Devices
There are a number of devices that can be used to aid chest clearance. The ones we will discuss are the Acapella, the Aerobika and the Flutter. These are all OPEP devices (oscillating positive airways pressure) they work by providing a little resistance as you blow into them and vibrating at the same time which holds your airways open and helps shake the sputum off your airway walls. You need to have enough breath to blow out for a few seconds for these to be effective. These can be prescribed by your GP. There is not very much difference between these although it is not as easy to use the flutter if postural drainage is to be used. It is slightly easier to blow into the aerobika than the acapella and the flutter is slightly harder still but can give a more forceful vibration.
Acapella® choice vibratory PEP device
This should not be used if you have coughed up any blood or have been told you have a hole in your lung / collapsed lung (pneumothorax).
The Acapella has a little rocker inside which moves up and down as you breathe through it.
You will need to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines on cleaning and sterilising the acapella.
Sit comfortably; seal your lips around the acapella and keep it in your mouth. Breathe in through your nose and out through the acapella. Keep your cheeks stiff.
Take a breath in until your lungs are full and breathe out with a steady but not too forceful breath.
Try to do several breaths then take some normal breaths.
After every 10 breaths do a huff / cough or two. Sooner if needed. Aim for 10 lots of 10 breaths.
This can be used with ACBT or AD breathing styles.
This can be used with postural drainage positions.
Aerobika® OPEP device
This should not be used if you have coughed up any blood or have been told you have a hole in your lung (pneumothorax).
The Aerobika has a valve inside which opens / closes as you breathe through it.
You will need to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines on cleaning and sterilising the Aerobika.
Sit comfortably; seal your lips around the Aerobika. It is easier to breathe in and out through the Aerobika than try to coordinate putting it into your mouth just for exhaling. Keep your cheeks stiff.
Take a breath in until your lungs are full and breathe out with a steady but not too forceful breath.
Try to do several breaths then take some normal breaths.
After every 10 breaths do a huff / cough or two. Sooner if needed. Aim for 10 lots of 10 breaths.
This can be used with ACBT or AD breathing styles.
This can be used with postural drainage positions.
The Flutter®
This should not be used if you have coughed up any blood, have been told you have a hole in your lung (pneumothorax) or heart failure.
The Flutter has a little ball bearing inside which moves up and down in a cone as you breathe through it.
You will need to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines on cleaning and sterilising the Flutter.
Sit comfortably; Take a breath in until your lungs are full and breathe out with a steady but not too forceful breath having sealed your lips around the Flutter. Keep your cheeks stiff.
Try to do several breaths then take some normal breaths.
If you hold the flutter with the stem slightly upwards it will move sputum from deeper or further along your airways.
If you hold the flutter with the stem more horizontally / slightly down it will move sputum from higher up in your airways.
Take care not to tilt it too far either way or the ball bearing will not sit in the cone and it will not work.
After every 10 breaths do a huff / cough or two. Sooner if needed. Aim for 10 lots of 10 breaths.
This can be used with ACBT or AD breathing styles.
This can be used with postural drainage positions but is more difficult to do so as the ball is required to be kept in the cone for the Flutter to work effectively.