Honest LifeVac vs Dechoker Comparison 2023: Which Is Safer?

⏳ Do you want to skip the read and get right to my pick? Between Lifevac vs Dechoker, the better anti-choking device among the two is LifeVac.

Introduction to LifeVac vs Dechoker Comparison

Between LifeVac vs Dechoker which is the better lifesaving device?

Choking is considered one of the most common reasons for bringing anyone to the emergency room. According to the United States National Safety Council, choking led to around 3,000 deaths in 2020, of which 1,430 were individuals aged 74 and older. Likewise, choking also claims one child's life nearly every five days, making it the leading cause of death among children under the age of fourteen in the US.

Despite training in lifesaving procedures like the Heimlich maneuver, many would rather have professionals deal with such life-threatening situations. However, this poses dangers as the average response time for an emergency crew to get to one’s location runs between eight and fifteen minutes. Given how asphyxiation due to choking can lead to brain damage in as quickly as six minutes and brain death by around ten, this response time is not fast enough.

For this reason, emergency professionals developed devices like LifeVac and The Dechoker, two instruments meant to draw out an obstruction from a victim’s windpipe safely. In today’s LifeVac vs. Dechoker comparison review, we’ll see if either of these devices is effective and, if so, which does a better job.

What are LifeVac and The Dechoker?

Considered one of the leading anti-asphyxiation devices currently available, LifeVac is the joint creation of company founder Arthur Lih and New York-based gastroenterologist Lisa Ann Brody, MD, the LifeVac is an easy to use anti-choking device designed for use with both adults and children. Using powerful suction, it quickly tugs out obstructions from the victim’s windpipe, allowing them to breathe freely almost immediately.

On the other hand, The Dechoker prides itself on a unique design that calls a syringe to mind and uses a similar vacuum action to work. According to its official website, it has already saved more than 382 lives during home emergencies. This particular device was developed by a medical team that includes a gerontologist (a healthcare practitioner specializing in aging) and a neurological surgeon.

Stay tuned to our Dechoker vs LifeVac reviews to find out for yourself.

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LifeVac vs Dechoker Quick Comparison Table

Note: When comparing LifeVac vs Dechoker which is better, remember that prices are subject to change over time. Please click the links to check for current pricing.

Feature	🏆 LifeVac (Editor's Pick!)	The Dechoker
Product Type	Emergency-use anti-asphyxiation device	Emergency-use anti-asphyxiation device
Cost	Check Current Pricing	Check Current Pricing
Recommended Usage	Choking incidents in both adults and children	Choking incidents in both adults and children
Online Training Available	Yes, tutorial readily available on website	Yes, free access per purchase
Customer Support	Live chat, email via form, customer service hotline (EST business hours only)	Phone, email via online form or direct link, standard surface or air mail
Customer User Reviews	4.8 out of 5 on Amazon	4.5 out of 5 on Amazon
Unique Feature	Developed by a gastroenterologist and meant to be a single solution to be used across age levels	Unique syringe-form device promises rapid results

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Usability

LifeVac

As both these items work using a similar suction method to dislodge obstructions from the victim’s throat / windpipe, we are measuring the usability of these items based on just how easy these actually are to deploy in the event of an emergency.

In LifeVac’s case, it does require quick assembly as you need to swap out the mask for the appropriate-sized one. But once you’ve secured it over the victim’s face and sealed it over, all you need to do is push down, quickly yank the accordion-shaped pump back up, and the victim can easily cough or spit out the obstruction.

The Dechoker

Now we know the usability of LifeVac what is Dechoker's rating?

The thing that works in The Dechoker’s favor is its design which easily calls to mind a huge syringe. Much like the LifeVac, it starts working when you seal the mouthpiece / ventilation mask over the victim’s nose and mouth. (Keep in mind that the plunger on The Dechoker needs to be pushed in before use to ensure the integrity of the seal!) Once this is done, yank hard on the plunger to dislodge the obstruction from the victim’s airway. Our problem here is that it takes a couple of tries for this device to work properly.

Winner – LifeVac! We’re giving the usability round to LifeVac in this Dechoker and LifeVac comparison.

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Reliability

Between Dechoker vs LifeVac which is better in terms of reliability?

LifeVac

Based on several tests, LifeVac effectively dislodges obstructions from a patient’s trachea or esophagus in as quickly as 59 seconds. Likewise, the device has a proven efficacy of around 82,2% – plus, it only needs to be deployed once.

The Dechoker

While The Dechoker has also been noted to work in the same amount of time, using it requires twice as much effort as you need to deploy it twice. That said, the device showed an efficacy rate of only 44.4%. Those aren’t the numbers you want to see when shopping around for first aid equipment.

