Videos of Equipment for People with ALS – Headrest, Cough Assist, Computer, and Stand-Up Chair

You can find this headest at : http://www.sammonspreston.com/Supply/Product.asp?Leaf_Id=6016

Respironics Cough Assist

This video is of Shartrina and I using the cough assist to clear my lungs.  I credit the cough assist for keeping me in good health, and free of the chronic pneumonia that plagues ALS patients living on a vent. 

 

I first learned of the cough assist from another vent patient who saw I was using a suction catheter to clear my lungs. The suction catheter was uncomfortable and ineffective.  Once I started using the cough assist my pneumonia disappeared and I felt immeasurably better.  Using the cough assist is simple and pain free.  I use it twice a day or more if necessary.

 

Cough assist is manufactured by Respironics.  You can find more information on their website.

http://coughassist.respironics.com/

 

Using the Computer

Matt currently uses  Smartnav Naturalpoint it is a hands free mouse solution.  As long as he has some control of his head, he can continue to use it to do everything on the computer that you and I can.  Obviously our concern is how long he will continue to have control of his head.  We are constantly looking for the technology to catch up with his needs to communicate.

Here’s a video of him using the computer.

If you are interested in the hardware: http://www.naturalpoint.com/smartnav/products/4-at/

 

Stand Up Chair