A weeks ago a physiotherapist gave me something called a Pari O-Pep, well I think that's what it's called. She said that if I used it properly I wouldn't get chest infections. I blow into it three times a day and it makes me cough.. I find it an exhausting procedure and hurts but I'm happy to try anything to stop the infections. I have bronchiectasis. I'd love to know if anybody else uses one and how helpful they find it. Thanks Mary
Blowing thing: A weeks ago a... - Lung Conditions C...
Blowing thing
I have had bronchiectasis all of my life. I am 67. I have never heard of that device. I cannot see how just breathing into it can prevent you getting exacerbations. With bronchiectasis the most important daily regime is to cough out all of the fluid which has collected in your lungs. This gets rid of the bacteria in the fluid which, if left to itself, will multiply and make you very ill. Most of us have various devices which we use to help loosen the fluid so that we cough it up. It may be that what she has given you is meant for this. I think that you need more help from the physio into what exactly it is intended for, how to use it and how to use breathing tecniques to get the fluid out of your lungs. Good luck.
Thank you... it does make me cough up stuff....so it's probably doing its job.... I'll see what happens.
Hi Mary, I just googled the Pai O pep. It seems to be a new device for loosening secretions. I suggest that you go on to their site where there are very good instructions for using it.
Hi
Instructions for use.
Using the Pari O-PEP can help to alleviate unproductive coughing and shortness of breath which in turn can increase lung efficiency and help to prevent recurrent infections.
Sitting in an upright, relaxed position, place the mouthpiece between your teeth and enclose it with your lips. Breathe in slowly and deeply through your nose, holding your breath for about 1 to 2 seconds. Breathe out slowly and completely into the PARI O-PEP through your mouth. While exhaling, tense your cheek muscles and keep your cheeks rigid. This action causes the steel ball in the O-Pep to vibrate. These vibrations combined with the gentle resistance when you breathe against the ball cause a number of positive benefits. Changes in air pressure encourages your smaller airways to open which in turn increases lung efficiency. Mucus is thinned and dislodged by the vibration and increased airflow helps the mucus to move to your large airways where, with gentle coughing, you can more comfortably expel it. Repeat the cycle of breathing in and out for 10 to 15 breaths.
The Pari O-PEP is dishwasher safe and autoclavable and is supplied with a small bag for hygienic storage.
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Hi Keepers, that's interesting because it does make me cough a lot and viciously , especially at bedtime. Obviously if it's what had to happen to keep the infections away I shall have to get used to it but I shall check it out. I do usually spend 20 days out of 30 on antibiotics and have haven't had the scheduled chest infection so maybe something is working. Thank you for this.
Haven't heard of that one before so just bought one on-line - I have bronchiectasis too. Thanks for the info and good luck.
I've got a 'PEP' mask. I find it brilliant, best thing I've ever been given to help with chest clearance. I use it regularly throughout the day and it helps me clear my lungs of gunk even when I didn't realise there was anything to clear.
Ive heard of one called Aerobika which is like a flutter device and it also oscillates to help shift phlegm- anyone heard of it?