LifeVac Vs DeChoker – Which Device is Better?
LifeVac Vs DeChoker – LifeVac and DeChoker are both devices that help victims recover from airway obstruction. Both devices work on the same principle and serve the same purpose. Both are easy to use, which makes it more difficult to decide which one out of the two one should purchase. Here’s the comparison which will help one understand each one of them better to make a decision before purchasing.
Which is Better Dechoker or LifeVac?
People using LifeVac were more successful in removing a simulated foreign body airway obstruction than individuals using abdominal thrusts. We did not find evidence of improved success by individuals using the Dechoker, compared with individuals using abdominal thrusts. Further research in the clinical setting is needed to understand the potential role of suction-based airway clearance devices in the management of FBAO.
Dechoker and Lifevac are anti-choking devices. They come handy when there is emergency to clear the airway of a choking person using suction. It is the only similarity between these two devices as they differ from everything else. Both have different shapes, prices, weights, lifetime, and usage.
Different Sizes & Shapes
The primary difference between Dechoker and Lifevac is their shape. They have different shapes and structures. At the same time, both devices use valves to let the air in and out through their masks. Dechoker has a large syringe-type shape with a tube and comes in three different sizes: toddler, children, and adults.
On the contrary, Lifevac adopted one device for all family member policy. You just have to buy masks for children and adults. Lifevac having no tube makes it distinct from the Dechoker, and because of it, there is no threat for objects to go down into the throat.
Weight
Weight might become an essential factor in an emergency. It also dictates whether you will always keep on with you. If an anti-choking device weighs too much, you might not want to take them with you every time.
The weight of the Dechoker anti-choking device is 0.6 pounds. On the contrary, Lifevac weighs 1.01 pounds. We can see, Lifevac is twice as heavy as Dechoker.
Training
Training is crucial for an anti-choking device because you have to learn how to use it properly to save one’s life. Detailed training instruction is available on both devices’ official websites. When you visit there, you will find video files explaining how to use them.
Life-Saving Stories
What can be more inspirational than true life-saving stories? You will get to see them when you visit Dechojerand Lifevac’s official websites. Dechoker has saved more than 274 lives as of March 2022. You will find those stories on its official website.
Lifevac has a Hall of Saves where they display all the victim’s life they have saved over the year. According to their website, Lifevac has saved 303 lives so far.
Easily Accessible
Dechoker comes with a Metal container that will hold your device safely and securely. At the same time, you can mount it on a wall, making it easily accessible when an emergency arrives. Lifevac does not offer a wall mounting kit, but it comes with a travel kit with a safe plastic zipper bag. You can easily carry the device using this bag while traveling and safely store other times.
What is LifeVac?
LifeVac is a patented life-saving device. It is the most effective way to help a child or adult during a choking emergency. Seeing the number of people that die from choking emergencies, LifeVac became the solution to that problem. As long as you are alive and you eat, drink or breathe, you would once in your lifetime experience a choking emergency. It could be you or any of your loved ones. LifeVac is a tool that helps you rest with ease because it is available to make choking less effective.
The LifeVac is a non-powered, non-invasive, airway clearance device developed for resuscitating a victim with an upper airway obstruction when current choking protocols have been followed without success.
The LifeVac has a one-way valve that is designed to prevent air from entering a choking victim on the downward motion. The LifeVac creates suction and negative pressure that will help remove the lodged food or object in the event of choking. The LifeVac comes with two mask sizes, Adult and Pediatric to fit different age groups. The LifeVac is available in a Home Kit or a durable wall-mounted acrylic case for residential, industrial, and public spaces.
LifeVac is authorized by physicians and the government. It is a Class one medical device, which means, it does not need Food and Drug Administration’s approval. But it is registered with the FDA. LifeVac has saved many lives all around the world. It is available online all over the world.
LifeVac – 122 Lives Saved
The LifeVac is designed like a small plunger with a handle on one end. Adult and pediatric face masks are provided separately. In an emergency, you would place the appropriate mask on the plunger. Then place the device over the victim’s mouth, push the device to expel air along the sides of the mask, then pull up to create suction to remove the obstruction. Watch their free online training video on their website.
If you’re the one choking, you should be able to easily assemble the device and use it on yourself.
The pediatric mask is recommended for children who weigh at least 22 pounds. However, the manufacturer notes on their website that parents have used their device on smaller infants with success.
