Good question as I have a similar problem. (I haven't heard of a device for home use; only suggestions re home remedies e.g. honey) I continue to seek the best expectorant (thins the mucus) AND is NOT a cough suppressant. This seems to be a unique combination - I've evaluated a range of cough syrups.

Mucinex expectorant comes the closest. However, this is a pill. I try my hardest to stay away from more pills - currently I'm using children's Mucinex cough syrup with honey. The results are so so - my throat doesn't get rough so I have a better chance of expelling
(I have throw-away cups with lids within arms reach otherwise my coughing is not productive if I don't expel.)

I certainly hadn't planned to go on and on....But I've been coughing for several weeks so.....My attempts at solutions are very present.

I've never heard of anyone getting their throat suctioned. Is this common when a person goes to the hospital?

Besides the mucinex (Guaifenesin is the "expectorant" part)
the only "devices" I have heard of are the vibrating type (there is a vest also); http://www.uwhealthkids.org/cf-center/cystic-fibrosis-cf-treatment-positive-expiratory-pressure-pep/34309
of course any of these things should be approved by his Dr. and I think they may need a prescription.

I have been going thru several tests trying to find out what this "lump" in my throat is....I wish I could have it suctioned out!
I hope you find something that helps. (((HUGS)))

I am curious; is he able to cough up the phlegm from his throat?
or does it take a "choking fit", to get it cleared?

I use the Acapella device mentioned in Jarcas post.

As noted there are two basic versions Green or Blue to be used depending on ones ability to exhale. They are all adjustable so there is some over-lap if one is sort of in-between. (ie, a Blues higher settings are equivalent to a Greens couple of lower settings.)

The Acapella is a tad superior to other flutter devices in that they are a tad smaller and are less dependent on positioning; eg, a long tube device often requires one to be upright and holding them at a specific angle for a good result.

The Acapella produces the best results when used several times a day on a regular schedule, much the same as an exercise regime. For example, Five sessions a day, five or more reps each session. Even after you feel it has done its job its good to keep to a steady routine just reduce frequency and reps.

Unfortunately (as we are all so damn different) it is practically impossible beyond a Pulmonologist ability to determine from a recent PFT or other spirometer test ones basic expiratory flow group to determine what resistance setting or frequency is best. So in practice you will have to do a lot of experimentation and of course to add to the confusion some days will be very different than another.

Also besides Blue or Green, the Acapellas come several sub-versions. Some are one piece, others disassemble into two pieces, and others disassemble into four. Obviously the latter are easier to clean. I use the Acapella Choice Green which disassembles into four pieces. They are more expensive and you really have to shop around. Ive seen prices vary from $99 to $45. Smile. I bought mine for $54 and never regretted it.

Thank you Joany. Will try this for my husband. God Bless.

AS I HAVE NO COUGH.......and usually bring up a blob of sticky mucous that is like super glue, the nurse at hospital,, taught me this very simple method.....it works even better if i use a Nettipot or even better a Squeeze Bottle based, Sinus Rinse in conjunction , which kills the bacteria....Anyway the mucous expel technique....




The Acapella i wanted but it always needs to be ordered in and im too impatient....

CONTROLLED COUGHING:

Coughing is how your body tries to get rid of mucus. But the kind of coughing you cannot control makes things worse. It causes your airways to close. It also traps the mucus in your lungs.
Controlled coughing comes from deep in your lungs. It loosens mucus and moves it though your airways. It is best to do it after you use your inhaler or other medicine. Follow these steps for controlled coughing:
Sit on the edge of a chair, and keep both feet on the floor.
Lean forward a little, and relax.
Breathe in slowly through your nose, and fold your arms over your belly.
As you exhale, lean forward. Push your arms against your belly.
Cough 2 or 3 times as you exhale with your mouth slightly open. Make the coughs short and sharp. Push on your belly with your arms as you cough. The first cough brings the mucus through the lung airways. The next coughs bring it up and out.
Inhale again, but do it slowly and gently through your nose. Do not take quick or deep breaths through your mouth. It can block the mucus coming out of the lungs. It also can cause uncontrolled coughing.
Rest, and repeat if you need to.


POSTURAL DRAINAGE:

Lie down on a bed or the floor. Use pillows to help you with different positions.
To drain the front of your lungs
Lie on your back. Make sure that your chest is lower than your hips. Put two pillows under your hips. Use a small pillow under your head. Keep your arms at your sides.

Then follow these instructions for breathing: With one hand on your belly and the other on your chest, breathe in. Push your belly out as far as possible. You should be able to feel the hand on your belly move out, while the hand on your chest should not move. When you breathe out, you should be able to feel the hand on your belly move in. This is called belly breathing or diaphragmatic (say "die-uh-fruhg-MAT-ik") breathing. You will use it in the other drainage positions too.

DRAIN SIDES OF LUNGS:

Do this step as you lie on one side. Then turn over, and do it on the other side.
Place two or three pillows under your hips. Use a small pillow under your head. Make sure your chest is lower than your hips. Use belly breathing. After 5 or 10 minutes, switch sides.



:BACK OF LUNGS

Lie on your stomach.
Place two or three pillows under your hips. Use a small pillow under your head.
Place your arms by your head.
Use belly breathing.
Chest percussion
Chest percussion means that you lightly tap your chest and back. The tapping loosens the mucus in your lungs.
Follow these steps to do chest percussion:
Cup your hand, and lightly tap your chest and back.
Ask your doctor where the best spots are to tap. Avoid your spine and breastbone.
It may be easier to have someone do the tapping for you.

OR Go spend money....

Thanks Gnott for your response to this discussion - timely for me as I needed to add onto my "list of choices". And KiddoGal has more choices - sometimes we need a bit of this and a bit of that to reach the right balance.

Today, I purchased the "Acapella..." as I was intrigued with your suggestion. As the years roll along adjustments are in order - no problem for now.

Thank you all for your responses. Sorry for the "delayed" thank you! Always busy around the holidays. Will go over these with my husband to see what he would like to try.

Just posting to say thank you for asking this .I've been looking for something for my dad.

Also someone asked about suctioning, and yes they do that if you have a trachea tube and/or a passey muir valve. I'm not sure of they can do it without one but it might be worth our to ask.

Gwapo; thank you for explaining the different coughing methods.
brenda put a link up once showing it, but i've forgotten so this is a great reminder with easy to read instructions that i shall print up & try.
the side draining is new to me & when I lay down I have very hard time so hope this may help.
thank you!