All over the country, thousands of individuals continue to benefit from using the SmartVest Airway Clearance System.
SmartVest is a high frequency chest oscillation (HFCWO) therapy device that works to provide symptom relief for patients living with a chronic lung condition. When used daily, and as part of your bronchiectasis or COPD treatment plan, SmartVest may help reduce mucus buildup in the lungs and prevent a worsening of symptoms.
This means patients spend less time dealing with flare ups that require hospital visits and more time living their life to its fullest potential [1].
As our mission is to make life’s important moments possible—one breath at a time®, we love to hear and share success stories from both new and long-time SmartVest users.
Today, we wanted to share Ted’s powerful story—a Church Pastor and long-time SmartVest user who got his stride back after talking to his doctor about our airway clearance therapy device.
Ted’s SmartVest Success Story
“I have been suffering with shortness of breath for approximately three years. My bronicals get infected and restricted air from coming through.
I was taking antibiotics and using albuterol with a nebulizer—as well as two different inhalers. I was not able to stand and talk at the same time, due to shortness of breath.
I became unable to continue my work as a Church Pastor, because I couldn’t get enough breath to preach. Nothing I was doing, medically, was working.
During a visit to my lung doctor, I saw some information about the SmartVest and I talked to my doctor about it.
She ordered it for me, and there was an instant change with the first treatment. Before the illness attacked my lungs, I was walking from five to seven miles a day. Of course, with my declining breathing ability, I had to stop my daily walks.
After a week of using SmartVest, I resumed walking. Most days, I only walk about three miles, [when it is] a hundred degree heat in my part of Texas. Then when the weather cools off, I set a daily goal of six miles.
I feel like I have a second chance at life. By the way, I recently turned 77. I am also working again. Thank You SmartVest!”
Talking to Your Doctor About SmartVest
Our team is always doing its best to keep clinicians and pulmonologists informed about the benefits of SmartVest. But sometimes, the best way to get the conversation going starts with you!
Looking to experience the type of symptom relief that Ted has? If you’re unsure how to approach the subject with your clinician, we have resources available that you and your loved ones can explore.
Depending on how you like to find your information, you can choose from any, or all, of the following resources:
Information Packet
Get the facts, data, and information you need to feel confident about making the move toward airway clearance. Simply fill out our online form and an information packet will be delivered directly to your door.
Inside, you’ll find information on how SmartVest works. We’ve also included clinical evidence on its ability to help clear mucus from the lungs. Finally, you’ll see a prescription form right inside each packet to bring to your next healthcare appointment.
Live Chat
If you’re someone who prefers to talk with a real person, then we can’t wait for you to meet our patient care advocates, who are also Respiratory Therapists. These two are committed to helping you find the answers you need and the support you deserve throughout your SmartVest Journey! Call them directly at 1.855.528.5690
You can easily schedule a time to talk and find out more about our product and how the prescription process works, so you feel comfortable and prepared to discuss SmartVest with your doctor.
Video Tutorials
Many of us are visual learners and want to see how an airway clearance device, like SmartVest, works in action! We have this covered, too. Subscribe to our YouTube channel to find videos like how to use SmartVest at home and how to clean your vest. We also feature a powerful video series titled “Ask a Pulmonologist.” In this set of videos, Dr. Federic Seifer shares insights on the relationship between bronchiectasis and COPD and how to start a conversation with your doctor, so you get the correct diagnoses for your individual condition.
Articles/Resources
We’ve spent years gathering helpful articles that discuss important topics related to your condition and symptoms. From how to get rid of mucus in the lungs to understanding the differences between bronchiectasis and COPD—as well as 5 myths about HFCWO therapy—our goal is to be your #1 resource and provide you with the information you need to make informed decisions about your condition with your healthcare team.
Clinical Publications
Ready to discover why SmartVest is the smart choice for airway clearance? You can explore articles that highlight independent clinical studies on the effectiveness of SmartVest in reducing hospitalizations [2] and medical costs [3] for patients living with bronchiectasis.
Ready to Experience Airway Clearance?
In addition to Ted’s story, there are many powerful success stories from SmartVest users that we encourage you to read and share with friends and family!
And if you’re ready to experience SmartVest on your own, remember to schedule a time to chat with one of our patient care advocates for questions and/or request an information packet to share with your healthcare team!
Resources
[1] Powner, J, et al. Employment of Algorithm of Care Including Chest Physiotherapy Results in Reduced Hospitalizations and Stability of Lung Function in Bronchiectasis. BMC Pulmonary Medicine, BioMed Central. 25 Apr. 2019.
[2] Powner, J, et al. Employment of Algorithm of Care Including Chest Physiotherapy Results in Reduced Hospitalizations and Stability of Lung Function in Bronchiectasis. BMC Pulmonary Medicine, BioMed Central. 25 Apr. 2019.
[3] 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.
