NHS Clearway Manuals

Leaflet Name: Clearway/ Clearway 2 cough assistor Leaflet Lead Name: Verity Ford Date Leaflet Developed: January 2021 Date Leaflet Approved: 15/04/2021 Issue Date: April 2021 Review Date: April 2024 Page 1 of 5 Ref: 1412 Version No: 5 Clearway and Clearway 2 Cough Assistor for Home Use [ Liverpool Ventilation Service Aintree Site Lower Lane, L9 7AL Tel: 0151-525-5980 Royal Site Prescot Street, L7 8XP Broadgreen Site Thomas Drive, L14 3LB Royal & Broadgreen Tel: 0151-706-2000 What is a Cough Assistor? A mechanical cough assistor is a machine which can help you clear secretions or phlegm from your lungs. The aim of the treatment is to help you breathe in and out deeply and quickly. This can help when your own cough is not strong enough. The cough assistor is usually given by a mask over your mouth and nose. It helps you take a big breath in then helps you breathe out quickly; you would feel a gentle sucking sensation. What is it used for? There are many different reasons why a cough assistor may be needed including:  muscle problems that make breathing and coughing difficult.  bone problems that make the chest small and coughing difficult. What are the benefits of using a cough assistor?  It may help you clear mucus from your chest and may help prevent chest infections.  It can be used alongside other treatments to prevent breathlessness when you are lying down and shallow breathing that leads to a strain on your heart and daytime sleepiness. If you are unsure about the reason why you have been given the machine please ask your physiotherapist or doctor. Will I be seen by a Doctor, Nurse or Physiotherapist? The decision to provide a machine is taken by the team as a whole, however the machine will be provided by a physiotherapist, either during a clinic appointment, a home visit or whilst you are an inpatient. During this time you will have a full explanation about the machine and its set up. You and/or any carers or family will be shown how to use and maintain the machine. You will also be given a list of contact numbers should you have any queries. What do I need to do before I use it? Important: You must CHECK the machine settings each time before starting treatment.  The cough assistor machine you have been given operates from the mains i.e. it must be plugged in when in use. If necessary a battery can be provided to allow use when away from mains electricity.  To turn the machine on, press the switch on the front of the machine.