Emily will be getting a vest... what to expect?
I didn't get my Vest until early high school or late middle school, but once I had it I looooved it. I hated using the flutter and I really hated my parents doing manual PD. I've always had a Vest/Hilrom.
If noise is a concern, it helps to make sure the compressor is on a carpet. If it's going to be on a hard surface, put a towel or something between it and the floor. I pretty much always watch tv/play on the computer/play videogames when using the vest and it really helps the time go by, but the volume can be a concern. I def think it's a good idea for you to get headphones, both for her and for your sanity. I use both wireless and headphones with an extension. As far as Hilrom claiming that theirs is quiet, I don't think that there is any such thing as a "quiet" vest, but they are a lot quieter than the older models or other units I've used in the hospital.
I get fairly itchy, but it's not nearly so bad if I wear a shirt with sleeves (not a tank top). I wouldn't wear a sweatshirt, though, unless the room is cold. Big puffy vest + coughing + sweatshirt = overheating.
As far as I remember, insurance wouldn't pay outright, but would pay the vast majority of a rental. It was a rent-to-own program, though, so after a couple years we owned it. Of course then you own a vest and they know it, so if they come out with a model you're kind of stuck. I had to wait years for my 75 lb clunker to die so I could get the little 17 lb model. Good luck!
I didn't get my Vest until early high school or late middle school, but once I had it I looooved it. I hated using the flutter and I really hated my parents doing manual PD. I've always had a Vest/Hilrom.
If noise is a concern, it helps to make sure the compressor is on a carpet. If it's going to be on a hard surface, put a towel or something between it and the floor. I pretty much always watch tv/play on the computer/play videogames when using the vest and it really helps the time go by, but the volume can be a concern. I def think it's a good idea for you to get headphones, both for her and for your sanity. I use both wireless and headphones with an extension. As far as Hilrom claiming that theirs is quiet, I don't think that there is any such thing as a "quiet" vest, but they are a lot quieter than the older models or other units I've used in the hospital.
I get fairly itchy, but it's not nearly so bad if I wear a shirt with sleeves (not a tank top). I wouldn't wear a sweatshirt, though, unless the room is cold. Big puffy vest + coughing + sweatshirt = overheating.
As far as I remember, insurance wouldn't pay outright, but would pay the vast majority of a rental. It was a rent-to-own program, though, so after a couple years we owned it. Of course then you own a vest and they know it, so if they come out with a model you're kind of stuck. I had to wait years for my 75 lb clunker to die so I could get the little 17 lb model. Good luck!