Cough assist devices
A cough assist device — also called mechanical insufflation-exsufflation (MI-E) — helps people who can't cough effectively clear mucus from their lungs. It inflates the lungs with positive pressure, then shifts quickly to negative pressure to draw secretions out, mimicking a natural cough. MEC is the exclusive Australian distributor of the ABM BiWaze Cough System, and supplies circuits, masks and filters for BiWaze and Philips CoughAssist E70 users.
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Who uses a cough assist machine?
Cough assist therapy is used by people whose cough is too weak to clear secretions on its own — most often people with neuromuscular conditions such as motor neurone disease, muscular dystrophy or spinal muscular atrophy, spinal cord injury, or other conditions that weaken the breathing muscles. It is used at home, in hospital and in residential care, and can be delivered through a face mask, a mouthpiece or a tracheostomy.
Important — clinical supervision: cough assist devices are prescribed and set up by a doctor or respiratory physiotherapist, who sets the pressures and treatment routine. Use the device only as trained, and speak to the treating team before changing settings.
The BiWaze Cough System
The BiWaze Cough combines assisted cough, lung expansion and high-frequency oscillation in one device. Two blowers keep the inhale and exhale air paths separate, which helps stop exhaled mucus and bacteria reaching the inhaled air, and the device can hold positive pressure during the pause between coughs to keep the airways open. It weighs 4.1 kg with its built-in battery, runs in manual or automatic mode, and stores up to 10 therapy presets.
As the Australian distributor, MEC supplies BiWaze circuits — face mask (child and adult sizes), mouthpiece and tracheostomy — plus air inlet filters, the replacement battery, carry bag and mobile cart.
Philips CoughAssist E70 users
The Philips CoughAssist E70 has been discontinued, but MEC still stocks consumables for existing machines, including E70 air filters, the detachable battery, and ClearLite CoughAssist breathing systems and face masks. If you are replacing an E70, talk to your treating team about moving to the BiWaze Cough.
Cough assist FAQs
What does a cough assist machine do?
It gives the lungs a deep breath with positive pressure, then quickly switches to negative pressure to pull air — and mucus — out, like a strong cough. For people who can't cough effectively, clearing secretions this way is a routine part of respiratory care.
Is a cough assist the same as a PEP device?
No. A cough assist machine is a powered device that does the work of coughing for the patient. A PEP or oscillating PEP device, such as the Aerobika, is a handheld tool the patient breathes out through to loosen mucus, so it relies on the patient's own breathing effort. See our PEP devices.
Can I try a BiWaze Cough before buying?
Contact our team to discuss a demonstration, training or a quote for an NDIS plan, hospital or aged-care facility.
Questions about cough assist therapy or BiWaze? Contact our team.