Treatment Options

Oscillating Positive Expiratory Pressure: Flutter

Flutter is a device you can use to clear your airways by yourself. Blowing into the Flutter helps loosen and move any trapped mucus or secretions. The Flutter is shaped like a pipe with a steel ball on a cone inside. You must hold the Flutter at the right angle to make it work. Blowing into the mouthpiece makes the steel ball rise and fall. Breathing into the Flutter sends vibrations throughout your lungs that help loosen the trapped mucus. Blowing harder and faster into the mouthpiece helps shake loose the mucus and moves it up and out of your lungs.

Using the Flutter

Follow these steps to use the Flutter:

1. Sit up straight
2. Rest elbows on the table
3. Take slightly deeper breaths than normal for 1-2 minutes
4. Tilt your head up slightly
5. Take a slow, deep breath
6. Hold your breath for 2-3 seconds
7. Place the Flutter device in your mouth, tilt it at the recommended angle and keep your cheeks stiff.
8. Breathe out through the device quickly but not using a lot of force
9. Blow out just beyond a normal breath
10. Repeat for a total of 15 breaths
11. Do two or three huff coughs
12. Cough to get rid of any mucus

Repeat the entire process for six cycles or up to a maximum of 30 minutes.

Cleaning the Flutter

After each use:

1. Take the device apart
2. Shake off the excess water
3. Place face down to air dry on a clean paper towel

Every day:

1. Take the device apart
2. Wash all parts in soapy water using a mild detergent
3. Rinse with sterile water, dry and store device in a clean area

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