NHS Clearway - User Manual

Leaflet Name: Clearway/ Clearway 2 cough assistor
Leaflet Lead Name: Verity Ford
Date Leaflet Developed: January 2021
Date Leaflet Approved: 15/04/2021
Issue Date: April 2021
Review Date: April 2024
Page 1 of 5
Ref: 1412
Version No: 5
Clearway and Clearway 2
Cough Assistor for Home Use
[
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
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.
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.

Summary

Understanding the Cough Assist Device

What is a Cough Assistor?

Defines a mechanical cough assistor and its basic function in clearing lung secretions for improved breathing.

Indications and Benefits

Explains why it's used for muscle/bone issues and its benefits for mucus clearance and preventing infections.

Getting Started with Your Cough Assistor

Healthcare Team and Pre-Use Checks

Clarifies who provides the machine (physiotherapist) and essential pre-use checks required.

Circuit Setup and Safety Procedures

Clearway Circuit Assembly

Illustrates the setup for Clearway 1 and Clearway 2 circuits, including filter and mask connections.

Safety Checks and Troubleshooting

Advises checking circuit attachments for splits; contact team if concerns arise.

Risks, Usage Scenarios, and Operation

Potential Risks of Use

Warns about risks like pneumothorax from high pressures and discomforts like bloating or rib stretching.

Usage Scenarios and How-To

Explains usage advice for mucus clearance or regular use, referring to the manual for detailed operation.

Machine Operation and Settings

Device Operation and Connection

Instructions on holding the facemask or attaching a tracheostomy connector and starting treatment.

Machine Settings Configuration

Provides a table to record model, serial number, and specific machine settings like pressures and timings.

Oxygen Compatibility

Confirms that oxygen can be used with a provided connector, ensuring it's disconnected after use.

Equipment Care and Maintenance

Unit Placement and Cleaning

Ensures proper placement, cleanliness, and dust-free storage of the cough assist machine.

Component Cleaning and Replacement

Guidance on washing masks, mouthpieces, filters, tubing, and replacing tracheostomy connectors.

Support, Troubleshooting, and Replacements

Machine Maintenance and Repair

Details contact information for engineers for faults, annual servicing, and reporting alarms.

Replacement Parts and Contact Info

Information on ordering replacement equipment and contact details for physiotherapy and NIV coordination.

Patient Wellbeing and Travel Considerations

Feeling Unwell and Hospitalization

Advice to contact GP for medical advice or take assistor and booklet to hospital if acutely unwell.

Travelling Abroad with Equipment

Guidance on using the machine abroad with a plug adaptor and carrying it as hand luggage with a letter.

Alternative Methods and Information Resources

Alternative Cough Clearance Methods

Mentions physiotherapy exercises, positions, techniques, and breath stacker as alternatives for mucus clearance.

Accessing Special Edition Leaflets

Provides contact details for leaflet availability in large print, Braille, audio, or other languages.

NHS Clearway Specifications

General

Brand	NHS
Model	Clearway
Category	Medical Equipment
Language	English