Patient Overview
Breathe Easy
The Vest APX System delivers the same time-tested technology of its predecessor while embracing modern advancements. By keeping your airways clear, it may help you feel better and stay healthier longer, using state-of the-art technology from the company that pioneered airway clearance therapy.1,2,3
The Vest APX System can help you maintain better lung health4,5 and reduce pulmonary hospitalizations and exacerbations.2
Designed With Ease In Mind
The Vest APX System is comfortable and simple to use.3 The garment—also available in a wrap style—is trim and lightweight. Quick fastening VELCRO Brand Closures designed to make it easy to get the optimal fit.3
THE VEST APX System vest garment
THE VEST APX System wrap garment
The control unit is preprogrammed with your personal therapy settings, so all you have to do is push START for therapy that’s exactly what your doctor ordered, every time.
Quick attach hose connections between the hose-control unit interface were designed to help improve attachment and use.
The Vest APX System control unit features a 7” LCD and a locking screen to ensure settings are not inadvertently changed.
The compact, lightweight unit comes with its own luggage-style carrying case with 4-wheel spinner design that’s perfect for travel.
More Colors and Patterns to Choose From
The Vest APX System is available in a wide variety of colors and patterns for pediatric and adult sizes.
Pediatric Sizes (16”-22”)
Colors and patterns clockwise from top:
Flamingo Pink*†
Funky Camo
Galactic Red
Hidden Foxes
Magenta Ribbons
Playful Posies
Royal Blue*†
Social Butterfly
*Flamingo Pink and Royal Blue also available in Wrap garment
†Child size 16”–19” available in Flamingo Pink and Royal Blue only
Adult Sizes (23” and Above)
Colors and patterns clockwise from top:
Burgundy*
Hunter Green
Magenta Ribbons†
Navy Blue*
Slate Grey
Playful Posies†
*Burgundy and Navy Blue also available in Wrap garment
†Magenta Ribbons and Playful Posies only available in adult size 30”– 34”
What Is Airway Clearance Therapy?
When you have a chronic lung condition, mucus can plug the small airways in your lungs, where it gets stuck and aggravates respiratory problems. The Vest APX System uses a technology called High Frequency Chest Wall Oscillation (HFCWO) to help dislodge that mucus and move it into the larger airways, where it can be coughed or suctioned out.
The Vest APX System garment hugs the chest area, focusing HFCWO therapy on the lungs. Precise therapy settings deliver oscillations which loosens and dislodges mucus that is stuck in the small airways.
Why It’s So Important
Mucus trapped in your airways can trigger a cycle of problems that can result in repeated serious infections, hospitalizations, and damaged lungs. Airway clearance therapy with The Vest APX System can play a key role in breaking the cycle to help you feel better and support your respiratory health.
Diseases Of Respiratory Insufficiency
Respiratory insufficiency refers to conditions that reduce your body’s ability to perform gas exchange, including:
- Neuromuscular Disease: refers to conditions that affect the nerves and muscles that control breathing. Examples include amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), often called Lou Gehrig’s disease; muscular dystrophies; and myasthenia gravis. As these conditions progress, loss of nerve function can lead to difficulty in breathing and respiratory insufficiency.
- Cystic Fibrosis (CF): is an inherited genetic condition where a faulty protein causes mucus to become thick and sticky. When mucus builds in affected organs of a patient with Cystic Fibrosis, it can cause infections, blockage or damage. Patients with Cystic Fibrosis can have difficulties clearing mucus from their airways which can lead to damaged, widened airways, otherwise known as the condition bronchiectasis.6
- Bronchiectasis (brong-ke-EK-ta-sis) (BE) is a condition where the lungs’ airways are abnormally stretched and scarred, resulting in mucus buildup. Often it is caused by an infection or other condition that injures the walls of the airways or prevents mucus from being cleared.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Bronchiectasis (BE) Include:
- Frequent cough that produces mucus
- Prescriptions for antibiotics for respiratory infections
- Hospitalization for respiratory infections
- History of lung disease
Could You Have Bronchiectasis?
By answering the questions below, you'll learn if you may be a candidate for a diagnostic screening for bronchiectasis.
- Do you have COPD or another chronic lung disease?
- Have you had a daily cough for the past 3 months or longer?
- Do you have frequent coughing episodes with mucus in varying amounts that is usually or often thick, yellow, green or discolored?
- Have you been on at least 2 courses of antibiotics for a respiratory infection or bronchitis in the past 12 months?
