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AEROBIKA®OSCILLATING POSITIVE EXPIRATORY PRESSURE (OPEP) DEVICE

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COPD | OPEP Devices | Lung Rehabilitation
 

One of the most powerful tools you can add to the management of COPD. Through it’s easy to use design, the AEROBIKA® is drug-free and clinically supported therapy to assist in mucus mobilization and expectoration. Exhaling into the device will loosen and help remove the mucus from your lungs with the assistance of the oscillatory expiratory pressure.

What is an AEROBIKA® OPEP device?

The Aerobika® OPEP (Oscillating Positive Expiratory Pressure) device with optional pressure manometer is a drug-free and natural way to promote airway clearance. The Aerobika® OPEP device has been clinically proven to help reduce exacerbations, improve lung function and enhance patient quality of life. The Aerobika ® OPEP device can also be used with traditional inhaled medications.The Aerobika® OPEP device was designed to be easy-to-use and cleanable.

How does the AEROBIKA® OPEP device work?

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The Aerobika® OPEP device uses positive pressure as you exhale into the device to hold the airways open. The positive pressure opens up the small airways that may contain or be blocked mucus. When airways are open and clear of mucus inhaled medications may work better.

The Aerobika can also be used with the optional pressure manometer. The pressure manometer provides feedback and a visual goal for the user. The use of the manometer helps encourage the user to achieve a therapeutic pressure to enhance use of the device.

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CONTRAINDICATIONS of Use

 

Use of the Aerobika® Oscillating PEP device is not recommended for the following conditions:

  • Patients unable to tolerate the increased work of breathing 

  • Intracranial pressure (ICP) > 20 mmHg

  • Hemodynamic instability (blood pressure instability)

  • Recent facial, oral, or skull surgery or trauma 

  • Acute sinusitis 

  • Epistaxis (bleeding nose) 

  • Esophageal surgery 

  • Nausea 

  • Active hemoptysis (bleeding from lungs) 

  • Untreated pneumothorax (untreated collapsed lung) 

  • Known or suspected tympanic membrane rupture or other middle ear pathology

Rafael Mendonca, RRT CPSGT Manager

 

Using the Aerobika OPEP System

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  1. Before use, always check your Aerobika device. Replace immediately if any defect is noticed. Ensure resistance marker is set to your healthcare provider’s instructions. Make sure you push both sides gently together and ensure attachment tabs are connected.

  2. The Aerobika OPEP device can be used in any orientation but it is advised to uses the Aerobika OPEP device in an upright, seated and comfortable position.

  3. Place the Aerobika OPEP device into your mouth and place lips around the mouthpiece to ensure an effective seal. Make sure your hand does not block the the exhalation port on the back of the device. 

  4. Take a breath in (inhale) through the device taking a deeper than normal breath; do not completely fill your lungs. Pause for 2-3 seconds before you exhale.

  5. Exhale actively through the Aerobika OPEP device, but not forcefully. Exhalation should be 3-4 times longer than inhalation. Keep your cheeks flat and firm through exhalation to maximize the use of the device. Remember to keep a good seal with your lips around the mouthpiece throughout the breath.

  6. Repeat this breath technique for 10-20 breaths; or as advised by your healthcare professional. After 10 breaths minimum, perform 2-3 “huff coughs” to help clear your airways. Please talk to your healthcare professional for how to safely perform a “huff cough”. Try to not cough throughout your treatment, until time to complete the “huff cough” to try to maximize treatment.

  7. Repeat steps 3-6 for 10-20 minutes, two times a day on a regular basis, or recommended by your healthcare professional. Treatments can be increased to 3-4 times a day if producing a lot of mucus.

    1. Your healthcare professional may recommend using your Aerobika OPEP device with your nebulizer for a combined treatment.

  8. The goal of using the Aerobika device is to keep your lungs clear and ventilatory capacity up. Continue to use your Aerobika OPEP device even if your lungs are clear or you are no longer bringing up mucus.

Cleaning the Device

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  1. SOAP AND WATER

    • Wash the four parts in a solution of lukewarm clean water and liquid dish detergent, allowing the parts to soak for 15 minutes. 

    • Agitate gently.

    • Rinse in warm water. 

    • To dry, shake the parts to remove any excess water. Allow parts to air dry thoroughly before you put the parts back together.


       

  2. DISHWASHER 

    • The four disassembled parts may be washed in a dishwasher by securing parts in a basket on the top rack. Wash in a normal wash cycle with dishwasher detergent ensuring use of rinse aid (eg. Jet Dry® ).

    •  If excess water remains, shake the parts and allow to air dry thoroughly before reassembly. 

    • Dishwashing with overly dirty dishes is not recommended

 

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References:

AEROBIKA OPEP Device instruction insert

Aerobika (aerobika-therapy.com)

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