Clinical Difference

American Thoracic Society (ATS) clinical practice guidelines strongly recommend CoughAssist to prevent respiratory complications in patients with neuromuscular disease.

- Bach JR. Eur Respir J. 2003; 21:385-386.2


"Cough augmentation with mechanical insufflation/exsufflation produces a significant increase in peak cough flow and facilitates airway secretion clearance in neuromuscular disorders. It has been reported to be successful in avoiding hospitalizations, pneumonias, episodes of respiratory failure, and tracheotomy for patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, spinal muscular atrophy, and ALS."

- Winck JC, et al. Chest. 2004;126:774-780
CoughAssist can prevent complications in patients with an ineffective cough
  • Respiratory tract infections are the most common cause of hospital admission in patients with neuromuscular disease4
  • More than 90% of acute respiratory failure episodes in neuromuscular disorder (NMD) patients are caused by ineffective coughing during chest colds5
An effective cough with CoughAssist is critical to keeping airways clear
  • CoughAssist has been clinically proven to:
    • Increase peak cough expiratory flows by more than fourfold6
    • Reduce recurrent respiratory infections in patients with respiratory weakness from neuromuscular disease2,4,7,8
Keeping airways clear makes patients feel better
"In addition to the medical benefits of enhanced airway clearance, the importance of the psychological benefits to patients with NMD should be considered as well."7

- Miske LJ, et al. Chest. 2004; 125:1406-1412.
  • CoughAssist can lead to improvement in perceived quality of life due to fewer acute illness-related episodes7
  • Patients report that it feels "easier to breathe" after the use of CoughAssist7
  • Wide range of available accessories ensure comfort for better compliance
Physician Testimonial

I recently found myself in the unenviable position of being unable to cough or swallow after emergency cervical spine surgery. As a pediatric pulmonologist, I was aware of the CoughAssist device, and requested treatment with it. I experienced immediate relief with the first use. My lungs cleared and my oxyhemoglobin saturation rose. After a few days, I was able to clear secretions on my own.

I am convinced that if it were not for my use of the CoughAssist, I would have developed atelectasis and pneumonia and would have wound up in the ICU—something that would not have done at all for a pulmonologist.9



- Jonathan D. Finder, MD

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