HOW DOES THE AEROBIKA* OPEP DEVICE WORK?
The Aerobika* device is intended to be used to clear the lungs of excess secretions and mucus that may make it difficult to breathe, or cause persistent symptoms, such as coughing. The Aerobika* OPEP device utilizes oscillating pressure that provides intermittent resistance, creating positive pressure oscillations during patient exhalation to help remove excess mucus from the lungs, creating a fluttering feeling.
HOW FREQUENTLY CAN YOU USE THE AEROBIKA* OPEP DEVICE?
We recommend using the device twice daily, once in the morning and once at night. Start a session lasting a couple of minutes. As your comfort level with the device improves, slowly increase the treatment duration to 10-20 minutes at a time.
WHAT IF I STRUGGLE TO USE THE AEROBIKA* OPEP DEVICE FOR 10-20 MINUTES AT ONCE?
If you need to rest, that is not a problem. The resistance setting can be reduced, or you can reduce the time of the treatment if you cannot complete 10-20 minutes of therapy. Take a break until you are ready to continue. If you have additional questions, please consult a healthcare professional.
WHO SHOULD USE THE AEROBIKA* OPEP DEVICE?
The AEROBIKA* OPEP device is an airway clearance therapy device used to mobilize excess mucus and help improve breathing1. It can be used to help remove excess mucus and could help those with respiratory conditions such as COPD, bronchiectasis and Cystic Fibrosis. You should consult your healthcare professional to see if it is a good fit for you.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU REPLACE YOUR DEVICE?
The device should be replaced after 12 months of use, or immediately if damaged.
WHAT RESISTANCE SETTING SHOUD I USE?
The Aerobika* device resistance setting should be set using the following steps:
1. Start with the Resistance Indicator at the middle setting.
2. While in a comfortable seated position, inhale through the device taking a deeper breath than normal, but not to total lung capacity, then exhale actively but not forcefully through the device.
3. Resistance should be set so exhalation lasts for 3–4 times longer than inhalation. Resistance can be increased by moving the indicator to the left. To reduce resistance, move the indicator to the right.
Note: Selection of the proper resistance setting will produce the desired inspiratory:expiratory flow ratio of 1:3 or 1:4 for 10–20 minutes without excess fatigue.
4. Reevalute your settings periodically or with any change in status. As airways become less congested, more resistance will be needed to maintain inspiratory:expiratory ratios.
WHAT IS A HUFF COUGH?
A 'Huff Cough' is a unique, forceful cough technique designed to clear lung mucus, distinct from a regular cough. Sit upright, inhale deeply, hold for 2 seconds, then exhale slowly and forcefully through an open mouth, akin to fogging a mirror. Practice several huff coughs after every 10 cycles with the Aerobika* device.
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1. Jean Bourbeau, R. Andrew McIvor, Hollie M. Devlin & Alan Kaplan (2019): Oscillating positive expiratory pressure (OPEP) device therapy in Canadian respiratory disease management: Review, care gaps and suggestion for use, Canadian Journal of Respiratory, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, DOI: 10.1080/24745332.2018.15