LifeVac offers a Home Kit and Travel Kit. Both kits include an adult and a pediatric face mask. The Home Kit also includes a practiced mask and choking prevention tips and comes in a Ziploc-style bag. The Travel Kit comes in a more portable, zippered travel bag.
The LifeVac device (the plunger with handle) does not expire but the masks should be replaced every 2-3 years. This product is made in the USA.
Special Offer: Currently, if you purchase the Home Kit for $69.95, you can add a Travel Kit for $49.
What is DeChoker?
A device used to clear airway passage is made for resuscitating a patient with a breathing passage obstruction. It can be used on anyone from age 6 months to 96 years. DeChoker can be used if the patient is conscious or unconscious. It can also be used whether the patient is sitting, standing or lying down. The DeChoker kit contains a mask to seal the area between mask and skin so that no air can go out and a tongue depressor passes from the center of the mask. It also contains a plastic tube or exhaust valve with a plunger or pull handle which pulls the air through and a quick instruction manual. It can be used regardless of any health-related problem.
DeChoker is registered with the FDA. The DeChoker is also used to remove any pieces or remains present in airway passage during an accident. It is also used as an emergency medical aid. It is available online all over the world.
Dechoker – 154 lives saved!
The Dechoker looks like a large syringe with integrated face mask. In an emergency, you would select the appropriate device (sized for an adult, child, or toddler) and place the mask over the victim’s mouth. Push the device to expel air along the sides of the mask, creating suction. With your other hand, pull the plunger from the top of the device to remove the airway obstruction.
You can use the Dechoker on yourself if you’re the one choking.
Unlike the LifeVac, the Dechoker has an integrated mask, which means you won’t need to place the mask on the device during an emergency. However, if you want to protect your spouse and your children, you might need to purchase three devices—sized for adults, children, and toddlers (for children 12 months and older).
The Dechoker expires after 27 months, so you’ll need to reorder it every couple of years.
Special Offer: Right now, can you buy one Dechoker at any size for $49.95 (on sale from $69.95), a two-pack for $99 (from $139), or a three-pack for $139.95 (from $209.85).
You never know when a choking emergency will happen, and if it does, the Heimlich may not be sufficient. That’s why I now have one of these devices on the fridge and one in each car. Our parents were just as excited to get theirs, as well.
Have you purchased one of these airway clearance devices? What do you think of them? Have you had to use one during an emergency? I’d love to hear from you, so leave a comment below.
How Does Lifevac Work?
LifeVac upper airway clearance has a set of features that sets it apart from other life-saving devices. Featured on CBS, ABC Watch, NBC, Forbes, and other authoritative media, the simple yet effective components are primarily meant to save lives by a single plunge. The anatomy of LifeVac consists of the following elements:
- Easy-Grip Handle – The handle projects from the suction area and is designed to fit into the average palm size effectively. Aside from giving a solid and comfortable grip, its design enables the user to exert optimal pressure on the choking victim to dislodge the item in less than 4-6 minutes.
- Suction Area – The LifeVac suction area has a transparent design to let you see the removed obstruction. It has a flexible rubbery design that exerts pressure on the victim’s nostrils or mouth. Upon releasing The LifeVac suction area, it creates a pressure difference that retracts it backward and dislodges the obstruction from your son.
- One-Way Valve – You wouldn’t be doing the choking victim any favor if the valve were capable of letting an object get past through it. This is why the valve is designed to allow the dislodged item to move from the obstructed region to the suction valve, not the other way around.
- Interchangeable Mask – One of the notable elements of The LifeVac suction valve is the pediatric mask that gives it the versatility to be used with different people. It comes in infant and adult sizes, which gives The LifeVac registered device incredible versatility.
How to Use Lifevac
The best part about LifeVac is that it works incredibly efficiently. There is no need for a doctor’s prescription, and when you are in a crisis, you could still use LifeVac effectively. Given that no specialized training is required, all you have to do is the following:
- Create A Suction Force – Use the handle to push the suction area against a surface to create a pressure difference. It is crucial to carry out this step before placing The LifeVac device on the nose and mouth to save a life.
- Place The Lifevac Mask Over The Nose and Mouth – This placement mask creates a cover that seals LifeVac sufficiently to function correctly. Furthermore, the practiced mask ensures that the lodged item does not get pushed further down the air tract.
