Frequently Asked Questions

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The Vest® System, Model 205

What is the primary use environment?
Acute & Long-term Care
Can the patient or caregiver operate the device?
The device may be operated by either the clinician or the patient. The clinician/patient may pause or restart the device with or without the benefit of a Remote Control.
Can the The Vest® System, Model 205 be used with any inflatable or disposable style vest?
In the Acute & Long-term Care settings we recommend the use of a disposable vest to minimize the risk of cross-contamination. Two styles of single patient use disposable vests are available, the Wrap SPU Vest & Full SPU Vest.

The Vest® System, Model 105

Where is the device available & how is it acquired by a patient?
The The Vest® System, Model 105 is available in the Home Care environment. It can be obtained by way of physician prescription.
How is the device operated?
The The Vest® System, Model 105 can be operated by simply depressing the On or Off buttons located on the front of the device. A Remote Control option is available to pause and resume operation.
How long does the device cycle/operate?
The time of therapy for every patient can vary depending on the physician's prescription. Typically, therapy sessions are approximately 20 minutes twice a day.

Inflatable Vest Styles

Why do you have more than one inflatable style vest, and how do they differ?
Hill-Rom offers several sizes and styles of Inflatable Vests to accommodate the different needs of home care and acute care, various patient body shapes and individual physician preference.
Chest Vest: The Chest Vest is re-useable, blue, and uses Hook & Loop closures. It inflates only in the front, and, does not cover stomach.
Full Vest: The Full Vest is re-useable, black, uses Buckle Closures, and inflates fully around the chest. Two styles of Full Vests are available with the difference being in how low the front is cut.
Wrap Vest: The Wrap Vest is re-useable, gray, and uses Hook and Loop closures. It has a bladder that inflates. The bladder may be positioned on the front, back or sides of the thorax for patient comfort. While the patient takes a deep breath, the ends of the vest should be closely secured
Wrap SPU Vest: The Wrap SPU Vest is a single patient use disposable product designed for Acute & Long-term Care use. The Wrap SPU Vest is designed to minimize the risk of cross contamination, and to ease placement and removal. It has a bladder that inflates.  The bladder may be positioned on the front, back or sides of the thorax for patient comfort
Full SPU Vest: The Full SPU Vest is a single patient use disposable product designed for Acute & Long-term Care use. The Full SPU Vest is designed to minimize the risk of cross contamination and fully inflates around the chest.
How many sizes?
Chest Vest: 4 sizes – small, medium, large & extra-large: covers chest circumferences between 20 to 67 inches
Full Vest: 6 sizes – child small, medium & large, adult small, medium & large: covers chest circumferences of between 19 to 52 inches
Wrap Vest: 6 sizes – extra small, small, medium, large, extra large, xx-large: covers chest circumferences between 19 to 75 inches
Wrap SPU Vest: 6 sizes – extra small, small, medium, large, extra large, xx-large: covers chest circumferences between 19 – 75 inches
Full SPU Vest: 5 sizes – child medium & large, adult small, medium & large: covers chest circumferences between 23 to 52 inches
Which inflatable vest style comes with a Home Care prescription?
Unless otherwise noted, a Chest Vest is sent to the patient. However, the physician may request that an alternative style be utilized.
How do you know that the inflatable vest is sized correctly for the patient?
Your H/C Clinician will confirm in AC or LTC but here are some guidelines.
Chest Vest: The Chest Vest should fit comfortably close to the under arms; 2 fingers should be able to be inserted between the patient and the Chest Vest before it's inflated
Full Vest: The Full Vest should fit comfortably close to the under arms, and the bottom of the vest should hit at top of hip bone. Prior to inflation of the Full Vest, a fist should fit between the patient and the vest
Wrap Vest: The Wrap Vest should fit around the patient’s thorax just beneath the underarms. It should fit snuggly around the patient but not restrict breathing.
Wrap SPU Vest: The Wrap SPU Vest fits just under the patient's under arms. It inflates similar to the Chest Vest, only in the front. While the patient takes a deep breath, the ends of the vest should be closely secured
Full SPU Vest: The Full Vest should fit comfortably close under the patient's under arms with the bottom of the vest at top of hip bone. Prior to inflation, a fist should fit between the patient and the vest

Treatment Settings

Frequency and Pressure settings

What are common settings for Frequency?
Commonly prescribed Frequency settings are between 10 – 15 Hz.
What are common settings for Pressure?
Commonly prescribed Pressure settings are:
  • Chest Vest : 1 – 4
  • Full Vest : 4 – 6
  • Wrap Vest: 1 – 4
  • Wrap SPU Vest : 1 – 4
  • Full SPU Vest : 4 – 6

Treatment

How long does a patient typically receive therapy?
The time of therapy for every patient can vary depending on the physician's prescription. Typically, therapy sessions are approximately 20 minutes twice a day.
Do patients need to be in any special position when receiving therapy?
No
Can The Vest® System be used at the same time as nebulizer treatments are provided?
Yes.

Other

What ways can the The Vest® System, Model 205 be obtained?
  • Disposable Usage Program Option
  • Purchase Option
  • Long-Term or Short-Term Rental Option
    • What is the warranty for the device?
    The Vest® System, Model 105 (Home Care), has a Limited Lifetime Warranty if acquired and used within the United States. The warranty is not transferable. The Vest® System, Model 205 (Acute Care) has a 1 year warranty.

    DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this document is for educational purposes only and is not intended to serve as treatment, diagnostic, or reimbursement advice. It is the responsibility of the provider to consult with each patient's health plan for appropriate coding and reporting of The Vest® System. In all cases, services billed must be medically necessary, actually performed as reported and appropriately documented. Providers are responsible for confirming the appropriate HCPCS product codes and ICD-9 diagnostic codes in accordance with payor regulations and guidance.

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