most insurances.
@pop55, I moved your question to this discussion about the Vibralung Acoustical Percussor. Click VIEW & REPLY to scroll through past comments about the device and others.
Members like @dulwich @tinaesims @windwalker @woot @toni1132 @shs @thumperguy @annfl and others have commented in this discussion and related discussions about percussion vests. See these discussions:
- Percussion Vests https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/percussion-vests/
- Advice about airway clearance devices https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/advice-about-airway-clearance-devices/
- Vest before or after saline? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/vest-before-or-after-saline/
Pop55, do you use a percussion vest now and are asking specifically about the Virbrlung? Or are you shopping around?
I have the Vest and am considering the Vibralung as my Dr mentioned it. Just wondering what results others have had with Vibralung.
@migizii why does your doctor want you to switch? I was on an airway system (Aerobika) and my doctor changed the order to a vest due to the lack of mucus I could produce. The vest has significantly increased mucus production and reduced exacerbations.
I'm new to this site.... just wondering why you do the nebulizer separate from saline .?
Looks like my post went to the wrong feed...sorry.