FAQS

Who can use the Vacuum Bell?

It is recommended for patients with mild to moderate Pectus Excavatum. It is primarily suitable for children but also for adults if the goal is to improve chest flexibility before surgical repair, though suitability should be evaluated by a specialist in these deformities.

Can the Vacuum Bell facilitate the surgical treatment of Pectus Excavatum?

In adult patients with rigid chests, using the Vacuum Bell can help increase the flexibility of their thoracic cavity and prepare them for a surgical repair of their Pectus Excavatum, such as the Pectus Up technique, which pulls the sternum outward without entering the thorax.

How long will it take to see results?

Results vary among patients. Some may notice improvements in a few months, while for others, the treatment may take a year or more, and improvements may not be observed in adult patients. Consistency and adherence to daily and continuous treatment are key to achieving good results.

Is using the Vacuum Bell painful?

Initially, some patients may feel slight pressure or discomfort due to the vacuum created by the device. However, this should not be painful. If you experience significant pain or discomfort, you should stop using it and consult your doctor to adjust the treatment.

Are there any side effects of using the Vacuum Bell?

Common side effects include skin redness, bruising, and mild discomfort in the application area. These effects generally subside over time. If severe or persistent side effects occur, you should contact your doctor.

Can I use the Vacuum Bell while exercising?

It is not recommended to use the device during intense physical activities or sports. It should be used at rest to avoid possible injuries and ensure the correct application of the device.

How long do I need to use the Vacuum Bell?

The total duration of the treatment may vary depending on the severity of Pectus Excavatum and the patient’s response to the treatment. Your doctor will provide a more precise estimate based on your individual progress.

Is the Vacuum Bell safe for children?

Yes, the Vacuum Bell can be used in children, but always under medical supervision and with parental consent and guidance. The medical evaluation of the patient is essential to ensure that the device is safe and the most suitable for the child.

Do I need a prescription to get a Vacuum Bell?

Yes, a prescription and prior evaluation by a specialist in chest deformities are required. This ensures that the device is appropriate for your specific condition and that its use is correctly monitored.

What should I do if the Vacuum Bell is damaged?

If the device is damaged, you should contact the manufacturer or an authorized distributor for information on repairs or replacements. Do not attempt to repair the device on your own, as this could compromise its effectiveness and safety.

Can I sleep with the Vacuum Bell on?

It is not recommended to use the device while sleeping. The Vacuum Bell is designed for specific periods during the day when the patient is awake and can monitor its application.

What should I do if I have an adverse reaction to using the Vacuum Bell?

If you experience an adverse reaction, such as significant pain, swelling, severe redness, or any other concerning symptoms, you should stop using the device immediately and consult your doctor for evaluation and treatment adjustments.

Are regular medical check-ups necessary during the use of the Vacuum Bell?

Yes, regular check-ups with your doctor are recommended to monitor progress and adjust the treatment as needed. Periodic visits help ensure that the device is working correctly and that there are no complications.

How exactly does the Vacuum Bell work?

The Vacuum Bell is a silicone cup connected to a hand pump. When placed over the sunken area of the chest and pumped, it creates a mild negative pressure that gently lifts the sternum and the attached costal cartilage. With consistent daily use over months, the chest wall gradually remodels and holds its new, elevated position.

Does the Vacuum Bell reshape bone?

No. The device works mainly on the cartilage that connects the ribs to the sternum, which is semi-flexible and can be moved with relatively little force. This is why treatment is most effective while the chest wall is still growing and flexible.

How do I choose the correct size?

The Vacuum Bell should be wide enough to cover the entire sunken area, with its centre positioned over the deepest point of the Pectus Excavatum. Different sizes exist for children, adolescents and adults, and some models are adapted for female patients. Your specialist will recommend the most suitable size during the initial evaluation.

How do I apply the device correctly?

Place the device on the chest with its centre over the deepest point of the depression, press it gently onto the skin to form a seal, and use the hand pump to remove the air until the chest wall rises. Apply it with a neutral, upright upper-body posture, as this improves results. Your doctor will show you the correct technique at the first fitting.

How much suction should I apply?

Only a mild vacuum is needed. Applying excessive suction does not speed up correction and increases the risk of bruising, fluid accumulation under the skin, or discomfort. The depression should be lifted slowly and progressively over the first weeks of treatment, always following your doctor’s instructions.

The device loses suction. What am I doing wrong?

The most common causes are an incomplete seal due to incorrect positioning, chest hair, or moisture or creams on the skin. Chest hair can prevent a proper seal, so shaving the contact area may be necessary. A correctly functioning device applied to clean, dry, hair-free skin should not lose air.

How do I clean and maintain the Vacuum Bell?

Rinse the device with lukewarm water and mild soap after use and let it air-dry away from direct heat. Do not use alcohol, solvents or abrasive cleaners, as they can degrade the silicone. Inspect the device regularly for cracks or wear, and contact the manufacturer or distributor if any part needs replacing.

How many hours a day should I use the Vacuum Bell?

