Effective treatment of respiratory diseases, especially in patients with muscular diseases or lung problems, often requires support or replacement of the natural cough function. In such cases, mechanical cough assist devices are used. In this article, we will take a closer look at the cough assist device and compare two different devices: the Cough Assist E70 from Philips Respironics and the BiWaze® Cough System from ABM Respiratory Care.
1. What is a cough assist device?
A cough assist device, also known as a mechanical in- exsufflator, is a device that creates an artificial cough burst to facilitate the expectoration of mucus and secretions from the airways. It is used in patients who are unable to cough effectively due to muscle weakness or lung disease. The cough assist simulates the natural cough cycle by creating positive pressure to dilate the bronchi and then switching to negative pressure to clear secretions from the lungs.
2. The Cough Assist E70 from Philips Respironics.
The Cough Assist E70 is a popular cough assist device developed by Philips Respironics. It is commonly used for patients with neuromuscular diseases such as muscular dystrophy, ALS and spinal cord injuries. The Cough Assist E70 offers various setting options that can be customized to the patient. An experienced physician performs the parameter setting to achieve the best treatment results. The device is used through a respiratory mask connected to the device with a tube.
3. The BiWaze® Cough System from ABM Respiratory Care
The BiWaze® Cough System is an innovative cough assist device developed by ABM Respiratory Care. It features a unique dual-bubble design that provides optimal separation of inhaled and exhaled air. The BiWaze® Cough System is lightweight and portable, with an integrated lithium-ion battery. It offers the ability to perform Mechanical Insufflation-Exsufflation (MIE) therapy in combination with High Frequency Oscillations (HFO) to help mobilize mucus. In addition, the device has a PAP on Pause function that prevents lung volume loss and ensures lung stability.
4. Comparison of the two cough assists.
Extensive testing and measurement was conducted to compare the performance and efficacy of the two cough assistants. A study at Seattle Children's Hospital and Research Institute in Seattle, Washington, analyzed the effect of BiWaze® Cough and Cough Assist E70 using a high-precision breathing simulator.
Results showed that BiWaze® Cough produced a constant square inspiratory flow pattern, while Cough Assist E70 provided a rapid onset inspiratory pressure increase. BiWaze® Cough achieved greater airway decompression and achieved higher peak cough flows (PCF) compared to Cough Assist E70. The combination of lower Peak Inspiratory Flow (PIF) and higher PCF with BiWaze® Cough resulted in improved cough efficiency.
5. Benefits of cough assist therapy.
The use of cough assist devices such as the Cough Assist E70 and BiWaze® Cough System offers a number of benefits for patients with respiratory disease. Here are some of the key benefits:
Improved coughing efficiency: the artificial cough push allows patients to more effectively clear mucus and secretions from the airways.
Reduced risk of infection: regular treatment with a cough assist can help prevent respiratory infections by clearing mucus and secretions.
Customizable therapy: the cough assistant settings can be customized to the patient to achieve the best possible results.
Portable and easy to use: Both the Cough Assist E70 and the BiWaze® Cough System are portable devices that are easy to use and allow patients to perform their treatment at home.
6. Areas of application for cough assist therapy.
Cough assistance therapy is used in various fields to help patients with respiratory diseases. Here are some of the areas of application:
Critical care: in critical care, cough assist therapy is often used for patients who are unable to cough effectively due to muscle weakness or lung problems.
Acute care: Cough assistants are also used in acute care settings, such as hospitals, to help patients breathe and facilitate the removal of mucus and secretions.
Homecare: many patients also require cough assist therapy at home to manage their respiratory conditions and improve their quality of life.
7. The role of the physician in the use of cough assist.
The use of a cough assist device requires the expertise and experience of a physician. The physician handles the parameter setting of the device to ensure that the treatment is optimally suited to the patient. The frequency and timing of ventilation must be checked before each use of the cough assistant. Regular monitoring and adjustment of therapy is important to achieve the best possible results.
8. Costs and supply of cough assist devices
The cost of cough assist devices is usually covered by health insurance, especially for patients with specific respiratory diseases such as SMA (spinal muscular atrophy). It is important to check with your own health insurance company for the exact conditions and requirements for coverage.
9. Conclusion
Cough assist devices such as the Cough Assist E70 and the BiWaze® Cough System play an important role in the treatment of patients with respiratory diseases. They enable more effective mucus removal and improve patients' quality of life. By comparing the two devices, we found that the BiWaze® Cough System provides higher clearance efficiency. However, the use of a cough assistant requires expert fitting and monitoring by an experienced physician to achieve optimal results.
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