- Have you been hospitalized for a respiratory or lung infection in the past 12 months?
If you responded “Yes” to more than three of the questions, you may be a candidate. Talk to your doctor to see if a diagnostic screening for bronchiectasis (BE) is right for you.
Living with Bronchiectasis
With BE, lung inflammation and infection can become a repeating cycle:
- Airways slowly lose their ability to clear out mucus.
- The mucus builds up, and bacteria begin to grow.
- The patient can suffer from repeated, serious lung infections.
But we know how important it is to break the cycle and one way to do that is with airway clearance therapy (ACT).
Improve Your Quality of Life with Airway Clearance Therapy
Early detection and treatment of BE can lead to a better quality of life and may prevent further lung damage. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics and other appropriate medications in addition to airway clearance therapy (ACT). While there is no cure for BE, treatments are available, and following a healthy lifestyle is important for overall health.8
Recent research evaluated the benefit of ACT using High Frequency Chest Wall Oscillation (HFCWO), or “vest therapy,” for BE. HFCWO use resulted in fewer hospitalizations, physician office visits and acute exacerbations.9
Is THE VEST APX System Right for Me?
The Vest APX System is cleared by the FDA to provide airway clearance therapy when external manipulation of the thorax is the physician's choice of treatment. The Vest APX System can help people living with diagnoses such as:
- Chronic Pulmonary
Bronchiectasis, Cystic Fibrosis and Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia - Neuromuscular
Cerebral Palsy, Muscular Dystrophy, Spinal Muscular Atrophy, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Multiple Sclerosis, Stable
Ask Your Doctor
Ask your doctor about The Vest APX System if you have respiratory insufficiency and answer “yes” to any of the following questions:
- Chronic mucus hypersecretion or retention associated with a chronic pulmonary or neuromuscular condition.
- Ineffective cough or inability to remove mucus by coughing.
- Frequent respiratory infection as a result of secretion retention.
- Alternative airway clearance therapy tried and failed or contraindicated.
How Do I Obtain THE VEST APX System?
The Vest APX System must be prescribed by your doctor. Consult with your doctor to understand if it is right for you.
Insurance Coverage
The Vest APX System is generally covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and private commercial insurance when your doctor prescribes it. The Baxter team will work with your provider to facilitate the coverage process. The cost to you will depend on your specific insurance. Baxter has a team of professionals that are ready to assist you with understanding your insurance, warranty coverage and financial options available to you. Please feel free to reach out at 1-800-426-4224 if you need help and have your insurance card handy, or email at [email protected].
Watch a brief video to learn more.
CARE CONNEX Program
Baxter created the CARE Connex Program to improve your therapy experience every step of the way. Our team of 200+ professionals is ready to assist you with:
- Understanding your insurance, warranty coverage and financial options available to you
- 24-hour clinical care with multilingual customer service and product support
- Device setup and configuration from licensed clinical trainers
Rx Only. For safe and proper use of product mentioned herein, please refer to the Instructions for Use or Operator Manual.
- Nicolini A, Grecchi B, Ferrari-Bravo M, Barlascini C. Safety and effectiveness of the high-frequency chest wall oscillation vs intrapulmonary percussive ventilation in patients with severe COPD. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis. 2018 Feb 16;13:617-625. doi: 10.2147/COPD.S145440. PMID: 29497290; PMCID: PMC5819581.
- Basavaraj A, Choate R, Becker BC, Aksamit TR, Metersky ML; Bronchiectasis and NTM Research Registry Investigators. Severity of bronchiectasis predicts use of and adherence to high frequency chest wall oscillation therapy - Analysis from the United States Bronchiectasis and NTM research registry. Respir Med. 2024 Mar;223:107555. doi: 10.1016/j.rmed.2024.107555. Epub 2024 Feb 1. PMID: 38307319.
- Data on file at Baxter International Inc.
- Warwick WJ, Hansen LG. The long-term effect of high-frequency chest compression therapy on pulmonary complications of cystic fibrosis. Pediatr Pulmonol. 1991;11(3):265-71. doi: 10.1002/ppul.1950110314. PMID: 1758749.
- Nicolini A, Cardini F, Landucci N, Lanata S, Ferrari-Bravo M, Barlascini C. Effectiveness of treatment with high-frequency chest wall oscillation in patients with bronchiectasis. BMC Pulm Med. 2013 Apr 4;13:21. doi: 10.1186/1471-2466-13-21. PMID: 23556995; PMCID: PMC3623823.
