Green model: This model is more difficult and is indicated for patients with an expiratory flow >15 L/min.There are two types of acapella devices to choose from depending on the patient’s ability to generate expiratory flow: This action helps to break up the mucus so it can be cleared more easily. When you exhale into the flutter valve against backpressure, the ball rattles and creates high-frequency oscillations. The device is triangular-shaped with a fluttering steel ball inside. It’s the most common type of oscillatory PEP therapy and is commonly used in patients with cystic fibrosis. What is a Flutter Valve?Ī flutter valve is a small, handheld device that is used to help clear mucus from the lungs. Let’s take a closer look at how each type works. Then they can be cleared by coughing or suctioning.Īs previously mentioned, there are two main types of PEP therapy devices: flutter valves and acapella devices. It requires active expiration into a device against back-pressure, which helps expand the lungs and moves secretions into the larger airways. Positive expiratory pressure (PEP) therapy is commonly used to mobilize secretions, reduce air trapping, and prevent the lungs from collapsing. We’ll also break down the indications, contraindications, and hazards of this type of therapy. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at PEP therapy and how flutter valves and acapella devices work. The two primary types of PEP therapy are flutter valves and acapella breathing devices.īoth have been proven effective in clearing lung secretions, but how do they work? This information has been approved by Leslie Schamaun, RRT and Ann Mullen, RN, MSN, AE-C (January 2013).Positive expiratory pressure (PEP) is a type of airway clearance therapy that helps clear mucus from the lungs. Take the prescription to a local home care company. To replace the Acapella DM (blue) or DH (green) you need a prescription from your local health care provider. Replace the mouthpiece when the unit is completely dry and ready for use.Place each piece downward or rest the unit on its side. Note: The Acapella should not be placed in the automatic dishwasher, boiled or bleached. OR Clean mouthpiece and body with hydrogen peroxide – soak both parts in 3 percent hydrogen peroxide for 30 minutes. The mouthpiece and body need to be washed.Ĭlean the mouthpiece and body of the Acapella daily with liquid dish detergent – Rinse with water.Ĭlean the mouthpiece and body with alcohol – soak both parts in 70 percent isopropyl alcohol for 5 minutes. Take the mouthpiece off the Acapella body.If you use a short-acting inhaled bronchodilator, use the Acapella 15 minutes after you inhale the medicine. Your health care provider will tell you how many times a day to use the Acapella.Repeat steps 1 through 7 for 15 minutes 2 to 4 times a day (or as prescribed by your health care provider).Follow this by normal breathing and a deep cough if you feel mucus moving. Take a breath that is slightly deeper than normal. Use your stomach muscles to make a series of 3 rapid exhalations with the airway open, making a “ha, ha, ha” sound. Huff coughing is a type of coughing if you have trouble clearing your mucus.After these 10 blows, perform 3 huffs, then a big cough to bring the sputum up and out.Try to resist coughing during this phase. Keep your cheeks as firm as possible when you exhale. Exhale as much as possible (but not to forcefully) through the mouthpiece.Place the Acapella mouthpiece in your mouth. Seal your lips tightly around the mouthpiece.Take in a fairly deep breath and hold it for about 3 seconds.Your health care provider will show you postural drainage positions to use if these are recommended. Postural drainage positions include lying flat on your back, flat on your side and alternating sides. Sometimes we may have you lie in a postural drainage position to use the Acapella. Sit up with good posture to use the Acapella.Rotate the end toward – (minus) to decrease resistance. Rotate the end toward the + (plus) to increase resistance. Your health care provider will set the dial when you get your Acapella. Assure proper setting of the dial on the end of the Acapella.How to Clean and Care for the Acapella (green or blue) The Acapella ® airway clearance device is a technique to help mobilize mucus from the airways. If the mucus is allowed to collect in the airways, breathing may become difficult and infection may occur. People with some lung conditions, such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema, mycobacterial disease and bronchiectasis often produce a large amount of mucus.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |