For chest congestion i have found this very useful, sit on a chair facing the back of the chair and rest on the back. Have your husband pound on your back with a closed fist using the bottom of the fist along the pinky. Not too hard not too soft, not enough to hurt. Do the left side top to bottom along the lung length and then the right side and then the left and then the right etc. It should loosen everything up and you will probably be coughing after a few times. I usually follow that up with nebulizer treatment immediately, or if you dont have a nebulizer you can steam up the bathroom. It helps me i hope it helps you. It has saved me a few ER trips.