Norris 3. FLUTTER DEVICE

[norris3]

Has anyone used one of these if so was it beneficial? I have copd/bronchiectasis,

[helingmic]

This is indeed a very helpful device. My pulmonary nurse told me to use it g.e.n.t.l.y only 3 times at the start of use; then increase little by little over 6 weeks. This is to avoid developing muscle pain which are big! It is quite efficient to bring up the mucus.

[norris3 in reply to helingmic]

Thanks for the info.

[cofdrop-UK]

Yes I have one, although I don't use it as much as the acapella choice. Bronchiectatics all have their own preferences when it comes to PEP devices. If you are under the care of a consultant for your bronchiectasis, which I sincerely hope you are, you might want to ask him/her for a referal to a resp physio who will go through techniques and devices for mucus clearance. As helingmic has said they basically take a little bit of getting used to.

The flutter can now be prescribed by your GP but the acapella choice cannot. They cost roughly £50, although a very kind physio may let you have one. A very cheap method they often use with kids is a bubble pep.

gosh.nhs.uk/medical-conditi...

Good luck

cx

[norris3 in reply to cofdrop-UK]

Thanks. I will speak to the resp. nurse.

[happyfeet59 in reply to cofdrop-UK]

I also use an acapella choice. I had a flutter on loan from the physio but found it awkward to use. I was told I had to buy one but I understand they are available on prescription. The flutter was easier to clean with three solid pieces. The acapella can be used lying down whilst with the flutter you need to be in a particular position or it won't work.

[Puffthemagicdragon]

I use a Flutter and find it very useful. I got mine on prescription.

amazon.co.uk/Clement-Clarke...

[Dedalus]

Same here - got flutter on prescription and find it very effective.

[Hidden]

My newly diagnosed with COPD husband got his on prescription after reading about it on this forum and he finds it amazingly effective in bringing up his mucus, that and steaming with Olbas oil are what is keeping him sane!

[cofdrop-UK in reply to Hidden]

Steaming is so brilliant sylviesinc. My GP would recommend it but says he can't because of health and safety. Has your dh tried using the Betterware inhalation flask - it's a blue insulated flask which you fill with the boiling water, Olbas or Menthol (whatever you choose) and the lid has a mask. It's just so easy peasy.

For someone with bronchiectasis, as happyfeet says the acapella choice is of greater benefit for us as many of us bring up copious amounts and can use it whilst doing postural draining with percussion i.e. in any position.

betterware.co.uk/independen...

[Hidden in reply to cofdrop-UK]

Thanks cofdrop, the blue flask was the first thing he bought but he has since bought an electric one which he uses now, MP Essentials Home Facial Spa Steamer which has a T-zone attachment, available on Amazon.

[Hidden]

My husband uses it (he suffers with severe COPD) - especially when he has an infection. He has to be careful though - I agree with the nurse do it gently until you get used to it. Sometimes he gets a bit carried away and can end up in a massive coughing fit. Good luck TAD xx

[Fern369]

Hi I have a Flutter device and an Acapella device which both work equally as well I find to clear my Lungs . I was shown how to use mine by a Physiotherapist and the trick is to blow out gently to get the good vibrations going.

[moneal]

I have found it works like magic, it takes a while to get the hang of using it, I was taught by a physiotherapist in the local hospital, whose instructions were very different to those that came with the flutter; after that I found it worked 99 times out of 100.

As others have said, use it gently to start with, don't get carried away by breathing too hard into it, gentle breaths work fine, three gentle, three slightly harder then a couple of harder blows works for me

Good luck

[needtobreathe]

Thanks for the tips, I'll look into the above ideas, need a bit of help at moment. Thankyou everyone. x

[onamission]

My friend has COPD and asked her GP about this he said he had not seen any evidence this worked and started her on the new inhaler, but very interesting what you have posted about this

[bobbyfloyd]

i have a flutter devise and found it very good at getting up the muck from your lungs, if anyone gets one take it easy at first as you cough quite a lot, but it does work. I was advised to get one from a C O P D nurse so they are safe. I have copd/bronchiectasis.

[norris3]

Thanks for all the advice. Will make inquiries about having one on prescription from GP.