- NHLBI Fact Sheet: WHAT IS CYSTIC FIBROSIS? Cystic Fibrosis. National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. NIH Pub. No. 22-HL-8178. January 2022. Accessed July 7, 2024. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/sites/default/files/publications/WhatIsCysticFibrosis.pdf
- Kosmas E, Dumitru S, Gkatzias S, et al. Bronchiectasis in patients with COPD: an irrelevant imaging finding or a clinically important phenotype? Am Col of Chest Physicians. Elsevier Inc., 2016. Doi:http:// dx.doi.org/10.1016/jchest.2016.08.994.
- Murray M, Pentland J, Hill A. A randomised crossover trial of chest physiotherapy in non-cystic fibrosis Bronchiectasis. Eur Respir J. 2009; 34: 1086–1092.
- Basavaraj A, DeKoven M, Shah D, et al. Impact of High Frequency Chest Wall Oscillation on Clinical Outcomes and Healthcare Resource Utilization in Adult Patients with Non-Cystic Fibrosis Bronchiectasis in the United States: A Pre-Post Cohort Analysis. Am J Respir. Crit. Care Med. 2020;201:A7758.
Baxter, CARE Connex, Hillrom, and The Vest are trademarks of Baxter International Inc. or its subsidiaries.
Velcro is a registered trademark of Velcro IP Holdings LLC.
US-FLC201-240015 (v1.0) 09/2024
Healthcare Professionals Overview
Advanced Pulmonary Experience
The Vest APX System uses the same airflow technology as The Vest System, Model 105, with enhanced design elements driven by clinician and patient inputs for an improved user experience. The Vest APX System aims to remove barriers to consistent therapy adherence, with treatment designed to fit easily into patients’ daily lives.
The Vest APX System can be used to treat patients with:
- Bronchiectasis
- ALS and other neuromuscular conditions
- Cystic fibrosis
- Spinal cord injuries
Setting the Standard
The Vest APX System uses the same trusted technology as The Vest System, the pioneer and leader in High Frequency Chest Wall Oscillation (HFCWO) therapy. No other device in the category has been studied as extensively or trusted by more patients.1
Trusted Efficacy, with New Comfort and Ease
The Vest APX System was designed for ease of use and improved comfort for patients with advancements your patients will appreciate.1
- Incorporates well-established technology with trusted efficacy
- Designed to support daily therapy use with improved portability and comfortability*
- Slimmed down vest garments and redesigned to be up to 48% lighter for ease of use and comfort
- Interactive touchscreen designed to be 19% smaller and 30% lighter for user convenience
*Compared to The Vest System, Model 105.
Designed With Ease In Mind
The Vest APX System is comfortable and simple to use.3 The garment—also available in a wrap style—is trim and lightweight. A trim, sportswear inspired garment makes treatment more comfortable1 and soft, wicking performance fabric helps keep moisture away from the skin. Quick fastening VELCRO Brand Closures designed to make it easy to get the optimal fit, for patients varying in shape and sizes.3
THE VEST APX System vest garment
THE VEST APX System wrap garment
Quick attach hose connections between the hose-control unit interface were designed to help improve attachment and use.
The Vest APX System control unit features a 7” LCD and a locking screen to ensure settings are not inadvertently changed.
A luggage-style carrying case with 4-wheel spinner design makes it simple for patients to take their therapy wherever they go.
Variety of Garment Sizes, Colors and Patterns
With 12 new colors and designs available for your patients and sizes for patients with a chest circumference of 16 to 31 in, there are options for almost everyone to feel excited about.
Pediatric Designs
- Vest garment fits 16” - 31”
- Wrap garment fits 19” - 33”
Colors and patterns clockwise from top:
Flamingo Pink*†
Funky Camo
Galactic Red
Hidden Foxes
Magenta Ribbons
Playful Posies
Royal Blue*†
Social Butterfly
*Flamingo Pink and Royal Blue also available in Wrap garment
†Child size 16”–19” available in Flamingo Pink and Royal Blue only
Adult Designs
- Vest garment fits 30” - 52”
- Wrap garment fits 33” – 67”
Colors and patterns clockwise from top:
Burgundy*
Hunter Green
Magenta Ribbons†
Navy Blue*
Slate Grey
Playful Posies†
*Burgundy and Navy Blue also available in Wrap garment
†Magenta Ribbons and Playful Posies only available in adult size 30”– 34”
Watch a brief video to learn more.
