Anyone using the SmartVest to dislodge your mucus?
I use it twice a day with three setting for 15 minutes session. But, I don’t generally see any improvement. It’s only been three weeks. Anyone?
Hi nolapdog, and thanks for this post about the 'Smartvest' - it's a good question for our community members to reply to if they have experience.
This device falls under the category of High Frequency Chest Wall Oscillation (HFCWO) types of devices. It has been around for a long time and does provide benefits for some patients with obstructive lung disease. Professionally, I have seen it used and used it with success (in some cases) for patients, typically with COPD and Cystic Fibrosis.
I see you have been using it for about 3 weeks two times each day. In my experience, this tends to work towards moving mucus rather quickly. If, as you said, you are not seeing any results to speak of, you may want to discuss this further with your physician. It is possible the settings you are using may need to be adjusted.
What do you think?
Wishing you well,
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)I think you may be right. It may not be set high enough for my needs. It was set by the provider but I will give them a call.
Hi again,
, and thank you for responding with your own thoughts. From my experience, this type of High Frequency Chest Wall Oscillation (HFCWO), type of device, can work and provide dramatic improvement when used correctly for patients who are good candidates for its use. If the doctor feels that you are a good candidate - it may need an adjustment that is specific for your body type, condition and body frame. The vest should be properly sized (for each patient - You, in this case), and set correctly as to 'frequency in hertz' and 'pressure' settings. Between your physician, and the company staff (hopefully respiratory therapists), who adjust the device, you should begin to see a rather quick improvement.
Please do check back and let us know how this turns out for you.
Good luck!
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)
