The Vest

"This makes my voice sound craaaaazy!"

We have recently had the opportunity to try The Vest, a tool used to percuss the lungs so mucus drains more easily through a person's system. We are in the process of applying for it through our health insurance. We have been told that research has shown that percussive therapy (whack-a-Toe), PEP, and The Vest are equally effective when done properly. However, after using the vest for about a week, I must say, I think this is pretty amazing. The Vest first inflates with air and then sends a series of vibrations through the air to create space between the lungs and the mucus in Toe's lungs. With the strong vibrations going through for a twenty minute stint, I can't imagine how the other treatments measure up.

Toe really likes using The Vest. He loves exploring his voice as the vibrations happen, so we are hearing a lot of singing and speaking (I figure that can't hurt his lungs either) during treatment. He has gained some independence during his breathing treatment by managing this part (and stopping every five minutes to do Huff "coughing" technique).

This has been an exciting development in our CF treatment regime. We are hoping we can keep it!