CARE CONNEX Program
Baxter created the CARE Connex Program to deliver comprehensive services at every step of the patient journey, offering new efficiencies for your practice and helping improve the therapy experience for your patients.
We work with over a thousand leading local, regional, and national companies to include commercial health plans and networks, Medicaid, Medicare, TRICARE and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
For further information about THE VEST APX System, please contact your Baxter sales representative or call Baxter customer service at 1-800-426-4224.
Rx Only. For safe and proper use of product mentioned herein, please refer to the Instructions for Use or Operator Manual.
- Data on file at Baxter International Inc.
- Warwick W, Hansen L. The long-term effect of high-frequency chest compression therapy on pulmonary complications of cystic fibrosis. Pediatr Pulmonol. 1991; 11: 265-271.
- Basavaraj A, Choate R, Becker BC, Aksamit TR, Metersky ML; Bronchiectasis and NTM Research Registry Investigators. Severity of bronchiectasis predicts use of and adherence to high frequency chest wall oscillation therapy - Analysis from the United States Bronchiectasis and NTM research registry. Respir Med. 2024 Mar;223:107555. doi: 10.1016/j.rmed.2024.107555. Epub 2024 Feb 1. PMID: 38307319.
- Lechtzin N, Wolfe LF, Frick KD. The Impact of High-Frequency Chest Wall Oscillation on Healthcare Use in Patients with Neuromuscular Diseases. Ann Am Thorac Soc. 2016 Jun;13(6):904-9. doi: 10.1513/AnnalsATS.201509-597OC. PMID: 26999271.
Baxter, CARE Connex, Hillrom, and The Vest are trademarks of Baxter International Inc. or its subsidiaries.
Velcro is a registered trademark of Velcro IP Holdings LLC.
US-FLC201-240015 (v1.0) 09/2024
Technical Specifications
Dig deeper into product attributes to see how we can fit your requirements.
| Weight | 12.79 lb (5.8 kg) |
| Height | 9.8” (24.9 cm) |
| Width | 10.2” (25.9 cm) |
| Depth | 10.24” (26 cm) |
GARMENT COLOR AND PATTERN OPTIONS
Pediatric Designs
- Vest garment fits 16” - 31”
- Wrap garment fits 19” - 33”
Colors and patterns clockwise from top:
Flamingo Pink*†
Funky Camo
Galactic Red
Hidden Foxes
Magenta Ribbons
Playful Posies
Royal Blue*†
Social Butterfly
*Flamingo Pink and Royal Blue also available in Wrap garment
†Child size 16”–19” available in Flamingo Pink and Royal Blue only
Adult Designs
- Vest garment fits 30” - 52”
- Wrap garment fits 33” – 67”
Colors and patterns clockwise from top:
Burgundy*
Hunter Green
Magenta Ribbons†
Navy Blue*
Slate Grey
Playful Posies†
*Burgundy and Navy Blue also available in Wrap garment
†Magenta Ribbons and Playful Posies only available in adult size 30”– 34”
Rx Only. For safe and proper use of product mentioned herein, please refer to the Instructions for Use or Operator Manual.
Velcro is a registered trademark of Velcro IP Holdings LLC.
US-FLC201-240015 (v1.0) 09/2024
PRODUCT INFORMATION
Baxter offers many resources to our patients and healthcare partners. Learn more
about The Vest APX System with the resources below.
-
Training Videos
keyboard_arrow_downIntroduction to THE VEST APX System
THE VEST APX System 16” Assembly & Fitting
THE VEST APX System Garment Measuring/Sizing
THE VEST APX System 19” Assembly & Fitting
THE VEST APX System 23" and above Assembly and Fitting
THE VEST APX System Therapy Modes
THE VEST APX System Wrap Assembly & Fitting
Setting up THE VEST APX System Connectivity
Setting up THE VEST APX System Control Unit
THE VEST APX System Care & Maintenance
Frequently Asked Questions
Expand All-
How does THE VEST APX System work?
keyboard_arrow_downThe device uses a technology called High Frequency Chest Wall Oscillation (HFCWO). The equipment consists of a garment connected by air hoses to a controller. During therapy, the garment inflates and deflates rapidly, applying gentle pressure to the chest wall. This moves mucus toward larger airways where it can be cleared by coughing or suctioning.