Most protocols start with around 30 minutes, twice a day, during the first 4–6 weeks so the skin can adapt. The daily wearing time is then increased gradually as tolerated, following your doctor’s plan. Clinical experience shows that longer daily use and consistency are associated with better outcomes.

What happens if I skip a day or take a break?

Occasional short breaks, for example for a special event or a holiday, will not ruin the treatment, but frequent interruptions reduce its effectiveness and prolong the total duration. Consistency is the single most important factor for success, so try to make the device part of your daily routine.

What activities can I do while wearing it?

Quiet, everyday activities are fine: studying, reading, watching TV, working at a desk or light household tasks. Avoid exaggerated upper-body movements, which may cause the device to detach, and remove it before sports or intense physical activity. If it detaches, it can simply be reapplied.

Can I wear it under my clothes? Will people notice?

Yes. The device is low-profile and can be worn discreetly under a loose shirt or sweater, which allows many patients to accumulate wearing time at home, at school or in the office without drawing attention.

Is it normal for my back to crack during use?

Yes, this can happen and is not a cause for concern. As the sternum lifts, the spine and posture adjust towards a more natural position, which can produce harmless cracking sounds in the upper back.

What is the best age to start treatment?

Treatment is feasible at almost any age, but the best and most durable results are seen in patients roughly between 6 and 18 years old, when the chest wall is still flexible. Starting before the pubertal growth spurt, when the deformity often deepens, is considered ideal.

Can adults achieve permanent correction?

Adults can benefit from the treatment, although their stiffer chest wall usually requires more time and the results are more variable than in children and adolescents. After a few weeks of use the chest typically becomes more flexible and requires less pressure to lift. In adults with deeper or rigid deformities, the Vacuum Bell is often used to improve chest flexibility before surgery.

Can girls and women use the Vacuum Bell?

Yes. Specific models are designed to adapt to the female chest. For girls, starting treatment before breast development begins is generally easier and more comfortable, which is one more reason why pre-adolescence is considered an ideal time to start.

Does it work on asymmetric Pectus Excavatum?

Yes. Published studies show that patients with asymmetric deformities can achieve results comparable to those with symmetric ones, although some degree of residual asymmetry may remain visible after correction.

Does the Vacuum Bell correct flared ribs?

Results with rib flare are variable. In some patients the flaring improves as the sternum returns to a normal position; in others, complementary measures such as specific exercises or bracing may be recommended by the specialist.

Who should not use the Vacuum Bell?

The device is contraindicated in patients with bone fragility disorders (such as osteogenesis imperfecta or osteoporosis), bleeding or coagulation disorders (such as haemophilia or thrombopathy), vasculopathies or aortic aneurysm (for example associated with Marfan syndrome), relevant cardiac conditions, or open skin lesions in the application area. This is why a medical evaluation is required before starting treatment.

Is there scientific evidence that it works?

Yes. Since the mid-2000s, multiple clinical studies have evaluated Vacuum Bell therapy. Recent long-term series report complete correction in a substantial proportion of paediatric patients treated consistently for 12–24 months, with only minor, temporary side effects. Factors linked to success include starting at a younger age, longer daily use and adequate total treatment duration.

Are the results only cosmetic?

No. Medical imaging has shown that the device physically moves the sternum towards a normal position. In addition to the aesthetic improvement, many patients report better posture and relief of symptoms associated with Pectus Excavatum, such as exercise intolerance or a feeling of pressure in the chest.

Will my chest sink back after I stop the treatment?

When the treatment is completed as prescribed, recurrence is uncommon. To consolidate the result, treatment usually ends with a maintenance phase in which wearing time is reduced gradually rather than stopped abruptly. Stopping too early, before the correction has stabilised, increases the risk of partial relapse.

How is my progress monitored?

Progress is typically assessed by measuring the depth of the depression, taking standardised photographs and reviewing tolerance and wearing time at regular follow-up visits. Your doctor will use these check-ups to adjust the daily protocol and decide when to begin the maintenance phase.

Will the device leave marks on my skin?

A temporary ring of redness or mild bruising where the rim contacts the skin is normal and usually disappears within hours. If marks are intense or persistent, the vacuum pressure is probably too high and should be reduced. Persistent or painful skin changes should be reviewed by your doctor.

Is the Vacuum Bell covered by health insurance?

Coverage varies by country and insurer. As the Vacuum Bell is a prescribed medical device, some health systems and private insurers reimburse part or all of its cost when prescribed by a specialist. We recommend asking your insurer and requesting the necessary medical documentation from your doctor.

Can I travel or fly with the Vacuum Bell?

Yes. The device is portable, contains no electronics or batteries and can be carried in hand luggage without problems. Maintaining your daily routine while travelling helps keep the treatment on track.

Can I combine the Vacuum Bell with exercise or physiotherapy?

Yes, and it is encouraged. Postural and breathing exercises, stretching and strengthening of the back and core complement the treatment and help correct habits such as slouching that often accompany Pectus Excavatum. The device itself, however, should be used at rest, not during sports.