Flutter Mucus Clearing Devices For Improving Lung Health.
What Is A Flutter Mucus Clearing Device?
Flutter devices are used to help a person clear mucus (sputum/phlegm) from their airways and lungs. It is a pipe shaped device that has a metal ball in the bulb end which vibrates when you exhale into the mouthpiece. When trapped mucus is not removed from the lungs it can cause breathing difficulty or infections which can be serious.
Who Should Use A Flutter Mucus Clearing Device?
The following conditions are recommended to use a flutter device:
Cystic Fibrosis
COPD
Bronchiectasis
Emphysema
Chronis Bronchitis
How Do You Use A Flutter Mucus Clearance Device?
You assemble the device as per the instructions and then breathe out into the device. You should be sitting or standing but not lying down if able.
What Does A Flutter Mucus Clearing Device Do?
It helps to open up the airways of the lungs which assist in the movement of mucus into the upper airways so that it can be cleared by coughing/huffing. When you breathe out into the flutter device the pressure in your lungs increases. This helps to open up the small airways of the lungs and also allows air to get behind mucus in the airways which helps to move it upwards. The vibrations from the small steel ball vibrate through the lungs and looses thick mucus that is stuck to the sides of the airways.
How often should a flutter mucus clearing device be used?
It can be used 4-6 times a day in active illness (cystic fibrosis or lung infection) or 1-2 times a day for maintenance after recovery or for the elderly. Make sure to clean the device on a daily basis with hot water and dishwashing liquid, or wipe with an alcohol wipe. Sterilise the flutter device once a week in boiling water. Each session should last 10-12 minutes.
Risks Of Using A Flutter Device.
Do not use if you have right sided heart failure, pneumothorax (collapsed lung), TB or haemoptysis.
The main risk is from infection from not cleaning the device properly or regularly. Keep the device away from small children as the pieces could be ingested.
Here are a couple of devices available on Amazon:
Expiratory Resistance Muscle Exercise Device - Mucus Removal Device with 16+18 Balls-White, Suitable for Most People. Small in size, you can put it in your pocket to use anytime you want. Great for athletes, musicians, swimmers, and the elderly.
Mucus Clearance Device - with 16/18/19MM Stainless Steel Balls, Flutter Valve Clearing Device and Muscle Exercising Device for Strenthing, GY Design Provided. Send vibrations to your muscle. It's effective to enhance muscle power.
I hope this has helped with finding out more about flutter devices. Here are some other blog posts you may be interested in:
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