- Pull to Suck Out The Dislodged Item – Pulling creates a force that removes the dislodged item from the airway to the transparent suction area. This step is often successfully done once, but, although rare, if the first attempt fails, you might want to try the second time. Using The LifeVac home kit to remove the object from the airway and allow air back in is straightforward. Anyone, regardless of age, can use it comfortably without the need for abdominal thrusts associated with the Heimlich Maneuver.
How does DeChoker work?
DeChoker is tube-like-shaped equipment that works on the principle that shows it sucks the obstruction out from the trachea.
It works the same as LifeVac. Use the device like a tongue depressor, firstly, push down the tongue and insert the tube inside the mouth. Make sure that the proper size of the mask is chosen. The mask needs to cover both the mouth and the nose. It should get a good seal. Push the head back and chin up and after applying the firm pressure to get a good seal, pull back the plunger. Now check if you got the obstruction out of the trachea. If you didn’t, push the plunger back, which goes through the exhaust valve, and then do the process again. This medical aid will help a victim to land in a better condition.
Benefits of LifeVac
- It’s always handy. The LifeVac Kit is used to deal with choking victims by sucking out the obstructions from the airway passage. This kit also contains three masks to suit all age groups.
- LifeVac comes with essential equipment. It has a suction device, one adult mask, one mask for kids, one mask for practice, a storage box, an A3-sized support poster, an instruction booklet, and a Feedback form.
- Available at places where emergency services can’t be reached. In the case of ships and airplanes, LifeVac can be used where emergency services are not able to reach.
- The oral cavity is not damaged with the usage of this device. No tubes present that can be blocked and no pushing of the tongue.
- Always available and is easily delivered to the customers.
Benefits of DeChoker
- Portable. DeChoker can be easily carried or moved.
- It is a user-powered device which means it is a wireless and nonchargeable device.
- Handheld. It is a suction device that operates when we pull a plunger the obstruction is sucked from the airway passage.
- One way valve. It is a one-way valve that prevents air from returning back to the trachea.
LifeVac – Pros and Cons
Dechoker – Pros and Cons
Dechoker vs Lifevac Reviews: Check Differences Between Dechoker And Lifevac?
DeChoker and LifeVac both suction out blockages from the airway by suction. However, they differ in terms of shape, price, and some features. As well as the shelf lives of the two devices, their weights also differ.
Shape and structure: Both devices differ in their shape and structure in some ways. The DeChoker resembles a large syringe, while the LifeVac is more like a small accordion. Each device, however, has a valve that allows air to enter and exit through the mask placed over the victim’s mouth.
LifeVac is non-invasive whereas Dechoker has a tube that risks pushing the obstruction further down or pushing the tongue back. Furthermore, only LifeVac has any peer-reviewed medical publications showing effectiveness and safety, while Dechoker has none.
Usage: Additionally, the number of times you can use each of these devices differs. According to the parent company’s sanitation policies, use DeChokers only once. Due to sanitation reasons, do not use LifeVac till you remove the obstruction.
Expiry date: In addition to the expiration date and shelf life, DeChoker and LifeVac differ in their packaging. The shelf life of the DeChoker is 27 months, according to its manufacturer. According to LifeVac, it has no expiration date and can be used on a patient who hasn’t been exposed to it before. It is recommended, however, to replace LifeVac masks every two to three years.
Weight: DeChoker and LifeVac differ in weight. The LifeVac weighs about 1.01 pounds per piece, while the DeChoker weighs about 0.6 pounds.
Training: When another life is at stake, it is important to know how to use a device correctly and efficiently.
Visit the LifeVac website and click on the ‘training’ section to learn how to use it. In the meantime, you can also check out the DeChoker website to learn how to use it.
From where to buy?
Dechoker and Lifevac are the two most popular anti-choker devices. They became famous for their compact design, ease of use, higher quality, and availability. Both devices are readily available in different super shops and any over-the-counter drug store. Apart from that, you will find both of them on Amazon. They are also available on their official website.
You will find Dechoker and Lifevac devices all across the USA. Besides, they are also available to purchase in Canada, Europe, and Japan. Buy both of them from their websites and avail the offers.
Conclusion
Both devices work well for emergency purposes. They both have their advantages and disadvantages. DeChoker is cheaper than LifeVac. Both are easy to use and are suitable for all age groups. According to statistics, 82% of cases were successful with the usage of LifeVac, while 44% of cases were successful with the usage of DeChoker. Hence, both are not 100% efficient. DeChoker is not considered as efficient as LifeVac. Therefore, LifeVac is a better device to be used in case of an emergency.
