Aerobika

[Fionafish]

Morning all, I started using the aerobika twice a day in the last few months and thought I would let you know my experience. I use it for twenty minutes and it seems to compare to postural drainage for clearing mucus. However, I noticed about four weeks ago that I can drink far more water. This is unscientific but before I probably could drink half a glass at a time but now I can drink the whole glass without running out of air. It will be really interesting to get my peak flow tested whenever that happens.

I got it from Ireland and it was about 130 euros so not cheap.

I am only using it once a day at the moment as have had chest infections so sterilise it after every use (usually you can use washing up liquid but I am not sure that kills the bugs).

Best wishes

[DaisyEric]

Keep it up Fiona it certainly sounds as though its helping you I'd be interested to hear if anyone else has had positive experiences with it. As you say it's not cheap!

[Fionafish in reply to DaisyEric]

Thanks DaisyEric, me too, and also how it compares with other breathing devices such as the acapella (not sure if that's right)

[Onionman]

I’ve been using the Aerobika once daily for years - it makes a difference to my lung capacity. Even when I’m sick my peak flow doesn’t drop as low as it used to. I got mine from Canada I think it’s cheaper

[Fionafish in reply to Onionman]

Good to hear - what setting do you use yours on?

[Onionman]

Hi I’m usually at the half way mark - mine goes from plus to minus, sometimes I go another setting towards plus. How about you?

[Fionafish in reply to Onionman]

The same - I do wonder about keeping it on four for a bit but it takes a bit more effort to blow so I go back to the middle. I have had periods of coughing up blood and the doctors said not to use it if that happens. Even after weeks of not using it lung capacity does not seem to go down - brilliant device. Sorry about more questions but do you think it is better than postural drainage? At the moment I use the Aerobika in the morning and then PD in the afternoon and evening.

[Onionman]

I do the same thing, try and go up to 4 but it’s too hard.

I haven’t heard of postural drainage, I’d love to know more about it. Is it something you do at home?

[Fionafish in reply to Onionman]

Hi Onionman, do you have bronchiectasis? You might need something else otherwise though if you have phlegm to clear this is a good method. The consultant did not tell me (or about devices such as what we are using) or any other medical staff. I paid for a private physiotherapist who taught me. Anyway: lie on one side, relax, top arm along body, bottom arm/hand on side so you can touch your ribs. Breathe in slowly so your ribs rise, hold for count of three and breathe out. After six breaths, breathe in, hold, and do one long huff - cough to bring up any gook. I do ten minutes each lung if it is in the morning or evening but at least 15 minutes each lung after exercise as cough up loads then. I find this productive but if you look on youtube there are other sorts of postural drainage that might suit you better.

This is such a time consuming condition to have but usually stops me coughing all day.

[Onionman in reply to Fionafish]

Thanks so much for that. I have COPD and Asthma but I think it would still work. I saw a video of a doctor showing what they advise patients with chest problems it was 3 x times 5 breaths in and out, hold the last one. Do that 3 times then lie on your stomach for 10 mins. I found that quite good at shifting stuff as well. We’re always learning aren’t we,??

[Fionafish]

That sounds good - will definitely give it a go. Yes, I know we are all different but especially with my first consultant I would have expected a lot more practical help. Have learnt so much from this site too. As you have asthma I was thinking you might really enjoy this book I bought a while back. I haven't quite finished it as keep getting distracted by fiction but it is so interesting - James Nestor, "Breath, the new science of a lost art'. It talks about how our face shapes have changed over the last three hundred years due to changing lifestyles. Keep meaning to post this info. I am focusing on keeping my mouth shut as I was mouth breathing too much. He reckons if we breath right we can stop snoring, sleep apnoea etc and make conditions like asthma better.

[Onionman]

That sounds so interesting, I’ll definitely look it up. Anything we can learn to help makes a difference! Even learning pursed breathing has made a difference to me, and also breathing out longer than in when you’re really breathless.