Digital peakflow recommendations?

[mylungshateme]

Hi all, I hope you've all been keeping as well as possible particularly with the change in weather.

So I've been looking at buying a new pf and have discovered I'm living in the dark ages with my pf from gp for decades. Omg there are digital ones that document readings automatically and your spirometry fev1 etc. I'm amazed.

So my question is do any of you have one of these and how do you find it? I'm looking at the Nascool advanced.

Thanks. X

[Homely2 Administrator]

I have a digital peakflow meter, which does fev1 as well etc.

I like it in many ways, especially fev1, which for me is a bit less variable than peakflow and does not fall for short minor attacks.

However I do find the breathing technique you use greatly alters the results. I still get my most reliable results from one of those old fashioned large peak flow meters the hospital gives me whenever I go in.

[mylungshateme in reply to Homely2]

Ah interesting that the old fashioned one is most reliable? Hmmm I'm wondering now to stick with it it was mainly looking at one for my little boy, that would make him want to blow if he could see markers on chart on phone. The more I researched I thought I want one too! Lol

[Blue-Breeze in reply to mylungshateme]

I use the manual PF, but still chart it on an app on my phone. This could be a way forward for your little boy? A&E, GP and Tertiary consultant have all been happy to view my results this way too.

[mylungshateme in reply to Blue-Breeze]

Yes I used to do this for me. But was just thinking if he can see "magic numbers" appearing whilst blowing its like an instant reward and more likely to do it. He doesn't like it as makes him cough then sick but digital could be distraction Is my way of thinking. Lol. X

[Blue-Breeze in reply to mylungshateme]

Oh I see what you mean now. I've not looked at the digital ones. Such a shame when they are young. You can get manual ones with marker pegs. Would that help if he tried to get to his best score. Just trying to helpfully suggest x

[mylungshateme in reply to Blue-Breeze]

Thank you, all suggestions help and im so grateful for. my daughter still has her childhood marker pegs on they're so good. He's a different kettle of fish however, is terrified of being sick from coughing and having choking fits so will avoid any potential triggers. Even food and fluid his asthma is so poorly controlled this winter infact each winter in an out of hospital with croup, recurring croup, rsv, viral pneumonia, covid, and last winter scarlet fever which has caused a tiny vsd. Such a lot for a 5 Yr old. X

[Blue-Breeze in reply to mylungshateme]

Oh poor little chap. He is really going/gone through a lot. I'm sure there is a children's asthma forum? If so maybe they have ideas? Wish you all the very best in finding a suitable solution for him x

[mylungshateme in reply to Blue-Breeze]

Thanks lovely ohhh I'll have a look for children's forum. Thanks for your responses much appreciated. X

[Lysistrata Administrator Community Ambassador]

I've used them but find my readings are different on the digital ones - usually higher. And A&Es etc still use the manual ones so I prefer to have one that matches with that. I find they don't tend to acknowledge digital may blow higher and adjust my personal best accordingly, and I already have trouble explaining a high personal best.

I'd also say that when I did try using one which did PF and FEV1, the respiratory physiologist doing my spirometry told me you need a different type of blow for FEV1 and peak flow and that may affect readings. So you might want to do them separately (ie record PF and ignore the FEV1 number then record FEV1 and ignore the PF number) if you're interested in one that does both. I had a Smart One.

I will say I have been forever put off them after my experience but that's probably just me. I didn't know about the different technique things and didn't have any guidance on how to use it at first, and my consultant got annoyed and told me my peak flow technique was bad and he was now going to ignore any and all home readings from me. He won't budge even after I've told him multiple times it was just an issue with the electronic one which the physiologist explained, I've gone back to manual and his team have confirmed my technique is fine. (I trust the physiologist more than him on this, this is her job, but he doesn't listen to non-doctors if they disagree).

If your consultant is not like mine though it should be fine. My asthma team uses electronic PF meters - if your team does too you could ask them what they use and perhaps get the same one? Then you'll be using the same device and can work out your personal best on it so they can compare when you have appointments.

[mylungshateme in reply to Lysistrata]

Thank you for that input. I will stick with a manual! I too, battle with my cons as my pf doesn't always represent the situation so last thing I need is a "mechanical isssue" I prefer life to be as simple as possible haha. So glad I asked on here first before spending a small fortune!! I mean tbf I knew there was reason manuals have probably not been upgraded to all singing all dancing machines, but I guess I was dazzled by it and thought wow! X

[Shezxx]

wow really a digital one? how cool. mines the old one, aww hope you invest in one then if you want to sounds better. go for it.