AirPhysio OPEP Instructions

Oscillating Positive Expiratory Pressure Therapy
is a drug-free handheld lung physiotherapy device. It uses an
all natural Oscillating Positive Expiratory Pressure (OPEP) process to create
pressure and vibration causing the mucus to loosen and move progressively
up the airways, to the throat, until it can be coughed out or swallowed.
The device also assists to increase lung capacity and open
blocked and semi-closed airways. OPEP therapy has proven to be an
effective means of clearing the airway for individuals with any of the
following respiratory conditions:
Asthma;
Atelectasis:
Bronchiectasis;
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases (COPDs), such as Chronic
Bronchitis and Emphysema;
Cystic Fibrosis;
Other conditions producing retained secretions.
The device can also be used as an adjunctive therapy to
prevent pulmonary complications in patients after surgery (i.e. cardiac and
abdominal surgeries). The use of the
mobilization, prevents atelectasis, and increases lung volume of patients
postoperatively.

How Often to Use

Use the device for up to 10 mins, once or twice a day when symtoms show
or as required. To maintain lung hygiene and maximum lung capacity, use
at least once per week after symptoms cease, as this will help maintain
better breathing.
How Does
When you exhale through the device, a positive pressure is created in
your lungs which will assist in strenghtening and lung expansion. This
pressure is created, even when the steel ball is not moving. As your lung
strength increases, your breath will move the steel ball bearing, lifting it
above the cone, breaking the seal between the cone and the ball bearing.
The steel ball bearing movement creates an oscillating pressure to assist
in vibration of the airways which will further assist to loosen mucus from
the airway walls.
How to Use
1. Gather a glass of water and box of tissues,
relax and assume a proper sitting or standing
posture.
2. Slowly inhale beyond a normal breath, but do
not fill lungs completely.
3. Hold breath for 2 to 3 seconds.
4. Place the
through the device at a reasonably fast rate but
not too forcefully, using abdominal/deep
breathing. Do not empty the lungs and use lip
balm if your lips dry out in the process.
5. Once your lungs are at optimal lung capacity to lift
the ball bearing, adjust tilt to feel maxium vibrations
within your chest and keep cheeks stiff. If the ball bearing is not moving
this is normal for some people starting out. Continue using
until lung strength improves over time.
6. After exhaling through the device, you may feel mucus accumulating at the
back of your throat. If so, initiate a cough to expel the mucus. If not the
has started this process and the mucus will continue working
up to the throat (even after 5-10 minutes use). And you may swallow
the mucus as the mucus is expelled, as per normal bodily processes.
7. Repeat steps 2 through 4 for up to 10 minutes. Feel free to stop and relax while
taking deep breaths to prevent light headedness. Begin again when ready.
Caution:
This method may make you feel lightheaded. This is normal due
to the amount of carbon dioxide being exhaled. When you feel lightheaded,
take a break and breathe normally until the lightheaded feeling passes. If you
try to overexert and push yourself too far, there is a chance that you may pass
out and lose consciousness.
Disclaimer:
Results from the use of
person to person, based on their physical fitness, severity of mucus clearance
issues and pre-existing medical conditions.
Work?
Device:
device in mouth, exhale
OPEP Mucus Clearance and
Lung Expansion Device
device facilitates secretion
device may be different