Mucus clearing device, buy or not?

[Heaven20]

Hi everyone, I am undecided as whether to purchase a flutter type device to help with clearance. I seem to be getting poorly every couple of months and wondered if any bronchiectasis sufferers out there use one and does it help?

I realise I have to take my antibiotics but can using one of these devices cut down on infections.

I do the ACBT but doesn't always work.

Feeling pretty rough today, no cough really, just no energy at all and change in colour mucus.

.

[Damon1864 Volunteer]

Hi Heaven20 you should be able to get a flutter valve off your GP or respritory nurse for nothing, I have got one and they are very good. Hope this helps , have a good evening and take care 😊 Bernadette and Jack 🐕 xxxxxx 🌹

[Heaven20 in reply to Damon1864]

Hi there, I did ask the respiratory nurse the last time I was at the hospital, she told me they didn't supply them.I've seen one on Amazon for £30 but just wanted to hear off any users, I'm in the UK

[corriena in reply to Heaven20]

If you ask your gp and can convince them and pharmicy it will help stop you getting so unwell they often will perscribe them as they save money in the long run. I hardly use carbocisten any more only with an infection wich is reare because i can move the mucas easeier. Good luck ps it has wirked realy well for me but maybe not for everyone. You just have to give it a go

[Alberta56]

Your doctor should prescribe one, if he feels it will help, though they can be bought on line. I was prescribed an AeroBika which had a miraculous effect on my ability to cough up phlegm when I was very ill. No phlegm= nowhere for bugs to lurk. Other people find other devices suit them better, so don't buy a device if you can avoid it.

[Patk1 in reply to Alberta56]

I like my aerobika

[Hidden]

Effective clearance is an absolute must for managing conditions like ncfb where sputum production and frequent infections are major issues. If you’re under an appropriate respiratory unit that know what they’re doing, they should actively help you find the right airway clearance technique that works for you and make sure you’re doing it effectively. If you’re eligible for an ACT device like a flutter, acapella, or an aerobika - and having bronchiectasis means you are - then these are available to those that need them on the NHS. Whilst buying one might not seem like a hardship, infection control and the frequent sterilisation required means they need to be replaced on a regular basis (recommendations can vary between devices, but quite often yearly), so that can be a fair cost to absorb over time depending on your circumstances. Keeping them clean and following sterilisation instructions, along with replacing them as recommended, is important as physio devices can harbour the bacteria and fungus you’re trying to treat/avoid if not kept clean.

[Heaven20 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for your advice, I have a gp appt next week and will request advice,... It's so helpful to have all this feedback from everyone.

[Hidden in reply to Heaven20]

This is not something the GP is responsible for, it’s something your respiratory team are responsible for. They should arrange for you to see a respiratory physio to get on top of your airway clearance, and if admitted for IVs, you should be able to access a respiratory physio on a daily basis to make the most of your treatment. I don’t know if you’re aware of them, but there are guidelines in the UK about how bronchiectasis should be managed, and the image attached regarding physio is from the bottom of page 21 (click/tap to view properly). The whole of section 9 from page 20 to page 27 is the recommendations around airway clearance. The link to the full guidelines is:

brit-thoracic.org.uk/docume...

You need to be getting the correct care. If the team looking after you aren’t following the guidelines, then there’s definitely room for improvement with the care you’re receiving.

Recommendations re. Airway clearance in ncfb from the BTS guidelines.

[Karenanne61]

I have one which was prescribed by respiratory physio.

[B0xermad]

Definitely a must for me ,I have been using a flutter and acapella device and without it I would not be able to do half of the things that I took for granted before I was diagnosed with bronchiectasis

[busygardener]

Morning,my respiratory physio contacted GP for a flutter device,got it within days ,brilliant little device for clearing mucous of my chest ,speak to your physio .

[Nula2]

Hi heaven20, I have bronchiectasis (and aspergillosis & asthma) I bought a flutter from Amazon. I find it really helps me clear mucus. I use it in the mornings before breakfast but after I've had a cuppa! Hope it helps xxxx 🙂

[Heaven20 in reply to Nula2]

Hi Nula2, can you tell me which one you use as there are quite a few on Amazon. I'm glad it helps you. Thank you

[Nula2 in reply to Heaven20]

Hi Heaven20, I use "Flutter Mucus Clearance Device" Its brand name is "FLUTTER" and it's distributed by Clement Clarke International Ltd. It takes a while to master the technique - but if I can do it anyone can!! 😆Hope it helps you xxx

[LungLou]

Sorry not sure what it is (will Google later) but if it’s the same kind of thing I was offered a ‘cough assist’ by my Home Ventilation team.

[Heaven20 in reply to LungLou]

Im not using one now as I have been told if you have episodes of haemoptysis it can be serious. I used it once in the morning and on the evening I coughed blood, could have been a coincidence but decided not to use again.