I know this is an old thread. Sorry for such a delay. I use a coughing
machine(InExSufflator). I have Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy use a vent full
time and am not trached. My dystrophy has left me without the ability to
cough adequately. I couldn't survive without it! It's just as important to
me as my ventilator. It has prevented pheomonia countless times. Every time
I get a cold it's used constantly to clear secretions that would most
definitely cause pheomonia. I also have difficulty swallowing. So, I
sometimes get small food particles stuck in my throat. The coughing machine
brings these particles up. Being non-invasive it can be used by non-medical
trained people. As opposed to a suction machine which requires someone with
some medical training. I only have 59 hours of nursing care a week. This
machine is a true life saver for me! Check it out at
http://www.jhemerson.com/inex.htm
Jeff Gray nirusers(AT)ptdprolog.net