Any good breathing devices?

[racingahead]

Hi, I have been diagnosed with bronchiectasis and this is my first post. I struggle,even after doing my breathing exercises to move my mucus from my airways. Have looked at various devices which are supposed to help - Flutter valve, PEP valve or Gel - o muc device (I don't think I can use Aerosure because of my sinusitis/nasal polyps ). Any thoughts or recommendations?

[Hidden]

Hi racingahead and welcome to the bronchs club! It’s good to see that you are concentrating on the most important factor in bronchiectasis control. Getting the gunk out of your lungs. After a lifetime of bronchiectasis ( I am 68, diagnosed at 3) I have tried every device available. The only one which works for me when I need it is the earosure medic. Your polyp and sinus problems shouldn’t be an issue. In fact, because it is powered by a motor it is easier and more effective to use than the self blow types. Over the years I have had sinus ops and a polyp but this has never proved a problem when using this device. I hope that helped.

[racingahead in reply to Hidden]

Thank you - that is interesting about the eurosure medic. I only mentioned about my sinusitis after reading their website conditions of use where they say that anyone with acute sinusitis should not use their device. Following your reply,I have looked up the meaning of ACUTE sinusitis and strictly that is sinusitis lasting up to 12 weeks as distinct from chronic sinusitis i.e. long -term which I have. I probably need to look into this further although your use and endorsement of this does obviously reassure me that this should be OK. Thank you very much for taking the time to reply to me - your lifetime experience of bronch. is certainly swaying me towards your view.

Receiving the benefit of yours,and other replies, and realising I am far from alone in this has actually helped already.

[Hidden in reply to racingahead]

Yes you are never alone with the gunk goblin once you have found this site. The aerosure medic is expensive and so it is a good thing that you are doing your research and thinking carefully before buying one. I don’t know if I said but if you do buy one make sure to get the vat back. Do let us know how you get on, whatever you choose.

[Bella395]

Hello racingahead. My OH tells me that Flutter valve is good but Aerosure is better. He has sinus problems too. He uses Carbocysteine 2 capsules three times a day and sometimes a dose of expectorant.

Nebulized saline is often useful. Some people use hypertonic saline in various strengths up to 7%. I just think you have to try various options to see which suits you best.

OH met the criteria for a Smart Vest and it has made a huge difference but they are expensive and perhaps not necessary for most people who can manage to clear via other methods.

From my carer experience I would say that it is best to get under the care of a consultant and team who specialise in bronchiectasis.

[Bella395]

I forgot to say that years ago postural drainage physiotherapy (manual percussion) was the treatment for clearance. I have done this but it is time consuming and hard work. Too old now - I don’t have the strength and it causes pain in my arms and shoulders. However, thought it was worth mentioning because OH used to find it helpful. I think that is why he has responded to the Vest so well - it mimics the percussion.

Active Cycle Breathing is all some people need but despite having a good cough, OH didn’t find it really cut the mustard so to speak. Autogenic Drainage might be worth looking at but it is hard to get the technique right - you need instruction.

Think that a stepped approach is best so you can properly assess your response. It seems that the first step (breathing exercises) are not helpful so if your mucous is thick, perhaps consider a mucolytic as step number two. This is commonly Carbocysteine but could be nebulized saline if you prefer. There are others. Thinning the mucous could help you to expectorate. Maybe consider one of the devices as step 3.

[racingahead in reply to Bella395]

Thank you - that,and other replies, has certainly given me plenty of information to mull over.

[cofdrop-UK]

Hi racingahead and welcome. I am surprised your respiratory physiotherapist hasn’t been through all the techniques etc to find which method suits you best. There are 2 devices here which you might find helpful. You can get them on prescription. I get the acapella choice on prescription. I don’t use it in isolation though and concentrate more on lung clearance. Some people find the flutter helpful. The benfit of the acapella choice is that you can use it when you are in any position. If you purchase any of these PEPs yourself, please make sure you get the medical VAT off.

m.youtube.com/watch?v=b2Rht...(Not working as expected?)

henleysmed.com/products/air...

nebulisersdirect.co.uk/inde...

Nebulising saline often helps loosen the mucus by using osmosis. Some find isotonic 0.9% is useful. This strength is the same as found in all bodily fluids. For me this strength is no longer effective and I nebulise hypertonic saline. This comes in 3 strengths 3%, 6% and 7%. With hypertonic you have to be assessed at the hospital (given a test dose) and then your GP can prescribe it if hospital directed.

ACT is more effective if done laying down for many people.

Good luck.

Cx

[racingahead in reply to cofdrop-UK]

Thank you for replying and for the information. I am confused about the position re devices on prescription - have been told these cannot be obtained on prescription by my asthma/COPD nurse at the surgery. Also how do I buy them VAT free?

[Hidden in reply to racingahead]

If you buy the aerosure medic there will be an online form to fill in or a phone number.

[cofdrop-UK in reply to racingahead]

I am afraid your asthma/copd nurse is wrong, unless it is a policy at your particular surgery. It appears lots of people have difficulty with some GPs not appearing to know the acapella and the flutter are available on prescription. Since PEPs became available I have had them from the hospital, bought some and now I get them on prescription, although I have just been given another gadget from the hospital physio. In all my life before that we had b all and had to rely on physio physio and more physio.

Re the VAT if you buy them privately, you will need to contact the company you buy it from as they have medical VAT exemption forms.

01707385226 - That’s the ‘phone number of Henleys.

Good luck.

Cx

[corriena in reply to racingahead]

I got my acopelo device on prescription. Ask the gp to ortharise it for you.

[Shancock]

I heard that the Acapella device is supposed to be good. With your sinus issues do you use a sinus rinse daily, they do really help.

[racingahead in reply to Shancock]

Thank you - I have received a lot of information from yourself and other people - plenty to think about!

[Bella395 in reply to racingahead]

The fact that your asthma/COPD nurse doesn't know which devices are available on prescription highlights the need for you to see a consultant/team who specialize in bronchiectasis.

The problem is that some general clinic staff treat everyone as if they have COPD because it is the more common condition. Some of them will have little experience of bronchiectasis because it is rarer. It is also more complex if co-existing with asthma. As has been said, you can get clearance devices on prescription so ask the nurse to look it up for you and prescribe one because then she will have learned something.

You will probably have to buy a nebuliser though (if you want one). Drugs for it are on prescription and your respiratory unit might give you the accessories. healthunlocked.com/blf/post...

evergreen-nebulizers.co.uk/

[Zenga]

Hi racingahead

I boil distilled water - disolve pure sea salt - and steam with it - I do it every night to clear my airways for the night.. but you can do it as you need to)...

(just same as your doc giving you a nebuliser with saline caps).

This is one of my favorite quigong routines ( although you can be more gentle - you don't need to beat your chest off like this guy does !!!)

Hope it helps loosen your phlegm, give you some relief.

Joe

youtube.com/watch?v=EfjgstU...(Not working as expected?)

[racingahead in reply to Zenga]

Thank you - another really good idea I need to think about.It is going to take me a while!

[Starstream]

Hi, this sounds like me, I could have posted exactly the same. Have you found anything useful yet?

I still find it hard to shift anything at all and find myself on antibiotics and steroids every 5 to 6 weeks, they really help but I am worried have some many throughout the year 🤔