To kick off the start of my blog, join me in discussing some of my favorite tools to use for different therapies. There are links here to various products. Note: I may earn a small commission on any purchases made through these links. Know that I would not endorse these items if I did not believe in them and use them myself. Top Swallowing & Voice Products Recommended by an SLP.
Dysphagia (Swallowing) & Cough
Pill Coatings
Many people including myself have trouble swallowing pills. The most widely available and my personal favorite choice is to put pills in a thicker substance such as applesauce or pudding. Pretend the pill isn't there and GO FAST. When that doesn't work, alternatives exist.
Gel Swallowing Aid (Link) - pump the gel onto a spoon with the medications similarly to the pudding or applesauce. This specifically created formulation will coat the mouth and throat to allow for easy pill swallowing
MEDCOAT (Link) - A thin pill coating where one large pill or a few small ones are pushed through the coating barrier, then swallowed with your preferred liquid of choice.
PillGlide (Link) - A spray coating that is applied to the inside of the mouth before placing the pills inside. Follow with your preferred liquid and repeat if necessary.
Pill Cup Alternatives
Pill Taker Cup (Link) or OralFlow (Link) are products designed to place the pill in an optimal position for swallowing with liquids. The pill and the liquid enter the mouth at roughly the same time, preventing timing issues with the tongue or the creep of fear that happens when you have to put the pill in your own mouth.
Neckline Slimmer
A tool used to complete the Chin Tuck Against Resistance (CTAR). A detailed evaluation of swallowing completed by me includes evaluating whether this would be an effective tool for you. Chances are if you're seeing this page, I recommended this tool for you to use. This post by Dr. James Curtice explains why this tool can be useful and how we determine when to use it.
Peak Flow Meter
A peak flow meter is a tool used to assess breathing function at home. They are also a relatively affordable and easy way to determine if you or a loved one have a weakened cough. Another post by Dr. Curtice explains how to use a handheld peak flow meter and the cut-off measurements for weak coughing ability.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Management
Gaviscon Advance (Link)
This product has been shown to reduce silent reflux of stomach bile and enzymes that backflow into the throat after eating or while sleeping. A pivotal study from 2009 published in the European Archives of Otorhinolaryngology (link) reinforced the use of alginates in the prevention of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). While there are several types of Gaviscon, the Advance UK formulation seems to be the most effective according to this Reflux Gate Article.
Wedge Pillows (Link)
A simple but often overlooked solution to silent reflux causing LPR is to sleep with the head of the bed elevated. One way I accomplish this is by using a wedge pillow under my normal pillow or under the mattress. The head of the bed should be elevated about 30* to improve effectiveness based on this research by Albarqouni, Moynihan, Clark, Scott, Duggan, & Del Mar.
Voice
This article in The Journal of Voice shows support for the use of steam inhalation to "address excess vocal intensity, vocal tract discomfort, effort, and fatigue". As expected, adding room temperature or slightly warmed water or saline can improve voice quality and reduce risk for injury to the vocal folds by those who are high effort voice users. Those who can benefit are teachers, salespeople, administrators, singers, speakers, and more. I like the MyPurMist (link) because the cartridges are very easy to use and it is rechargeable. There are other options in the link above for more affordable options, like this Vicks Steamer (link).
Vocal Training Straws
Tools such as the SingRing (Link), OOVO (Link), or even just Stainless Steel Straws (Link) are useful to complete Semi-occluded vocal tract exercises (SOVTE). SOVTE themselves aren't better or worse than any other types of exercises for vocal warm up and cool down based on this study. However, the use of a straw is very handy and a good reminder to do the exercises in the first place. They don't hurt to do and you can follow this YouTube video for directions.
Massage Oil for Tensions
The use of massage oil is optional but I prefer an oil that contains Vitamin E which is good at addressing built up scar tissues in the skin that might be reducing movement of the fascia and muscle below. I don't have a preferred oil for this yet, but am in the market if anyone has a fave they'd like to endorse.
For now, this is what I have. Keep your eyes peeled for updates to this post in the future. As always, reach out with any questions.
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