Just what exactly is?

[Nettie]

Thanks Ellie, let’s hope so eh Janette x

[Ellie]

That's good to hear Janette, it'll help keep your lungs healthy.

[Nettie]

I’ve just started using one this week, I don’t bring anything up though, they did say not everyone brings stuff up it just moves stuff round so not sitting in the bottom of your lungs therefore preventing infections. Janette x

[matthew55]

Well it is during the day and I can sleep for seven straight hours but lately I have problems with a croak that I just can't clear completely when I am trying to get to sleep. I think a clear out before bed sounds good. 😁x

[GaryM]

I thought your breathing was good, matthew55 ?

[Ellie]

I couldn’t cough with it on anyway.

The purpose of the machine is for it to simulate the action of a cough, not to make you physically cough - although sometimes people may need to physically cough up secretions brought up by the machine's actions. Think of it as a cough replacement device.

Good to hear that you have a strong cough, Lynne.

[matthew55]

The plot thickens 😁 I am intrigued now 🙂x

[Lynne K]

I got a cough assistant machine from the breathing team at Wythenshaw but I haven’t used it yet because it’s no stronger than my own breathing or cough. I couldn’t cough with it on anyway. Lynne

[matthew55]

Okay well nothing ventured. I will look into getting one. Thanks mate 👍👏😍x

[Ellie]

Pushes air into lungs, then reverses the process. It isn't scary - you don't feel as if a jet engine's thrust is rammed down your throat, then sucked back out by Dyson's most powerful vaccuum 😁 but for the first time, it does feel strange. Your chest muscles can get a bit of a workout which, if they aren't used to it, they can feel used.

[matthew55]

Thanks but what actually happens when you use it. It still sounds scary. 🤔Zx

[Ellie]

A cough assist machine basically simulates a cough for people whose cough is weak and ineffective. Coughing helps to clear secrections, expand the lungs and bring up gunk, which could be hiding nasty lurgies, so coughing is important for lung health and this is where cough assists come in.

It's an 'odd' feeling, rather than painful. The settings need to be right for you.

I like the short, ALS/MND-specific videos in this link - it's American, so ignore any talk about insurance!

https://www.youralsguide.com/cough-assist-machine.html

Definitely worth trying mate x

[matthew55]

A coughing machine? How big is it? what does it do? Is it painful? I am asking you lot before the professionals obviously. 😀x