NHS Clearway Manual

Clearway and Clearway 2
Cough Assistor for Home Use
What is a Cough Assistor?
A mechanical cough assistor is a machine
which can help you clear secretions or
phlegm from your lungs.
The aim of the treatment is to help you
breathe in and out deeply and quickly. This
can help when your own cough is not strong
enough.
The cough assistor is usually given by a
mask over your mouth and nose.
It helps you take a big breath in then helps
you breathe out quickly; you would feel a
gentle sucking sensation.
What is it used for?
There are many different reasons why a
cough assistor may be needed including:
 muscle problems that make breathing
and coughing difficult.
 bone problems that make the chest small
and coughing difficult.
What are the benefits of using a
cough assistor?
 It may help you clear mucus from your
chest and may help prevent chest
infections.
 It can be used alongside other
treatments to prevent breathlessness
when you are lying down and shallow
breathing that leads to a strain on your
heart and daytime sleepiness.
Leaflet Name: Clearway/ Clearway 2 cough assistor
Leaflet Lead Name: Verity Ford
Date Leaflet Developed: January 2021
Liverpool Ventilation Service
Aintree Site
Lower Lane, L9 7AL Tel: 0151-525-5980
Royal Site
Prescot Street, L7 8XP
Broadgreen Site
Thomas Drive, L14 3LB
Royal & Broadgreen Tel: 0151-706-2000
If you are unsure about the reason why you
have been given the machine please ask
your physiotherapist or doctor.
Will I be seen by a Doctor, Nurse
or Physiotherapist?
The decision to provide a machine is taken
by the team as a whole, however the
machine will be provided by a
physiotherapist, either during a clinic
appointment, a home visit or whilst you are
an inpatient.
During this time you will have a full
explanation about the machine and its set
up. You and/or any carers or family will be
shown how to use and maintain the
machine. You will also be given a list of
contact numbers should you have any
queries.
What do I need to do before I use
it?
Important: You must CHECK the machine
settings each time before starting treatment.
 The cough assistor machine you have
been given operates from the mains i.e.
it must be plugged in when in use. If
necessary a battery can be provided to
allow use when away from mains
electricity.
 To turn the machine on, press the switch
on the front of the machine.
Date Leaflet Approved: 15/04/2021
Issue Date: April 2021
Review Date: April 2024
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