SmartVest’s Impact on Quality of Life for Bronchiectasis Patients

SmartVest Users for Bronchiectasis Making an Impact on Quality of LifeWhether it is simply making it up the stairs, sleeping through the night, or feeling healthy and energetic enough to travel, SmartVest users are eager to share how their quality of life has improved after incorporating the airway clearance vest therapy into their treatment regimen to help manage a chronic lung condition like bronchiectasis.

I had been sick fighting infections, bronchitis, and pneumonia for a number of years. I believe without the SmartVest I wouldn’t be here today…my life is TOTALLY better. Within days after using it I was sleeping better, the flare ups grew farther apart and I have not been sick for almost a year and a half now! I can’t say enough good about using it. Thank you Electromed for improving my health and life!” -Nancy

Bronchiectasis (brong-kee-Ek-tuh-sis) is an irreversible chronic lung condition where airways become damaged and abnormally widened from recurring inflammation or infection, resulting in your lungs slowly losing their ability to mobilize and clear mucus, making it easier for bacteria to infect your lungs.

“[SmartVest] made a difference in my life. Due to bronchiectasis, I hardly slept at night for 2 years due to the mucus. I coughed so much my rib area was extremely painful. The SmartVest changed all that. I sleep MUCH better and don’t get sick near as often. At the time, my insurance would not cover SmartVest, but Electromed worked with my insurance company for over a year and finally my insurance covered it!” -Nancy

With proper documentation, the SmartVest is reimbursable by private insurance, Medicare, state medical assistance, a combination of these three, or the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. The Electromed team is available to assist with documentation and the reimbursement process.

After I use the SmartVest, it's like I just had oxygen and I feel really good!

Managing bronchiectasis is possible, and the SmartVest Airway Clearance System has helped many people with bronchiectasis improve their symptoms so they can lead active and fulfilling lives.

“This vest saved my life. Thank you SmartVest for helping me help myself and have better quality of life. I can live a relatively normal life without oxygen. The vest along with my medical protocol has been life changing. Thanking my physicians who did not give up on me and fought for me to get this vest. When I think back to where I was before the vest, I wasn’t sure if I would grow old with my husband or make it to see my future grandchildren. This vest enables me to continue to work full time and I have returned to most of my activities I could not and was not allowed to do with my past lung function. Thank you, thank you, thank you!” -Debra

In a recent study, patients who managed their bronchiectasis symptoms with SmartVest showed a reduction in antibiotic prescriptions and hospitalizations. While individual results may vary, patients who are compliant with their SmartVest bronchiectasis treatment protocols could additionally experience cost savings as a result of their reduction in antibiotics and hospitalizations.*

“I did not like the idea of doing the vest at first, but it has been much improved since the first time I had to do it as a youngster. After 5 months of using the SmartVest my lung function improved 20%. Now days if I don’t use my vest I feel like the day hasn’t really started.” -Lacey

SmartVest success stories

Read more success stories or share your story about your experience using the SmartVest Airway Clearance System for HFCWO therapy and bronchiectasis treatment.

Since using SmartVest, I haven’t been in the hospital at all. It’s a miracle. -Sheila

Having a chronic condition can feel isolating. If you’re looking for a community of support, like the SmartVest Facebook page and join the Bronchiectasis and NTM online community, which is part of the COPD Foundation, to ask questions, gain insight, and share your thoughts with others who are affected.

 

Graphic icon to connect with Mike and Lori

 

*Sievert, CE et al. 2017. Cost-Effective Analysis of Using High Frequency Chest Wall Oscillation (HFCWO) in Patients with Non-Cystic Fibrosis Bronchiectasis. Respiratory Therapy, 12(1), 45-49.