Recommended Usage Directions

(How to effectively use the Vibralung)

Always follow your health care professionals' instructions.

While the following are recommendations only, they are based on the Vibralung Acoustical Percussor applying principles of sound to the respiratory system. One such principle is resonance which is applied as the Vibralung generates three tonal frequency stepping modes, L-Low, M-Medium, and H-High, which are all 10 minutes each. At or near resonant frequency the mucus, mucus plaque, and/or the airway surfaces themselves will vibrate, that is resonant, creating a shearing effect, promoting the breaking down, and mobilization of, mucous secretions. This makes it easier for the respiratory system to expel the secretions.

Another is the smaller the structures the higher the frequencies, which is the reason to start with Low first. Because the largest airways have the lowest frequencies the first step is to clear them. This will create a clear path for mucus cleared further down in the lungs to be expelled as the patient moves to the higher ranges.

Another mode called Random Noise appears to help reduce constriction of the airways to improve breathing. The Vibralung generates frequencies from 5 – 1,200 Hz, which are within the normal range of human speech.

Summary: The tonal settings (L-Low, M-Medium, and H-High) mobilize mucus for airway clearance, and the random noise settings (R2 and R5) relax and open the airways.

Start with the PEP (Positive Expiratory Pressure) valve half open and adjust as needed.

Pneumonia Recommended Usage Directions

For severe pneumonia (such as COVID-19 induced) increase the number of treatments up to 5 per day.

Start with R2 then L-Low then R5 for two to three treatments. If little or no secretions are expelled on L-Low, move to R2 then M-Medium followed by R5.
Continue with: Mornings R2, then L-Low or M-Medium then R5, and R2 then for other times R2 then M-Medium or H-High followed by R5.
If pneumonia appears to be in the lowest lobes or more distal, start with mornings with R2 then M-Medium then R5nd R2 then for other times R2 then M-Medium or H-High followed by R5.

Continue treatments until symptoms abate.

Chronic Conditions Recommended Usage Directions
COPD, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, refractory asthma, bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis.

L-Low followed by R2, 2 or 3 times per day until mucus production amount has diminished.
M-Medium followed by R2, 2 or 3 times per day until mucus production amount has diminished.
Alternate mornings treatments betweem L-Low and M-Medium, each followed by R2, and evenings H-High followed by R2.

Continue until mucus production amount has diminished or symptoms have improved. Use the optional noon treatment if your symptoms worsen, such as if you get bronchitis or notice an increase in mucus from allergies. At anytime, you can use R5, that is random noise for 5 minutes instead of just 2 minutes.
If you have wheezing, you may also use R2 or R5 first, followed by Low, Medium, or High, then another R2 or R5.

As symptoms continue to improve the patient may start the maintenance schedule. Note the patient may vary the settings to best facilitate airway clearance. The patient may now begin to spread out treatments, that is, treat once a day for about a week, then treat once every other day for about a week, and continue spacing the treatments out more and more.

The patient should do a treatment at least twice a month to maintain airway clearance.

Cystic fibrosis patients may find they need more treatments to maintain airway clearance.

If at any time the patient has an exacerbation of their symptoms, immediately re-start at the beginning of these
directions.

Asthma Recommended Usage Directions

Morning R5 treatment, mid-day R5 treatment, evening L-Low plus R5 for one week.
Morning R5 treatment, mid-day R5 treatment, evening M-Medium plus R5 for one week.
Mornings continue with the R5 treatments, and alternate the evening treatments between L-Low and

M-Medium plus R5. Treatments may be spaced out and patient may find they only need random noise.

If the patient experiences any exacerbation, immediately do a R5 treatment which may be repeated up to three
times as needed. Return to twice a day treatments: mornings continue with the R5 treatments, and alternate the
evening treatments between L-Low and M-Medium followed by R5.

Neuromuscula Recommended Usage Directions

Morning L-Low, followed by R2 or R5.
Afternoon M-Medium, followed by R2 or R5.
Evening L-Low, followed by R2 or R5.

After the first week, every third or fourth day change to these directions.

Morning M-Medium, followed by R2 or R5.
Afternoon H-High, followed by R2 or R5.
Evening M-Medium, followed by R2 or R5.

If necessary, follow each treatment with postural drainage.

Your health care professional may also write their own directions for you.