Smiths Medical Acapella Vibratory PEP Therapy System

Acapella Device Vibratory PEP Therapy System Features

• Single patient use device
• Patented rocker mechanism
• 22mm outer diameter ambient end
• 22mm outer diameter patient end
• Acapella Blue-DM <15 lpm for 3 seconds
• Acapella Green-DH >15 lpm for 3 seconds
• Prevents or fixes collapsed lung areas (atelectasis)
• Easier to tolerate than Chest Physical Therapy (CPT)
• Improves the effectiveness of bronchodilator medications
• Makes it easier to clear and move secretions in the body
• Takes less than half the time of conventional CPT sessions
• Color-coded units help customize treatment for each patient based on their clinical needs
• Takes 15-20 minutes for treatment, while traditional chest physiotherapy takes 20-40 minutes
• The frequency and flow resistance of the Acapella breathing device can be adjusted by turning an adjustment dial

Acapella Device Benefits

• Allows use with mask or mouthpiece attachment
• Accommodates virtually any patient’s lung capacity
• Allows use with inline nebulizer when fitted with tee adapter
• Allows inhalation and exhalation without removing from mouth
• Prolongs expiratory airflow to increase the removal of secretions
• Can be used in any position - a patient is free to sit, stand, or recline

Acapella Vibratory PEP Therapy System User Guide

DM & DH PEP Therapy System

The Acapella DM (Blue) is designed for patients who can generate an expiratory flow of more than 15 liters per minute for 3 seconds. The Acapella DH (Green) is designed for patients who have a weaker expiratory flow, less than 15 liters per minute for 3 seconds.

What does the Acapella Breathing Device Include?

1. Removable mouthpiece
2. Comes with 22 mm male fittings, including:
   • A. Expiratory resistance/frequency adjustment dial
   • B. One-way inspiratory valve
   • C. The patient end, which adapts to a mouthpiece or mask
   • D. Mouthpiece (detachable)

 

Also Available (Separately)

• Smiths Medical Acapella Choice Vibratory PEP Therapy System

How does the Acapella Vibratory PEP Therapy System work?

1. Acapella by Smiths Medical directs exhaled air through an opening, which is periodically closed by a pivoting cone
2. As air passes through the opening, the cone alternately closes and opens the airflow path
3. The result is a vibrating pressure waveform
4. For most users, frequencies between 0-30 Hz are obtained while maintaining positive pressure throughout the exhalation process. This is referred to as vibratory PEP therapy
5. Through adjusting the dial, the frequency of the vibrating pressure waves and the resistance of the opening changes

Indications

• Acapella is intended for use as 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
• It may also be used simultaneously with nebulized aerosol drug delivery
• Green: Acapella DH is recommended for patients able to maintain an expiratory flow of 15 liters per minute or greater for 3 seconds
• Blue: Acapella DM is recommended for patients capable of less than 15 liters per minute for 3 seconds

Contraindications

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
• Known or suspected tympanic membrane rupture or other middle ear pathology
• 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

Frequently Bought Together

Smartsilk Pillow Protector

AIRFREE IRIS 3000 Filterless Air Purifier

Smartsilk Mattress Protector

 

How to Use Acapella Device?

Initial Settings

1. If this is the first use of the Acapella DM & DH Vibratory PEP Therapy System, ensure that the frequency adjustment dial is turned counterclockwise to the lowest frequency-resistance setting
2. 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)
3. Direct the patient to exhale to functional residual capacity (FRC) actively but not forcefully through the device
4. 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. The clockwise adjustment increases the resistance of the vibrating orifice, which will allow the patient to exhale at a lower flow rate
5. Selection of the proper resistance range produces the desired inspiratory to expiratory (I: E) ratio of 1:3 to 1:4
6. Note: If the desired resistance and I: E ratio cannot be achieved, consider the use of an Acapella device designed for alternate flow ranges
7. 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
8. Several uses may be needed to ensure that the individual patient needs are being met

Procedure for the User

1. Ensure the adjustment dial is set to the correct range as identified by your clinician
2. Sit with elbows resting comfortably on the table
3. Place the mouthpiece lightly in the mouth
4. Be sure to maintain a tight seal on the mouthpiece during exhalation
5. Your clinician may recommend the use of a nose clip if necessary
6. If using a mask, apply the mask tightly but comfortably over the nose and mouth
7. Breathe from the diaphragm, as directed by your clinician, taking in a larger-than-normal breath but not filling your lungs to capacity
8. Hold your breath for 2-3 seconds
9. Exhale actively, but not forcefully, through the device. Exhalation should last approximately 3 to 4 times longer than inhalation
10. Perform 10-20 PEP breaths as recommended by the clinician. Remove the mouthpiece and perform 2-3 huff coughs to raise secretions as needed. Your clinician may direct you on the proper cough technique
11. Repeat steps 2 to 7 as prescribed

Cleaning Instructions

• Detach the mouthpiece, then soak the parts in warm, soapy water, rinse, and dry
• Drain the device by placing the unit with the mouthpiece end downward or by resting the unit on its side

Precautions

• Bleach is not recommended for use on the Acapella. It may deteriorate the nickel-plated mechanism located in the device's interior
• Do Not Microwave. The metal and magnet might ignite
• It is the responsibility of the user to ensure all sterility verification(s)
• Visually inspect the device to ensure that the unit is free of contamination and foreign objects

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How often should I use my device?

   Use it 2 to 4 times a day for 15 minutes (or as prescribed by your health care provider). You'll be told by your healthcare provider how many times a day you can use it. Use for 15 minutes after you inhale the drug if you are using a short-acting inhaled bronchodilator.

2. What is PEP therapy?

   Positive expiratory pressure (PEP) therapy involves breathing with a slightly active expiration against expiratory resistance. It is used to clear excess lung secretions, reduce gas trapping, and improve lung ventilation.

3. How long does the Acapella Breathing Device last?

   Acapella devices are single-patient-use devices and are reusable. Replaced it every six months.

4. What is the difference between low and high-flow breathing devices?

   Low-flow unit means the unit works at less than 15 LPM (liters per minute) for 3 seconds, while a high-flow unit works at more than 15 LPM for 3 seconds.