Living with cystic fibrosis?
Cystic fibrosis makes mucus thick and sticky. In the lungs, that mucus is hard to clear — which is why daily airway clearance is a core part of CF care, for children and adults.
Why does mucus get stuck?
With CF, the challenge starts with the mucus itself.
Thick, sticky mucus
With CF, mucus is thicker than normal from the start, so it doesn't flow the way it should.
Hard to sweep
The tiny hairs (cilia) that normally move mucus out of the lungs can't sweep effectively through the thicker mucus.
Germs take hold
Mucus that stays behind gives germs a place to grow — which is why lung infections are a constant concern in CF.
Mucus. Infection. Inflammation. Repeat.
When mucus becomes trapped, germs can grow more easily. This may lead to infection and inflammation, causing more airway damage — and even more mucus collection. The cycle continues.
The cycle can be interrupted. It starts with mobilizing and clearing the mucus.
Break the cycle.
Airway clearance therapy is designed to help move mucus out of the airways — so germs have fewer places to grow, and your cough finally has something it can move.
Open the airway
Gentle positive pressure can hold airways open, creating a path for secretions to move.
Shake it loose
High-frequency oscillation vibrates mucus until it lets go of the airway walls.
Thin it out
Aerosol can help thin and loosen mucus so it more easily moves toward the upper airways.
There's more than one way to clear airways.
Some people do better with a vest, a handheld device, or something else. Your care team knows your picture, and they can help you decide.
Vest therapy
Uses external chest wall oscillation — a vest worn around the chest that vibrates from the outside.
Handheld devices
Small devices you breathe through to create positive pressure or oscillation, used in short sessions through the day.
Oscillating lung expansion (OLE)
Delivers oscillation internally via mouthpiece, mask, or trach adapter — designed to create high-frequency oscillations with expiratory flow bias to help move mucus toward the upper airways.
Bring these to your next appointment.
We can't answer these — your care team can. Screenshot this page and take it with you.
"Is my current airway clearance routine adequately managing my mucus burden?"
"Could BiWaze Clear be appropriate for my condition?"
"How would it fit into or replace parts of my current treatment routine?"
See how BiWaze® Clear works.
Three therapies, one system, one ~10-minute session — airway clearance that goes beyond "shaking" mucus.