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Why do I need to use
a Clearway 2?
Cough is essential to prevent a build up of mucus/phlegm from our airways. Mucus is important as
it traps dirt and bacteria. The mucociliary escalator transports the mucus to the larger airways and is
usually cleared with a cough. In order for a cough to be strong and effective the following occurs:
•
A deep breath in.
•
A short pause and closure at the top of our airway allowing pressure to build up in the chest.
•
A good strong expiratory muscle contraction (abdominal muscles and intercostal muscles).
These components are essential to get enough air into the lungs, so that when the expiratory muscles
contract, the air comes out faster, clearing the mucus up towards the mouth. If we have a weakness
in the muscles that we use to take in a deep breath, or in our expiratory muscles, our cough strength
decreases and becomes less effective resulting in a build up of mucus within the lungs.
The Clearway 2 is a mechanical insufflation-exsufflation device. These devices can help improve
your cough strength. Your device will be set up by your physiotherapist/clinician.
The Clearway 2 gives a deep breath in (insufflation) followed by a rapid suck out (exsufflation). This
simulates what naturally happens when you cough and therefore can make your cough stronger so
you can bring mucus up in to your mouth or high enough to be cleared.
2
Irritation
Breath in
Compression
Expulsion
3
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