Asthma, chronic bronchitis, bronchiectasis and emphysema can cause swelling and inflammation of lung tissue, which causes a buildup of mucus in the airway, obstructing the flow of air. Your doctor will design a treatment plan based on your disease process that may include chest physiotherapy, also called CPT. CPT includes a secretion clearance process that you can do at home to help alleviate the buildup of secretions in the lungs.
Flutter Valve
Numerous devices are used for secretion clearance, including a flutter valve. A flutter valve is a mucus clearance device that consists of a pipe-shaped apparatus with a steel ball in a bowl covered with a perforated cap. The flutter valve uses the principles associated with positive expiratory pressure, or PEP, and high-frequency airway oscillations.
Benefits of PEP
PEP therapy can help you mobilize retained secretions when coughing cannot adequately clear the buildup of mucus. The disease process of cystic fibrosis and chronic bronchitis causes the body to manufacture large amounts of mucus. The mucus becomes difficult to clear due to muscle weakness, dried secretions and general weakness. PEP also can reduce air trapping in the lungs and help deliver medication in a small volume nebulizer when attached to the flutter valve.
Acapella
The Acapella High Flow Vibratory PEP Therapy device with mouthpiece is a single-patient-use device manufactured by Portex and distributed by Smiths Medical ASD. It combines positive expiratory pressure and airway vibration to loosen mucus from the lungs. The Acapella also is available in a low-flow model. Flow can be adjusted in each model by turning the adjustment dial to change the frequency and resistance to flow.
Use
The Acapella is functional in any position and can be used while sitting or standing. Simply breathe in and out of the device. It takes a few seconds to adjust the frequency and flow resistance. It has a built-in 22 mm nebulizer port. The wide body of the Acapella is easy to hold and the mouthpiece can be wiped clean and covered with an attached cap. The entire device can be disassembled easily for easy cleaning.
