Vest therapy

What is vest therapy?

Vest therapy is a way to get rid of secretions in the lungs. It uses an air pulse generator and an inflatable vest that wraps around the chest to help loosen mucus so it can be coughed out. For effective therapy sessions, you need to do strong coughs or huff/cough exercises during and after treatments.

How do I use the vest?

When using the full vest:

Put the vest on over a thin layer of clothing. Adjust the front closures so the vest fits loosely. Move the shoulder straps so that the vest covers as much of the upper chest as possible (but without digging into the armpits).

When using the wrap vest:

Put the wrap vest over a thin layer of clothing.  With the wrap vest deflated, adjust the vest to fit comfortably close to the underarms.  Have your child take a deep breath and secure the hook-and-loop fasteners to close the wrap vest. 

Connect the tubing from the air pulse generator to the vest. Turn the device on and adjust the settings to what was prescribed.  Some devices may allow for pre-set programs. Your vest company will set this up for you. Breathe normally during each frequency setting, taking a deep breath once per minute. 

Important: Each therapy session may last from 10-30 minutes using up to 6 frequency settings for 5 minutes in each frequency. After each frequency setting, perform the following (if able):

1. Pause vest. The cough pauses can be programmed on your vest. 
2. Do 3 vigorous coughs or cough/huff exercises.

The cough exercises help clear mucus and are an important part of vest therapy. As your child grows their vest settings may change. If you have questions regarding vest settings, please talk to your provider.  Your vest company or respiratory therapist can help you change the settings as directed by your provider.  

Frequency settings: _________________

Pressure setting: _________

Minutes in each frequency: _____________

Vest size: _________________________, full vest / chest wrap

What else do I need to know?

It may take your child some time to become used to the vest.  Distractions like screen time, books or simple games may help.  

How do I clean the vest?

Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for cleaning the air pulse generator and vest.

Questions?

This sheet is not specific to your child but provides general information. If you have any questions, please call your clinic. 

Last reviewed 1/2025

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