<b>Janddburke</b>
No, they probably don't "loose effectiveness over time" but the package sure gets smaller ! The problem is with getting a new one, the insurance companies don't think they should spend another $16,000.00 for you to have a smaller one. If you have a different insurance company now than you did when you got the vest you might stand a better chance at getting a new one. Also call Hill-Rom and ask them about upgrading to a new one. I've heard other people say you can do that, but the down side is it still ends up costing you like $6,000. (they take your old one back)
<b>Ratatosk</b>
Yes, I am more impressed with the Respirtech machine, vest, tubes and bag. The shape of the machine is smaller & more compact, the vest seems to have more to it, the tubes are wonderful -- lock into place, attaching is easy and they don't seem as "cheap looking/feeling" as the Hill-Rom tubes. The carrying case is far better. It has better/thicker more supportive padding. The unit sits down in the center and is supported and fits very snuggly against the padding.
No, they probably don't "loose effectiveness over time" but the package sure gets smaller ! The problem is with getting a new one, the insurance companies don't think they should spend another $16,000.00 for you to have a smaller one. If you have a different insurance company now than you did when you got the vest you might stand a better chance at getting a new one. Also call Hill-Rom and ask them about upgrading to a new one. I've heard other people say you can do that, but the down side is it still ends up costing you like $6,000. (they take your old one back)
<b>Ratatosk</b>
Yes, I am more impressed with the Respirtech machine, vest, tubes and bag. The shape of the machine is smaller & more compact, the vest seems to have more to it, the tubes are wonderful -- lock into place, attaching is easy and they don't seem as "cheap looking/feeling" as the Hill-Rom tubes. The carrying case is far better. It has better/thicker more supportive padding. The unit sits down in the center and is supported and fits very snuggly against the padding.