Winner – LifeVac! Between LifeVac vs Dechoker, the former proved itself the more reliable choice.

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Features

Now let's talk features and benefits between Dechoker and LifeVac –

LifeVac

The LifeVac one way valve has the following benefits:

• Obstruction removal device consists of the following components:
  • Three interchangeable masks for practice, actual adult use, and actual child use;
  • Transparent accordion-shaped plunger;
  • Easy-grip handle;
  • Unidirectional air valve that prevents air from going into the mask and complicating removal;
• Standard home kit also includes the following items:
  • Easy to follow instruction guide; and
  • Tips to prevent choking in the home, office, or school

The Dechoker

Here are the main features of Dechoker:

• Respirator mask;
• Exhaust valve;
• Pull cylinder / plunger within a transparent cylinder;
• Tongue depressor;
• Instructions written on the actual device

Winner – LifeVac! Given how the tongue depressor may cause more harm than good and the extremely fine print used on The Dechoker’s instructions, the functionality round goes to LifeVac in this LifeVac vs Dechoker comparison.

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Value for Money

When comparing LifeVac and Dechoker, which presents the better value for money?

LifeVac

LifeVac’s Home Kit offers the most in terms of value for money as it has provisions for practice, as well as both adults and children. One kit will set you back by €69.95 on the official website and replacements are free whenever the masks have been used. Note, however, that this does not cover the price of shipping and handling.

Refunds are only allowed for unopened items and you should return the item within ten days of delivery if you wish to make a claim.

The Dechoker

Here’s our issue with The Dechoker: sure each device will only cost you $29.95 each on the official site, but you need to buy one for adults, one for children three to twelve years old, and still another for toddlers and infants. That chalks your total up to around $90.00, and you haven’t even computed shipping fees, as yet!

Moreover, it has a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Winner – LifeVac! LifeVac certainly offers more value for money if you compare LifeVac vs Dechoker.

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User Reviews

LifeVac

Customers on Amazon give the LifeVac 4.6 out of 5 stars, with five-star reviews making up 90% of 13,913 global comments. Satisfied users appreciate the way it works quickly and laud its safety on children and adults.

The Dechoker

This device garnered a score of 4.8 out of 5 stars on Amazon, with five-star reviews making up 78% of 1.161. While it did prove its effectiveness, customers complained about how fragile it is (in several cases, it shattered irreparably when dropped by accident) and how difficult it is to set up and read through the instructions.

Winner – LifeVac! LifeVac is still the customers’ choice as an antichoking device if you compare LifeVac vs Dechoker.

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Conclusion and Recommendations to our LifeVac vs Dechoker Comparison

Usability, overall reliability, and value for money: LifeVac checks all the boxes in today’s LifeVac vs Dechoker review, coming away with the win.

Who is LifeVac best for?

We recommend the LifeVac as an excellent standby kit for homes, schools, and offices. The brand also offers an EMT edition to be used by ambulance crews.

Who is The Dechoker best for?

Pretty much the same, but our concerns about its fragility mean storing it someplace that children can’t reach to prevent accidents.

LifeVac vs Dechoker Alternatives

The Sonmol Choking Rescue Device works on similar principles.

LifeVac vs Dechoker Final Word

While the use of LifeVac and similar devices remains controversial, there is no reason we see for not having at least one anti-choking kit in your home if it means you are able to save a loved one – or even yourself – from an accidental death. For this, we recommend LifeVac.

Remember to protect yourself as a consumer by purchasing only authentic, high-quality products. Therefore, we recommend that you buy LifeVac only from their official website. Not only will you ensure you get legit products, but you can also save through discounted pricing for multiple buys. Beware of purchasing from marketplace sites claiming to be resellers so to avoid issues with refunds and returns in the future!

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FAQ

Why isn t LifeVac FDA approved?

It is classified as a Class II medical device, it does not really warrant an official seal from such organizations. However, the device is accredited under both the US FDA and the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in the United Kingdom.

What is the best anti choking device on the market?

We recommend LifeVac. Aside from its effectiveness, this emergency-use device does not require a prescription.

Does American Heart Association recommend LifeVac?

The AHA generally endorses methods like the Heimlich maneuver for responding to choking incidents, but the organization can revise guidelines based on new research and findings. Therefore, it's best to check their latest guidelines for the most current information.

Which is better LifeVac or DeCHOKER?

Both LifeVac and DeCHOKER aim to remove obstructions from a choking victim's airway, but they have different designs and mechanisms. “Better” in this context would depend on various factors like ease of use, efficacy, and cost. We recommend LifeVac.

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If you've read all the way through this LifeVac vs Dechoker comparison, we are grateful. We have reviewed several other products in detail, feel free to check them out;

• LifeVac reviews