Positive expiratory pressure (PEP) therapy is an airway clearance technique for Cystic Fibrosis (CF) patients. It involves breathing with a slightly active expiration against an expiratory resistance. It is used for the clearance of excess lung secretions, reduction of gas trapping and improvement of lung ventilation. PEP is a small device that a patient exhales into, using a mask. The PEP device creates pressure in the lungs and keeps the airways from closing. It takes about four times as long to breathe out against the resistance than it does to breathe in. A positive expiratory pressure (PEP) breathing device uses inhalation and exhalation to keep the lungs healthy.
Benefits of PEP Therapy
Reduce air trapping, common with asthma and COPD
Aid in the mobilization of retained secretions, as are found in cystic fibrosis and chronic bronchitis
Prevent or reverse atelectasis
Optimize the delivery of bronchodilators
Why use PEP device?
Increase or maintain your inhaled lung volume
Improve how well you rid your lungs of mucus; and
Prevents serious lung infection, especially after surgery or a procedure
When to use PEP?
PEP Therapy is used for patients who have
Cystic Fibrosis
COPD
Asthma
Lung diseases with secretory problems, and
Patients with atelectasis.
How to use PEP device?
If this is the first time you will use your PEP device, the respiratory therapist or nurse will decide on what level the dial should be set.
Sit with elbows resting comfortably on table.
Take in a deep breath and hold it for 3 seconds.
Place mouthpiece lightly in mouth.
Be sure to maintain a tight seal on the mouthpiece during exhalation.
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. You should use your PEP device 8 times per day, or every hour while awake.
Cleaning your PEP device
Cleaning your PEP device properly is important to decrease the risk of infection. The PEP device should be cleaned every night at bedtime.
Take apart the PEP device
Daily Clean: Soak the parts in warm soapy water for 15—20 minutes
Disinfect: Place the acapella choice PEP device in the dishwasher (top rack)
Rinse your PEP device thoroughly with warm water.
Air dry the PEP device on a paper towel.
Where to buy PEP Therapy Products Online?
Positive expiratory pressure therapy can also help deliver medication deeper into the lungs when done with nebulized bronchodilator therapy. PEP techniques are done through valve, flutter(oscillating PEP) and Acapella which combines two different types of therapy into one: high frequency oscillation and positive expiratory pressure (PEP). At HPFY we have a range of products for all your PEP needs from top brands Monaghan and Smiths Medical and more.
