This machine was one of the things that aided me in my recovery from pneumonia. Not many families with children or adults with neuromuscular diseases have ever heard of this machine. The following information comes directly from the Emerson Company website.
CoughAssist MI-E Cough Machine We are pleased to introduce the CoughAssist Mechanical Insufflation-Exsufflation (MI-E) device. This latest version of the In-Exsufflator Cough Machine (aka Cofflator) is easy to use and features a sleek new design, quieter operation, an adjustable internal inhale-flow restrictor, a simpler breathing circuit and an optional mobile stand.
Like its predecessor, the non-invasive CoughAssist safely and effectively clears retained broncho-pulmonary secretions, reducing the risk of respiratory complications. The CoughAssist achieves this by gradually applying a positive pressure to the airway, and then rapidly shifts to negative pressure. The rapid shift in pressure produces a high expiratory flow from the lungs, simulating a cough.
This technique, referred to as "mechanical insufflation-exsufflation," avoids airway damage while offering patients greater comfort and quality of life without the use of an invasive procedure. It has been proven effective for patients with an insufficient ability to cough due to poliomyelitis, muscular dystrophy, ALS, myasthenia gravis, or other neurological disorder with some paralysis of the respiratory muscle, such as spinal cord injury. This device may also treat ineffective cough due to emphysema, cystic fibrosis, and bronchiectasis.
Indications for Use: Any patient unable to cough or clear secretions effectively due to reduced peak cough expiratory flow (less than 2 to 3 liters per second), resulting from high spinal cord injuries, neuro-muscular deficits or severe fatigue associated with intrinsic lung disease, is a candidate for this device.
Contraindications: Any patient with a history of bullous emphysema, known susceptibility to pneumothorax or pnuemo-mediastinum, or known to have had any recent barotrauma, should be carefully considered before use.
The CoughAssist can be used with a facemask, mouthpiece or, with an adapter, to a patient's endotracheal or tracheostomy tube. This device can be used on adult and pediatric patients at home or in a hospital/institutional environment.
There are two models of the CoughAssist - automatic and manual. Both models are available in either a 110-volt or 220-volt version. The CM-3000 (110-volt) and CM-3200 (220-volt) use a manually operated valve to shift from positive to negative pressure and back, whereas the CA-3000 (110-volt) and CA-3200 (220-volt) have timing mechanisms to automate the inspiratory and expiratory cycles, as well as a manual control. The CoughAssist meets all US, Canadian and European electrical standards. NOTE: U.S. federal law restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a physician.
To see the OFFICIAL Emerson page on this product, click the following link....
http://www.jhemerson.com/products/products_cough.htm