-
What are the maintenance requirements for THE VEST APX System?
keyboard_arrow_downThe Vest APX System requires minimal routine maintenance. Periodic cleaning is required. If service is necessary, contact Baxter Customer Service at 800-426-4224.
-
Can THE VEST APX System also be run on an electrical power inverter?
keyboard_arrow_downThe Vest APX System has not been validated to run on an electrical power inverter. The electrical requirements are outlined in The Vest APX System Instructions for use (214281).
-
What garment styles are available?
keyboard_arrow_downThe Vest APX System has two styles of garments: the vest garment and the wrap garment. They are designed for different body shapes and types and provide equivalent airflow with therapy.
-
How does the patient ensure the garment will fit correctly?
keyboard_arrow_downIt is important to provide an accurate chest measurement as a baseline to fit the garment. Adjust the sizing strips and straps ensure a comfortable fit. See the fitting instructions for each garment style in The Vest APX System, Instructions for use (214281).
-
What languages are available for THE VEST APX System display?
keyboard_arrow_downThe Vest APX system display can appear in two languages, English and Spanish.
-
Can patients take prescribed aerosol or nebulizer treatments while using THE VEST APX System?
keyboard_arrow_downThere is no contraindication for conducting both treatments at the same time. Patients should consult their health care teams with further questions.
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Can patients change their prescribed settings?
keyboard_arrow_downPatients should consult their health care teams to determine if the prescribed settings should be changed.
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What should patients do if their stomach gets upset during treatment?
keyboard_arrow_downPatients should consult their health care teams to discuss possible remedies for the upset stomach. Possible recommendations by the health care teams may be conducting the treatment before meals, relieving pressure in the stomach area by leaning forward or backward, or changing garment style.
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What should patients do if they feel their port and would like to improve that comfort?
keyboard_arrow_downPatients may feel the port inside the garment prior to the garment inflating. If the patients continue to feel the port after the garment inflates, they may benefit from using a contour foam pad (available by Baxter) to help provide comfort for the area of a Hickman catheter, portacath, G-tube, etc. They may also benefit from a different style garment. Contact Baxter Customer Service to order the contour foam.
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What happens if THE VEST APX System causes patients to feel itchy?
keyboard_arrow_downFor the most comfort, it is recommended patients wear a single layer of cotton clothing, such as a t-shirt, beneath the inflatable garment. Heavier clothing can become hot and itchy. If the patient’s skin becomes itchy, using lotion before treatment may help. An itchy nose during treatment may happen from airflow generated from the therapy. If itchiness continues, these patients should talk to their health care teams.
-
Will the insurance company cover the costs of THE VEST APX System?
keyboard_arrow_downUltimately, the cost to the patient for The Vest APX System depends on the specific insurance plan: what it covers, what co-payments it requires, what deductible is needed, etc. To meet financial needs, Baxter offers several options to assist with payments. If you have further questions, call Baxter Customer Service, and please have the insurance card handy.
-
Will the settings be lost if THE VEST APX System is unplugged?
keyboard_arrow_downIf the device is unplugged, the settings will not be lost. The Vest APX System is equipped with internal memory so it will default to the previous settings.
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Who can service THE VEST APX System?
keyboard_arrow_downOnly authorized personnel can service the system. Please see The Vest APX System Instructions for use (214281), for troubleshooting or call Baxter Customer Service at 800-426-4224.
-
Can I travel internationally with THE VEST APX System?
keyboard_arrow_downThe system is designed to be used with international voltages. The patient should use a grounded plug adapter rated for at least 10 amps. Do NOT use a voltage converter/ transformer.
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Can I travel with THE VEST APX System on an airplane?
keyboard_arrow_downWhen preparing for air travel, review the latest medical device regulations on the TSA website, www.tsa.gov. The travel agent or airline should also be able to answer questions regarding the requirements for traveling with medical devices. The Vest APX System is classified as carry-on luggage and the carry case will fit into the overhead bin of most aircrafts. It may be helpful to carry a copy of your prescription. It is not recommended the device is checked-in as regular luggage.
-
How can I see the hour meter reading on my device?
keyboard_arrow_downTo see the hour run time on the device, go to Device Information, Total Therapy Runtime.
For patient billing and insurance FAQs, click the link below.
Rx Only. For safe and proper use of product mentioned herein, please refer to the Instructions for Use or Operator Manual.
Velcro is a registered trademark of Velcro IP Holdings LLC.
US-FLC201-240015 (v1.0) 09/2024