The Vest® Airway Clearance System, Model 205 was developed to provide effective Airway Clearance Therapy. The system consists of a disposable garment attached to an Air Pulse Generator that rapidly inflates and deflates the disposable garment. This causes the chest wall to be gently compressed and released, which creates airflow within the lungs. This process moves mucus toward the large airways where it can be cleared by coughing or suctioning. This type of Airway Clearance Therapy is referred to as High Frequency Chest Wall Oscillation (HFCWO).

The air-pulse generator rapidly inflates and deflates the vest, gently compressing and releasing the chest wall up to 20 times per second. This process creates ‘mini-coughs’ that dislodge mucus from the bronchial walls, increase mobilisation, 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.

The Vest has been prescribed for secretion clearance dysfunction associated with a variety of diseases and conditions, including cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cerebral palsy. It has been successfully used to maintain healthy lung function in post-operative, ICU, and post lung transplant patients.