Mechanical insufflation-exsufflation for airway clearance in adults with cystic fibrosis

In cystic fibrosis (CF), acute exacerbations can decrease the effectiveness of patients' usual airway clearance techniques (ACT). In order to maintain effective airway clearance and preserve lung function, these ACT must be adapted to prevent further dyspnoea and fatigue and improve ease of expectoration. Mechanical insufflation-exsufflation (MI-E) is widely used in neuromuscular disorders to facilitate airway clearance and augment cough but has rarely been used in CF despite potential indications. The NIPPY Clearway, an airway clearance device with multiple modes including MI-E, can be set to deliver multiple insufflations prior to a single exsufflation. We present two cases where this modified version of MI-E was used as an adjunct to traditional ACT in adults during an acute exacerbation of CF.