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Shifting phlegm

WeymouthJohn profile image
15 Replies

Trying again with the question.

I'm sure I've read on here about a "Whizzit" inhaler device which helps to loosen phlegm so you can get rid of it. Can anyone help? If you've had experience is it any good? Is it worth buying? I'm also interested in reading people's experiences of the salt pipe.

John

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15 Replies
Lynne1955 profile image
Lynne1955

I haven't used one but I believe it's called a 'flutter'. I learned that from Homebreeze. I'm sure someone will soon be able to advise.

Lynne xx

Puffthemagicdragon profile image
Puffthemagicdragon

I have a Flutter device and I do find it helps shift mucus. I can't speak for everyone else though I got mine on prescription.

stillmovin profile image
stillmovin in reply to Puffthemagicdragon

Hi there, I saw your note from 5 months ago and wondered how you are getting on with your Flutter? I will get mine tomorrow but I don't really know how to use it and wondered if it is straightforward. I have bronchiectasis and can't shift anything despite the conventional breathing exercises they showed me at the hospital. Did you have to be shown how to use it at the hospital or is it ok to just start using it yourself? THanks.

Puffthemagicdragon profile image
Puffthemagicdragon in reply to stillmovin

I found the instructions easy to follow. It's just about getting the angle right. I find it helps me.

Shirleyj profile image
Shirleyj

I have a flutter device, it really helps shift the junk on your chest. I purchased mine from a company called evergreen, if you can get one on prescription then great, but think it was worth the £45 I paid for it. It clears the phlegm that you can't get up by coughing. Hope this helps. Take care Shirley x

libbygood profile image
libbygood

I bought mine from Evergreen too. They are supposed to be on precription now, takes a while to get the hang of it but now I can actually hear the gunge being moved. Use it morning and night, 10 blows. Good for the face muscles too !!

Lib x

stillmovin profile image
stillmovin in reply to libbygood

hi libbygood I am just about to get a Flutter tomorrow and I saw your note from months ago. Do you have any success with your Flutter and is it easy enough to use? I will be instructing myself so wondered if it would be ok to do this, as I haven't got my chest physio help anymore. Thanks.

cofdrop-UK profile image
cofdrop-UK

As well as the Flutter there is the Acapella Choice. We all prefer different method of getting up the old gunk. As your pals above have already said seeing as you can now get the flutter on prescription might be worth giving it a try. Hope it helps you.

Sorry no experience of the salt pipe.

Search for mucodyne on this site, this can help 'junk' problems!

My flutter was given to me from hospital!

suspan profile image
suspan

I have got one called an 'Acapella'- they all seem to work in similar ways.

Namely a device that vibrates as you exhale which makes the lungs vibrate to help shift the phlegm.

However I find it very tiring and when I've got an infection I just cannot do it at all, Im exhausted and my chest is too painful.

I have just been given saline vials to use in a nebuliser. (from my dr) Ive only had it a day but it does seem to shift the phlegm without too much effort apart from the huffing and coughing! On the whole the devises do seem to work, for me included, but you have to try for yourself. Its worth a shot!!

Keep smiling ;-)

cofdrop-UK profile image
cofdrop-UK

Suspan do you have your acapella set at 1 when you are struggling - 1 has the least resistance. Good luck with the saline.

Love cx

WeymouthJohn profile image
WeymouthJohn

Thanks for all the replies. I'm seeing my GP on Tuesday and will ask him about the possibility of prescribing a Flutter.

moneal profile image
moneal

I use the flutter, takes a little practice to get it to work, but great once you have worked it out, just do it gently and slowly to free up the muck then some deep breathing another couple of slow rattles then a couple of strong puffs. It works for me 99% of the time.. There is another one that was recommended, called the lung flute (I think) and if you have to buy one don't forget it's vat free if your are registered disabled.

stillmovin profile image
stillmovin in reply to moneal

hi moneal - saw your note on the Flutter which you put on months ago but I have only got round to getting one (well I will have it tomorrow pm). I have bronchiectasis and it is really hard to shift anything. Anyway, is it easy enough to use for the first time? I was hoping I wouldn't have to go and have special instructions on using it as I don't have a physio anymore and it takes ages to get a new referral where I live. From your note, you seem to be fine with it, do you still manage ok? Thanks.

moneal profile image
moneal

Hi

It will come with instructions, I was following them carefully in hospital one day when a physio stopped and said let me give you some advice

Put it in your mouth and gently blow, then by moving it up and down (that's lifting the pipe bowl either towards your nose or down towards your chin) find the point where you can feel the ball inside it bouncing (and you will). Then blow gently and slowly a couple of times, don't blow too hard, do a couple of slow breaths then a couple more gentle blows through the pipe , now you can try a two or three sharpish blows through the flutter. That's all it takes normally.

The instructions talk about holding your nose and various other things to get the bounce correct but it really has not been necessary. Experiment and don't give up, after the physio's advice I FOUND IT BRILLIANT and still use it nearly every day.

Good luck and get back to me if you need to.

Maurice@mneal.co.uk

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