About Acapella Vibratory PEP Therapy System with Mouthpiece
The Acapella Vibratory PEP Therapy System is a single patient use device that provides Positive Expiratory Pressure (PEP) Therapy for patients who have Cystic Fibrosis, COPD, asthma, and lung diseases with secretory problems, and patients with atelectasis. All patients must be capable of following instructions for Positive Expiratory Pressure Therapy.
Key Benefits & Features
- Green Acapella DH is recommended for patients able to maintain an expiratory flow of 15 liters per minute or greater for 3 seconds.
- 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 accommodate virtually any patient’s lung capacity.
- 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, including on the top rack of a dishwasher, boiling, or by autoclave.
- Include an expiratory resistance dial.
Specifications
- Color: Green
- Distal: 22 mm OD. Accommodates nebulizer connection via tee adaptor.
- Proximal: 22 mm OD. Accommodates mouthpiece or mask.
- Single patient use.
Acapella Vibratory PEP Therapy System with Mouthpiece FAQs
What does the system consist of?
- Removable mouthpiece (mask options are also available)
- Acapella Vibratory PEP Device with 22 mm male fittings including:
- Expiratory resistance/frequency adjustment dial
- One-way inspiratory valve
- Patient end which adapts to a mouthpiece, or mask. (if pressure monitoring feedback is desired, the Smiths Medical TheraPEP pressure port may be inserted
- Mouthpiece (detachable)
What are the instructions for use?
Initial Settings:
If this is the first use of the Acapella device, ensure that the frequency adjustment dial is turned counterclockwise to its lowest frequency-resistance setting.
- Instruct the patient to relax while performing diaphragmatic breathing and inspiring a volume of air larger than normal tidal volume (but not to total lung capacity).
- Direct the patient to exhale to Functional Residual Capacity (FRC) actively, but not forcefully, through the device.
- The patient should be able to exhale for 3-4 seconds while the device vibrates. If the patient cannot maintain an exhalation for this length of time, adjust the dial clockwise (See Figure 2). Clockwise adjustment increases the resistance of the vibrating orifice, which will allow the patient to exhale at a lower flow-rate.
- Selection of the proper resistance range produces the desired inspiratory to expiratory (I:E) ratio of 1:3 to 1:4. Note: If the desired resistance and I:E ratio cannot be achieved, consider using an Acapella device designed for alternate flow ranges.
- Once the proper range has been identified, the patient may be instructed to exhale harder or softer, or dial adjustments may be made to optimize the response the user “feels” from the vibratory pressure.
- Several uses may be needed to ensure that individual patient needs are being met.
Procedure for the User:
- Ensure the adjustment dial is set to the correct range as identified by your clinician.
- Sit with elbows resting comfortably on table.
- Place mouthpiece lightly in mouth.
- Be sure to maintain a tight seal on the mouthpiece during exhalation.
- Your clinician may recommend the use of a nose clip, if necessary.
- If using a mask, apply mask tightly but comfortably over nose and mouth.
- Breathe from the diaphragm, as directed by your clinician, taking in a larger than normal breath, but not filling your lungs to capacity.
- Hold your breath for 2-3 seconds.
- Exhale actively, but not forcefully, through the device. Exhalation should last approximately 3 to 4 times longer than inhalation.
- Perform 10-20 PEP breaths as recommended by clinician.
- Remove mouthpiece (mask) and perform 2-3 “huff” coughs to raise secretions as needed. Your clinician may direct you on proper cough technique.
- Repeat steps as prescribed.
What are the contraindications related to this product?
Although no absolute contraindications to the use of PEP Therapy have been reported, the following should be carefully evaluated before a decision is made to initiate therapy: Inability to tolerate increased work of breathing, Hemodynamic instability, Intracranial pressure (ICP) > 20 mm Hg, Acute sinusitis, Recent facial, oral or skull surgery or trauma, Epistaxis, Esophageal surgery, Active hemoptysis, Untreated pneumothorax, Nausea, Known or suspected tympanic membrane rupture or other middle ear pathology.
What is the estimated device lifetime?
Assuming the manufacturer recommended cleaning protocol is followed, the Acapella device should have a useful life of six (6) months under normal and customary usage. The six (6) month usage duration is measured from the date of initial use.
How should I clean this product?
Precaution: Bleach is not recommended for use on the Acapella. It may deteriorate the nickel plated mechanism located in the interior of the device.
- Cleaning with Liquid Dish Detergent:
- As needed, detach mouthpiece (mask) then soak the device and mouthpiece in warm, soapy water as required to remove visible contaminants. Use a liquid dish detergent (Dawn or equivalent), mixing two (2) tablespoons of detergent per one (1) gallon water. Rinse thoroughly with sterile water, and allow parts to air dry. Drain the device by placing it in a normal resting position.
- Disinfecting:
- Alcohol – Soak five (5) minutes, twice daily. Acapella is compatible with 70% isopropyl alcohol. Rinse with sterile water. You can make water sterile by boiling for five (5) minutes.
- Hydrogen Peroxide – Soak in 3% hydrogen peroxide for 30 minutes. Rinse with sterile water. You can make water sterile by boiling for five (5) minutes.
- Glutaraldehydes (Cidex or equivalent) – Acapella will maintain its integrity using cold sterilizing solutions such as glutaraldehydes.
