Originally manufactured by Smiths Medical, Acapella Vibratory PEP Devices provide positive expiratory pressure (PEP) therapy to patients with cystic fibrosis, COPD, asthma, atelectasis, or lung secretion issues.
As a single-patient PEP therapy device with multiple uses, the Acapella valve assists with managing and dislodging respiratory secretions, including mucus, enhances the performance of a bronchodilator and can be used in conjunction with nebulized aerosol drug systems. Long-term use helps manage or reverse atelectasis.
Benefits of the Acapella PEP Device
For managing multiple respiratory issues, Acapella DH and DM PEP Therapy Systems:
- Allow respiratory therapy to be completed in roughly half the time as traditional chest physiotherapy (15 to 20 minutes versus the typical 20 to 40 minutes).
- Let the patient conveniently inhale and exhale without removing the valve from the mouth.
- Allow for longer expiratory airflow, which assists with removing lung secretions, thanks to the one-way inspiratory valve and force-enhancing vibrations; this arrangement gives patients more control over their breathing and allows them to perform breaths to expel fluid.
- Enhance aerosolized medication delivery, distributing particles over a larger area and into peripheral airways.
- Can be used with a mask or mouthpiece attachment or with an inline nebulizer fitted with a tee adapter.
- Are sized for adults and children ages five and up.
- Let patients perform their PEP therapy in multiple positions, including standing, sitting, and lying down, thanks to the magnetic rocking resistor.
- Are easy to clean, rinse, and flush without disassembly.
- Include an expiratory resistance dial.
Two Options for PEP Therapy
There are two color-coded options when using the Acapella mucus clearance apparatus: blue and green. The blue model is low-flow, working less than 15 liters per minute (LPM) for three seconds, and the green model is high-flow, working more than 15 LPM for three seconds. If you are unsure which model, you are best suited for, we suggest consulting your doctor. Each therapy model is designed based on clinical needs. You can, however, adjust the Acapella valve frequency and flow resistance by adjusting a dial.
In terms of performance:
- The Acapella DH system (Green) provides ≥15 L/min expiratory flow.
- The DM System (Blue) delivers < 15 L/min expiratory flow.
Both are ideal for short-term hospital use.
Customers who prefer to disassemble the unit for cleaning may check out the Acapella Choice.
User Instructions for First Time Users
- Set the frequency-adjusting dial to its minimal setting (turning counterclockwise)
- Relax and then breathe from your diaphragm
- Take in a large amount of air — do not fill your lungs to capacity
- Blow out through the device without forcing your air
- Make sure your breath lasts for three to four seconds
- If you cannot blow for that long, turn the resistance up by rotating the dial clockwise
- Your outward breath should last three to four times longer than an inward breath
- You may need to use the device several times before you find the proper setting
Daily Use Instructions
- Verify that the dial is set to where it should be
- Place your elbows on a table, making sure that you are sitting comfortably
- Put the end of the mouthpiece into your mouth
- Close your lips to form a tight seal
- You may need to use a nose clip to achieve the seal
- If you are using a mask, make sure that the mask fits firmly over your nose and mouth (the mask should be comfortable)
- Draw a large breath in with your diaphragm (do not fill your lungs)
- Hold your air for a couple of seconds
- Breathe out, pushing air through the device without forcing your air (this should take three to four times longer than breathing in did)
- Take 10-20 breaths through your device (the number your healthcare provider prescribed)
- Take the mouthpiece out
- Draw in a deep breath of air and force it out in two or three quick "huffs" as if you were blowing a candle out with your mouth wide open
- Repeat the entire procedure according to your provider's directions
Sterilizing Your Unit
- Soak your device in one of the following three solutions
- 70% isopropyl alcohol. Soaking time - five minutes, two times per day. Rinse thoroughly in sterile water
- 3% hydrogen peroxide. Soaking time - 30 minutes. Rinse thoroughly in sterile water
- Glutaraldehyde. Use this solution cold.
Warnings
- Do not use a lot of pressure when using this device
- Users with heightened lung pressure sensitivity may experience adverse reactions
- A knowledgeable healthcare provider needs to set the level of resistance to avoid complications
Complications Can Include
- Difficulty of breath that could result in hypoventilation or hypercarbia
- Greater pressure in the head cavity
- Circulatory problems
- Partial blockage of blood flow to the heart (myocardial ischemia)
- Blood flow to the right atrium (venous return)
- Swallowing air accompanied by a greater tendency to regurgitate and choke
- Fear of tight or crowded spaces
- Skin damage
- Irritation from the mask
- Lung damage from too frequent changes in pressure
Indications for Use
- COPD
- Asthma
- Atelectasis
- Chronic Bronchitis
- Emphysema
- Bronchiectasis
- CNS/Neuromuscular Disease
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Mucociliary Clearance Disorders
Contraindications
Exercise Caution Before Using This Device with Any of the Following Conditions:
- Exercise caution before using this device with any of the following conditions:
- Low capacity for labored breathing
- Perfusion failure
- Interior head pressure
- Intense sinus infection
- Any recent surgery or injury of the face, mouth, or head
- Acute hemorrhaging from the nostril or nose
- Operation on the esophagus
- Coughing up blood
- Collapsed lung
- Queasiness
- Damaged ear drum
- Problems in the middle ear
Precautions
- Bleach can damage interior parts
- Microwave ovens may cause the device to catch fire
- Sterilize frequently
- Look for damage, dirt, and outside objects
- Make sure all connections are tight
Product Specifications
- Manufacturer: ICU Medical, Formerly Smiths Medical
- Product Numbers: 21-1015, 21-1530
- Blue model: <15 LPM for three seconds
- Green model: >15 LPM for three seconds
- Patented rocker mechanism
- 22 mm OD ambient end
- 22 mm OD patient end
- HCPCS code: E0484
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