Comparing ABM BiWaze® Cough vs Philips CoughAssist T70: A Closer Look at Airway Clearance Solutions

Overview of Both Systems

ABM BiWaze® Cough Assist

• A mechanical insufflation-exsufflation (MIE) device combining assisted cough, lung-expansion, and high-frequency oscillation therapies.
• Designed with a dual-blower system that separates inhalation and exhalation airflows to prevent mucus cross-contamination.
• Offers a positive airway pressure “pause” phase that maintains airway patency between cough cycles.
• Portable (~9 lbs with internal battery, up to 2 hours of runtime) and user-friendly with touchscreen interface and personalized therapy profiles (up to 10).

Philips Respironics CoughAssist T70

• A well-established MIE device that simulates a deep, natural cough by cycling between positive and negative pressures.
• Includes Cough-Trak synchronization to detect patient effort and trigger therapy phases for a more comfortable, natural feel.
• Features oscillation therapy during inhale and/or exhale that helps mobilize secretions.
• Supports Manual, Auto, and Advanced Auto modes with programmable presets and internal battery for portable use (~8–9 lbs).

Key Features: Head-to-Head

Feature	BiWaze® Cough (ABM)	CoughAssist T70 (Philips)
Airflow separation	Dual-blower system with separate inhale/exhale pathways	Single-path system (shared pathway)
Pause pressure	Provides positive pressure during pause to keep airways open	No explicit pause support—focus on inhale/exhale only
Oscillation feature	Adjustable oscillation therapy (5–20 Hz; amplitude 1-5)	Oscillation optional during phases—frequency and amplitude adjustable
Synchronization	Inspiratory-triggered auto mode; programmable profiles	Cough-Trak algorithm synchronizes with breathing effort
Modes & Profiles	Manual & Auto modes, up to 10 stored profiles	Manual, Auto, Advanced Auto (complex sequencing), fewer preset slots (~3)
Portability	Internal battery (2 hours), ~9 lbs, carry bag included	Detachable lithium-ion battery supports ~4 sessions; weight ~8.4–9.4 lbs
Usability	Touchscreen + intuitive interface and remote app control	Digital interface with simplified setup; data management software available

Who Stands to Benefit Most?

ABM BiWaze® Cough

• Ideal for users and clinicians who prioritize hygiene and airway protection—thanks to separate inflow/outflow paths and pause-phase pressure support.
• Best suited for patients needing customizable therapy settings and long-term at-home use across a range of clinical scenarios.
• Particularly useful for those wanting precise oscillation control and intuitive interface that supports multiple profiles.

Philips CoughAssist T70

• Excellent for those looking for a proven technology with synchronized delivery via Cough-Trak.
• Offers a flexible protocol structure (Advanced Auto mode) for complex therapy regimens like pre-therapy breaths and consolidation breathing.
• Well-established support and documentation—ideal in hospital, post-acute and home environments where a recognized standard device is valued.

Shared Benefits of Both Devices

Both systems deliver safe, non-invasive MIE therapy to help clear airway secretions—reducing infection risk and improving breathing comfort. They support pediatric to adult patients, including those with neuromuscular disorders, cystic fibrosis, spinal cord injuries, and other conditions impairing cough reflex and airway clearance.

By simulating a cough cycle (positive pressure → negative pressure), both devices improve mucus mobilization, reduce retained secretions, and help maintain lung health in patients with limited respiratory muscle strength.

Why Choose One Over the Other?

Choose BiWaze® Cough if you need:

• Maximum hygiene and comfort via dual air-path separation.
• Pause support to keep airways open between cycles.
• Highly customizable and stored therapy profiles.
• A modern touchscreen interface and remote connectivity.

Choose CoughAssist T70 if you value:

• Established technology with broad clinical adoption.
• Auto synchronization through the Cough-Trak system.
• Flexible Advanced Auto mode for complex airway clearance strategies.
• Proven reliability in both institutional and home-care use.

Final Thoughts

At OutFront Medical, your choice between the ABM BiWaze® Cough Assist and the Philips CoughAssist T70 should reflect the priorities of your patients and clinicians—be it hygiene, personalization, synchronization, or workflow adaptability. BiWaze offers a next-generation design with a strong focus on separation, comfort, and digital usability, while the CoughAssist T70 continues to be a trusted workhorse with deep clinical roots and flexible therapy modes.