What Is Mucus Clearance?
Mucus Clearance is the ability to expel mucus from airways. This is important as the build-up of mucus hinders the passage of gasses in the respiratory system. Good Mucus Clearance can be defined as consistently expelling mucus and ultimately the feeling of relief from unclogging one’s airway.
Do I Need A Mucus Clearance Device?
Mucus Clearance Devices are used by individuals with a build-up of mucus. These are brought about by diseases such as Cystic Fibrosis, bronchiectasis, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Asthma and other respiratory diseases.
Moreover, these devices are useful for people who have difficulty coughing up mucus on their own. People may need Mucus Clearance Devices to expel mucus effectively and put a stop to mucus building up. A buildup of mucus and unhealthy secretions in the can lead to infection and serious health problems. Even if you experience these conditions, it is still best to consult with a medical professional for the use of Mucus Clearance Devices.
What Are The Different Types Of Mucus Clearance Devices?
There are a few different types of devices that can be used for mucus clearance
- PEP Device
Positive Expiratory Pressure (PEP) Devices utilize Positive Pressure to help expand the airways and strengthen lung function during PEP Therapy.
- HFCWO Vest
High-Frequency Chest Wall Oscillation (HFCWO) Vests use rhythmic vibrations, also known as oscillations, to help dislodge mucus. The oscillations cause a back and forth movement in the airway, displacing the mucus. Once the mucus is displaced it can move up the airway in the process of being expelled.
- OPEP Device
Oscillating Positive Expiratory Pressure (OPEP) devices have mechanisms that improve on standard PEP Devices. One of the most common mechanisms is a metal ball, like a 1cm diameter ball-bearing, that oscillates in the airstream and produces a fluttering effect. Commonly referred to as a ‘flutter ball’, it induces oscillation like in HFCWO vests. Combining the expanded airways brought about by positive pressure, with the oscillating effect of the flutter ball is highly effective at dislodging and dispelling mucus.
What Are The Best Types Of Mucus Clearance Devices?
We believe OPEP devices are the best mucus clearance devices. These devices utilize both Positive Expiratory Pressure and Oscillations to ease the flow of mucus along the airway. OPEP devices are typically priced to be accessible for all. Here is a side-by-side comparison of OPEP to the other device types:
OPEP vs PEP
A 2018 study comparing the benefits of PEP and OPEP devices, suggested that the presence of oscillations in OPEP devices give the device an edge. The oscillations ease the flow of mucus, by making it less sticky, allowing less mucus to accumulate and cause hindrances in the airway.
OPEP vs HFCWO Vest
According to a 2017 study, HFCWO Vests and OPEP devices have no significant difference in improving the gas exchange in patients of respiratory diseases. However, the researchers note that HFCWO Vests are more expensive compared to OPEP Devices. The difference in price is attributed to the automation found in HFCWO Vests, not requiring the supervision of a healthcare professional and does not require any additional instruction on the part of the patient. In line with this, it can be said that learning the breathing techniques in using OPEP devices can produce the same results as HFCWO Vests, but at a cheaper price.
How Do I Clear Mucus Using OPEP Devices?
- Sit Upright
Sit comfortably on a chair or sofa, such that your back is straight. This assures that circulation along the airway is at its best. Additionally, keep tissue nearby for the final step.
- Inhale - Device - Exhale
First, with the Turboforte™ away from your mouth, do a slow but deep inhale. The goal is to fill your lungs around two-thirds of the way. Hold your breath for about 3 seconds. Next, place the device’s mouthpiece in your mouth. The mouthpiece should be horizontal to the ground, with the clear end of the device pointing upwards. Finally, put your free hand on your cheeks (hold it as you would hold a sandwich) and exhale forcefully (but not too much) through the device. After which you’d feel an urge to cough, but hold strong and do not cough just yet. A good way to know if you did the steps correctly is by feeling a fluttering effect in your chest and airways. Experiment with adjusting the angle of the device as you blow into it until you achieve maximum flutter effect. Repeat the Inhale-Device-Exhale cycle 5-10 times
- Mucus Expulsion
At the end of the 5-10 cycles, do two more Inhale-Device-Exhale cycles but this time filling your lungs to capacity, then forcefully exhale into the device emptying the lungs completely. The fluttering effect must be at its highest at this point. With all those cycles, the urge to cough is immense. This is the time to pull a tissue and initiate a cough into the tissue. Properly dispose of the tissue after use. It is recommended to use the device hourly, for the continued relief and proper expulsion of mucus throughout the day.
Where Can I Get The Best Mucus Clearance Device?
Considering all factors, such as financial, practical and scientific aspects, OPEP devices are the best choice in terms of Mucus Clearance Devices. Turboforte™Lung Physio offers trust-worthy and effective OPEP devices.
Turboforte™ Lung Physio provides a simple, cost effective, drug free and scientifically validated method of removing unhealthy mucus, phlegm and environmental pollutants from your airways making breathing, and life easier. After learning the simple 3 step procedure, you can easily expel mucus and provide relief for the clogged feeling in your chest. Never again will you have to deal with pesky mucus refusing to exit your airway. You can go forth breathing easy with Turboforte.
Disclaimer:
This information is designed to support, not replace, the relationship between patient and health care professional. It is not intended to and cannot provide you with health or medical
advice. Always speak with your health care professional about your medical issues and concerns. No claims are made or implied in the use of or result from using the Turboforte™.
