Acapella Vibratory PEP Mucus Clearance Device, 15 Liters by Smiths Medical

Smiths Medical Portex Acapella Vibratory PEP Therapy System is a Respiratory Therapy used for Breathing Therapy that combines the benefits of PEP therapy and airway vibrates to mobilize pulmonary secretions. Manufactured by Portex, the Acapella Device can be used sitting down, standing or reclined. Another benefit to PEP therapy and a vibratory valve is that it is much easier to tolerate than Chest Physical Therapy (CPT) and takes half the time of a conventional CPT session. Technically speaking, the valve facilitates the opening of airways in patients with lung disease who have secretory problems such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Asthma, or Cystic Fibrosis. The vibratory valve comes with instructions as well on how to operate the unit and optimally use it to your benefit.

Two Options:

There are two color-coded options when using the Acapella mucus clearance apparatus: blue and green. The blue model is low-flow, working less than 15 liters per minute (LPM) for three seconds, and the green model is high flow, working more than 15 LPM for three seconds. If you are unsure which model you are best suited for, we suggest consulting your doctor. Each therapy model is designed based on clinical needs. You can, however, adjust the Acapella valve frequency and flow resistance by adjusting a dial.

Portex also manufactures an unit that disassembles for cleaning called Choice. The Acapella breathing device can be easily cleaned by removing the mouth piece, rinsing with warm soapy water and letting it air dry.
User Instructions for First Time Users

    Set the Frequency-Adjusting Dial to its Minimal Setting (Turning Counterclockwise)
    Relax and then Breathe from Your Diaphragm
    Take in a Large Amount of Air - Do Not Fill Your Lungs to Capacity
    Blow out Through the Device without Forcing Your Air
    Make Sure Your Breath Lasts for 3 to 4 Seconds
    If You Cannot Blow for That Long, Turn the Resistance up by Rotating the Dial Clockwise
    Your Outward Breath Should Last Three to Four Times Longer than an Inward Breath
    You May Need to Use the Device Several Times Before You Find the Proper Setting

acapella oscillating therapy
Daily Use Instructions

    Verify That the Dial is Set to Where it Should Be
    Place Your Elbows on a Table, Making Sure That You are Sitting Comfortably
    Put the End of the Mouthpiece into Your Mouth
    Close Your Lips to Form a Tight Seal
    You May Need to Use a Nose Clip to Achieve the Seal
    If You are Using a Mask, Make Sure That the Mask Fits Firmly Over Your Nose and Mouth (The Mask Should be Comfortable)
    Draw a Large Breath in with Your Diaphram (Do Not Fill Your Lungs)
    Hold Your Air for a Couple of Seconds
    Breathe Out, Pushing Air Through the Device without Forcing Your Air (This Should Take Three to Four Times Longer Than Breathing in Did)
    Take 10 - 20 Breaths Through Your Device (The Number Your Healthcare Provider Prescribed)
    Take the Mouthpiece out
    Draw in a Deep Breath of Air and Force it Out in Two or Three Quick "Huffs" as if You Were Blowing a Candle Out with Your Mouth Wide Open
    Repeat the Entire Procedure According to Your Provider's Directions

Sterilizing Your Unit

    Soak Your Device in One of the Following Three Solutions
    70% Isopropyl Alcohol. Soaking Time - Five Minutes, Two Times per Day. Rinse Thoroughly in Sterile Water
    3% Hydrogen Peroxide. Soaking Time - Thirty Minutes. Rinse Thoroughly in Sterile Water
    Glutaraldehydes. Use This Solution Cold

acapella diagram
Warnings

    Do Not Use a Lot of Pressure When Using This Device
    Users With Heightened Lung Pressure Sensitivity May Experience Adverse Reactions
    A Knowledge Healthcare Provider Needs to Set the Level of Resistance to Avoid Complications
    Complications Can Include
    Difficulty of Breath That Could Result in Hypoventilation or Hypercarbia
    Greater Pressure in the Head Cavity
    Circulatory Problems
    Partial Blockage of Blood Flow to the Heart (Myocardial Ischemia)
    Blood Flow to the Right Atrium (Venous Return)
    Swallowing Air Accompanied by a Greater Tendency to Regurgitate and Choke
    Fear of Tight or Crowded Spaces
    Skin Damage
    Irritation from the Mask
    Lung Damage from Too Frequent Changes in Pressure

Indications for Use

    COPD
    Asthma
    Atelectasis
    Chronic Bronchitis
    Emphysema
    Bronchiectasis
    CNS/Neuromuscular Disease
    Cystic Fibrosis
    Mucociliary Clearance Disorders

standard pep therapy
Contraindications

Exercise Caution Before Using This Device with Any of the Following Conditions:

    Low Capacity for Labored Breathing
    Perfusion Failure
    Interior Head Pressure
    Intense Sinus Infection
    Any Recent Surgery or Injury of the Face, Mouth, or Head
    Acute Hemorrhaging from the nostril or nose
    Operation on the Esophagus
    Coughing up Blood
    Collapsed Lung
    Queasiness
    Damaged Ear Drum
    Problems in the Middle Ear

Precautions

    Bleach can Damage Interior Parts
    Microwave Ovens May Cause the Device to Catch Fire
    Sterilize Frequently
    Look for Damage, Dirt, and Outside Objects
    Make Sure all Connections Are Tight

Product Features & Benefits

    Combines the benefits of both PEP therapy and airway vibrations to mobilize pulmonary secretions and can be used in virtually any spatial orientation.
    Can accommodate virtually any lung capacity and therefore any patient.
    When in use, the valve makes a percussing sound
    May be used with mask or mouthpiece Nebulizer.
    Allows inhalation and exhalation without removal from mouth.
    Cough Assist aspiratory valve.
    Expiratory resistance dial.
    Incorporates PEP therapy and vibratory valve