Mucus Clearance Devices
Mucus Clearing Devices, also referred to as airway clearance devices, from Respironics, Smiths Medical, and Axcan Scandipharm are used to help clear the lungs and airways of secretions. These secretions are typically connected to illnesses like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Asthma and Cystic Fibrosis. Below are three videos that show how to use different Mucus Clearing Devices, including the Flutter Valve and Acapella Flutter Valve.
The Flutter and Acapella Flutter Valves work by creating positive expiratory pressure (PEP) and vibrations. These devices have steel balls to provide resistance against exhaling. The resistance of the balls also creates a positive pressure as you breathe out which moves the loosened mucus, so you can cough it up and promote healthy lungs and airways. In an oscillating PEP device, the balls also create vibrations that help loosen mucus in your lungs and airways.
Best Features
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Acapella Vibratory PEP Mucus Clearance Device, 15 Liters by Smiths Medical
PortexStarting at: $40.27
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Aerobika Oscillating Positive Expiratory Pressure Therapy System (OPEP)
Monaghan MedicalStarting at: $89.43
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Philips Respironics CA3000 CoughAssist Device - Emerson Cough Assist Machine
RespironicsStarting at: $1,618.75
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A Flutter Valve, or Heimlich valve, is typically used when you have a respiratory condition that produces mucus or other pulmonary secretions. This includes atelectasis, bronchitis, cystic fibrosis, asthma and more.
If you are unable to cough to remove and clear secretions, you could consider a mechanical insufflator-exsufflator such as the Cough Assist T70 Device. These cofflators apply rapid shifts of positive pressure and negative pressure to the airways to simulate a cough. This simulated cough then voids the secretions. The machines typically come with a face mask or mouthpiece. They can also use an adapter to connect to a tracheostomy tube.
Some mucus clearing devices also connect with nebulizers for aerosol therapy.
Vitality Medical offers a wide variety of Mucus Removal Devices and accessories to meet your needs.
Cough Assist Video (8:26 minutes)
Fluuter Valve Video (8:26 minutes)
Acapella Choice Valve Video (8:26 minutes)
