Golisano Children's Hospital / Tracheostomy & Ventilator Program / Tracheostomy / Cough Assist Cough Assist The CoughAssist is a machine that applies positive air pressure to the lungs and then reverses flow (negative pressure) to help loosen and clear secretions. It mimics a deep cough. This can be used for patients who do not have the muscle strength to produce a natural cough Bring your cough assist to your complex clinic visit to ensure it has the correct settings and is working properly.