SmartVest: Frequently Asked Questions

SmartVest is a natural treatment option with proven patient outcomes. SmartVest use has been associated with:

• 57% Fewer Antibiotics¹
• 59% Fewer Hospitalizations¹
• 68% Improved Quality of Life¹

You just need to make sure you are the right candidate to use it. Read our article to get a better understanding of whether you should really get a Smartvest!

Yes, SmartVest is covered by insurance! That said, coverage depends on a few variables. We’ve answered all of your SmartVest insurance questions here.

Yes, the VA covers SmartVest, provided you meet the proper criteria. Learn more about how SmartVest supports veterans with respiratory conditions and how to get an informational packet to your VA healthcare provider.

We have more answers! Here are 5 Commonly Asked Questions about getting a SmartVest for you to read.

Because the air pulses are delivered to the chest through your vest, the vest must fit correctly. Wear a single, light layer of clothing, such as a t-shirt or blouse. The front closure should be adjusted so the SmartVest fits snugly, but not so tight that it restricts breathing. Adjust the shoulder straps.

The bottom of your vest should be at your waist. It should also be high enough so that it does not fold at your lap while you are sitting. If it is adjusted too loosely, the vest will expand more than is necessary, and pulsations may be less effective.

Most users average 2 treatment sessions per day, each lasting 15 minutes, typically in the morning and evening.

The exact frequency, duration, and settings should be prescribed by a physician or respiratory therapist and tailored to your particular circumstances.

You’ll want to spend some time getting used to your SmartVest, although it’s designed to be very user-friendly. Here are some recommendations:

• The accompanying instruction manual will tell you how to get set up! Make sure to read through it thoroughly before you begin, including how to tell if your vest fits properly. Find an online SmartVest manual.
• If you have other devices (oxygen, ventilator, etc.) or specific comorbidities, it’s best to receive training from a respiratory therapist or clinical specialist on safely integrating SmartVest into your comprehensive treatment.

It depends. The best thing to do is check with your doctor, taking into account the following considerations:

• You may need to sequence treatments (e.g., nebuliser before or after vest therapy) and ensure SmartVest is compatible with other therapies. Your healthcare provider can help with this.
• Your doctor may recommend using SmartVest alongside medications, including DPP1 inhibitors. While combining multiple treatments can be effective, you’ll want to follow your doctor’s guidance.
• If you use oxygen or have cardiopulmonary compromise, ensure monitoring during vest therapy, especially early on.
• The vest must fit properly; if you have tubes/tethers, be sure the vest doesn’t interfere with the lines or cause them to dislodge.

Always check with your physician/respiratory therapist, especially if you are on mechanical ventilation, have a tracheostomy, or have unstable cardiopulmonary status.

If treatment isn’t helping clear your airways, it may be worth talking to our Respiratory Therapists. We’re always here to help you with your device to make sure it fits properly and that you’re using it correctly. You can call us. We’re open 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM CST, 365 days a year, so you can get the help you need!

These symptoms are red flags and may warrant immediate attention. Some general steps:

1. Pause the therapy session. Stop the generator, take off the vest if safe, and allow yourself to rest.
2. Assess what’s happening. Are you feeling dizzy due to rapid breathing, coughing, inadequate oxygenation, low blood pressure, a poor fit of the vest, or an underlying heart or lung issue? It could also be a combination of multiple issues.
3. Check your vital signs. If you’re using oxygen, check that the flow is correct. If you are on ventilatory support, check your settings.
4. Tell your healthcare provider. These symptoms may indicate that therapy is too aggressive, your underlying condition is unstable, or you need reassessment.

It depends on the medication and your individual situation. Always talk to your healthcare provider before incorporating SmartVest into your treatment plan.

Read about the connection between vest therapy and DPP1 inhibitors.

There are two instances when you should not use SmartVest.

• Head and neck injury until it’s been stabilized.
• Active hemorrhage with hemodynamic instability.

There are other conditions under which you should not use SmartVest, though these can vary widely. Please refer to your physician’s discretion to determine the right course of action for you.

Pregnant people may use SmartVest as long as their physician approves it. Always consult your physician before using SmartVest.

Yes, SmartVest is intended for long-term use. While you’re using it, make sure you regularly maintain your vest; proper maintenance is key. You’ll also want to continue talking to your healthcare provider.

Read about common misconceptions about HFCWO and how SmartVest addresses them.

Your garment and generator require ongoing maintenance and cleaning to ensure they continue working correctly.

To clean the garment:

• Remove the inner bladder before cleaning the shell. The inner bladder may be wiped with a damp cloth; do not machine-wash or dry-clean the bladder.
• The outer shell can be machine-washed in cool water on a gentle cycle, then hung to air dry. Do not machine-dry the shell.

Want to know more? Here’s a whole article on How to Clean Your SmartVest

To care for the generator & hose:

• Before cleaning, unplug the power cord. Wipe down the generator and hose with a damp cloth and mild household disinfectant cleaner. Avoid getting water inside the generator.

If your vest isn’t regularly maintained, it may reduce performance or cause device issues.

SmartVest requires:

• 100-240 V~ 50-60 Hz
• 3.3 Amps at 100 V~
• 1.6 Amps at 240 V~

As long as a portable power source can supply this type of power, it can be used.

Yes, as needed.

Yes, SmartVest is available in eight sizes to accommodate chest circumferences.

SmartVest produces some noise, but it’s quiet enough that you can hear those around you or listen to the TV while using it.

This machine-washable, microfiber garment is available in purple, red, blue, pink, and black. It comes in eight different sizes to accommodate chest circumferences ranging from 16 to 52 inches.

No, you’ll need to be awake while using your SmartVest. Our standard recommended usage is twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening, when you can monitor yourself, perform a huff cough after the session, and watch for any discomfort.

Yes, many SmartVest users wear the garment and go about quiet seated activities while the generator pulses. You could sit, read, watch TV, or use a laptop. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Find a comfortable seated position with good posture so the vest can engage properly, and that you can use a huff cough during the treatment.
• Avoid significant movement that may dislodge the hose.
• Avoid lying down in awkward positions unless your clinician has cleared it.
• Keep the hose unobstructed; don’t kink or block the tubing.

SmartVest was designed for easy transport and storage with a compact wheeled carrier. The generator fits securely in the wheeled carrier and is equipped with a telescoping handle that adjusts to height needs.

If something is wrong with your SmartVest, you can always call us. Our support team is here to help.

You can also refer to the provided instruction manual for answers to more of your questions.