Respiratory Equipment for
Tay-Sachs, Sandhoff, GM1, Canavan and related diseases
Suction Machine
A suction machine is commonly used to remove secretions and mucous (gunk) from the mouth, throat, nose and upper lobes of the lungs. Available in both portable (battery operated) and non-portable. Many families prefer the portable battery operated suction machines to allow for more outings with their child. Battery operated equipment are useful in case of power outage. Supplemental suction machine supplies include catheters, i.e., Yankour, flexible (sterile and non-sterile), nasal aspirators.
Nebulizer
A nebulizer changes liquid medicine into fine droplets (in aerosol or mist form) that are inhaled through a mouthpiece or mask. The nebulizer "breathing treatments" are commonly used to delivery airway opening medications such as albuterol (Ventolin®, Proventil® or Airet®), levalbuterol (Xopenex®) or ipratropium bromide (Atrovent®).
A nebulizer may be used instead of a metered dose inhaler (MDI). Many families prefer the portable battery operated nebulizers to allow for more outings with their child. Battery operated equipment are useful in case of power outage.
Vest
The Vest® System is an easy-to-use airway clearance device that unlike manual chest percussion therapy (CPT), The Vest® System treatment does not require special positioning and breathing techniques. It can be challenging to get insurance coverage for the Vest and it is very expensive. A script from a pulmonologist stating it is medically necessary is a good first step. Contact the office for assistance.
The Air Pulse Generator rapidly fills and deflates an inflatable garment, gently compressing and releasing the chest wall up to 25 times per second. This process, called High-Frequency Chest Wall Oscillation (HFCWO), creates mini-coughs that dislodge mucus from the bronchial walls, increase mobilization, and move it along toward central airways. The action also works to thin thick secretions, making them easier to clear. Once the mucus has moved from the smaller to larger airways, it can be easily removed by coughing or suctioning. (source: www.thevest.com).
Cough Assist
CoughAssist is a noninvasive therapy that safely and consistently removes secretions in patients with an ineffective ability to cough. It clears secretions by gradually applying a positive pressure to the airway, then rapidly shifting to negative pressure. The rapid shift in pressure produces a high expiratory flow, simulating a natural cough.
Oxygen Concentrator & Portable Tanks
Oxygen Concentrators are a safe and convenient source of therapeutic oxygen. They are commonly used alternatives to awkward and potentially dangerous tanks. Oxygen concentrators provide a continuous flow of oxygen (or sometimes a pulse of oxygen as the user inhales) to the user without tanks or cylinders that require re-filling. They are electric or battery powered oxygen delivery systems that extract some of the air from the room and separates the oxygen from the other gases.