Shaker, Flutter or the Pari O-PEP ?

Do you have difficulty clearing sputum or phlegm from your lungs? Then one of these devices may be recommended as part of your treatment. 

What is the Flutter

Its a pipe shaped device made up of four parts: a mouth piece, a semicircular cone, a steel ball and a perforated cover.   

The Pari O-PEP is a similar shape to the Flutter but comes with a handy red bag  

The Shaker

Is available in the 'classic' shape or as the new deluxe version with its more comfortable mouthpiece
To compare our mucus clearance devices click HERE

How do they work? 

When you breathe out through either device, pressure builds up in your lungs, helping to keep the airways open wide and allowing air to get behind the sputum, moving it upwards. The vibrations transmitted through the chest wall from the device help to loosen any sputum stuck to the sides of the airways.

Are there any risks?

The Flutter, the Shaker and the Pari O-PEP are not suitable if you suffer from Pneumothorax, Tuberculosis, Right Sided Heart Failure or if you have been coughing up blood and although we are not aware of any reported problems with these airway clearance techniques, if you are worried about your chest, become short of breath, or have chest pain it is important that you contact you Health Professional without delay.

So how do you use it? 

Your health professional should show you how to use these devices and each unit comes with full instructions, but as a rough guide;

Treatment can be carried out in sitting or any postural drainage position (where possible).

Relaxing your stomach muscles take a few normal breaths before starting.

Close your lips around the mouthpiece and make sure to make a  good seal.

Start by taking a slightly bigger than normal breath in through your nose, then breathe out through the device. You may feel vibrations on your chest wall.

Repeat this eight to ten times. You should then put the device down and cough to clear any sputum. Then relax before starting again.

Aim to continue for about 15  minutes or until you have cleared all your sputum.

Is it easy to clean?

As with all airway clearance devices it is very important that equipment is kept clean to prevent infection therefore both products should be taken apart every day and cleaned according to manufactures instructions. Hot soapy water is all you will need. Dry throughly and remember to take care when reassembling the Flutter as it could crack if dropped on a hard surface.