Your Guide to OPEP Devices: Explore the Best OPEP Device for Your Respiratory Needs
, by Ausisie Pharma Direct, 7 min reading time
When it comes to respiratory care, innovative devices continually emerge to enhance the quality of life for individuals grappling with conditions such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), asthma, and cystic fibrosis. While not as familiar as conventional inhalers or nebulizers, Oscillating Positive Expiratory Pressure (OPEP) devices play a crucial role in enhancing lung function and improving the overall quality of life for those with compromised respiratory health.
What is an OPEP device and how does it work?
Oscillating Positive Expiratory Pressure (OPEP) devices operate on the principle of harnessing controlled pressure fluctuations during exhalation. The device features a resistive element that creates resistance against the exhaled air, inducing oscillations in the airways.
During exhalation, as the individual breathes out against this resistance, the oscillating positive expiratory pressure facilitates the intermittent opening of closed airways. This dynamic process helps mobilise and propel mucus from the smaller air passages toward the larger ones. In essence, OPEP devices act as effective PEP breathing devices, promoting mucus clearance and, consequently, improving lung function. The rhythmic pressure variations generated by the device serve as a therapeutic rhythm, fostering a natural and gradual elimination of mucus from the respiratory system.
Comparison with other respiratory devices
Let’s break down the differences for these 3 types of devices:
Inhalers
- Form of medication: Inhalers deliver medication in a pressurised or dry powder form. These medications are often bronchodilators or anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Delivery method: Users activate the inhaler to release a specific dose of medication, and they inhale the medication directly into their lungs.
- Speed of administration: Inhalers deliver medication quickly, making them suitable for the rapid relief of symptoms.
Nebulizers
- Form of medication: Nebulizers administer medication in a liquid mist or aerosol form. The liquid medication is converted into a fine mist by the nebulizer.
- Delivery method: Users inhale the mist through a mask or a mouthpiece. Nebulizers are typically used for longer inhalation sessions.
- Speed of administration: Nebulizers provide a slower and continuous delivery of medication, making them suitable for individuals who may have difficulty using inhalers, such as young children or those with certain respiratory conditions.
OPEP devices
- Mechanism of action: OPEP devices focus on mucus clearance and improving lung function. They work by creating resistance during exhalation, inducing oscillations in the airways to help mobilise and propel mucus from smaller to larger air passages.
- Form of therapy: OPEP devices are non-pharmacological and provide a mechanical approach to respiratory therapy, emphasising airway clearance.
- Application: Users exhale against resistance created by the device, promoting mucus clearance and gradual improvement in lung function.
OPEP devices distinguish themselves from traditional inhalers or nebulisers through their unique approach to treatment. While inhalers and nebulisers deliver medication directly to the lungs, OPEP devices concentrate on mechanical therapy, addressing mucus clearance and improving lung function.
Conditions that benefit from OPEP devices
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Asthma
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Bronchiectasis
- Pneumonia Recovery
- Postoperative respiratory care
- Atelectasis prevention
- Cough productivity enhancement for individuals chronic cough
- Common cold and flu
OPEP devices can also be used for breathings exercises to strengthen lungs
In addition to their primary role in managing respiratory conditions, Oscillating Positive Expiratory Pressure (OPEP) devices offer a range of other benefits, making them versatile tools for respiratory care.
OPEP devices can be employed as effective tools for breathing exercises aimed at strengthening the lungs. The resistance created during exhalation encourages individuals to engage in deep, controlled breathing, promoting improved lung capacity over time. This feature is particularly beneficial for individuals pursuing an active lifestyle, athletes, or those aiming to enhance their overall respiratory fitness.
By promoting optimal mucus clearance and improving airway function, OPEP devices contribute to better oxygenation of the lungs. This, in turn, supports overall respiratory efficiency and can be advantageous for individuals seeking to optimise their oxygen intake, especially during physical activities.
OPEP devices are valuable tools in respiratory rehabilitation programs. Whether recovering from surgery or managing a chronic respiratory condition, incorporating OPEP therapy into rehabilitation efforts can enhance the effectiveness of treatment plans and contribute to a speedier recovery.
OPEP devices often allow for adjustable resistance settings, enabling users to tailor the therapy to their specific needs and progression. This customisation ensures that individuals can adapt their respiratory therapy as there lung function improves or as their healthcare provider recommends.
Popular OPEP devices in the market
While the fundamental principle behind OPEP devices remains consistent — facilitating positive expiratory pressure and oscillations to aid in mucus clearance and respiratory improvement — the variation in OPEP devices are nuanced in terms of design, features and user experience. In the United States, a plethora of notable brands offers OPEP devices. Among these, the popular choices are:
- Acapella Choice
- Flutter Valve
- Aerobika
Each of these brings its own unique features, adjustability options, and user-friendly designs to the table, allowing individuals to align their therapy with their specific requirements.
Discover the Australian Gold Standard – AirPhysio
If you find yourself in Australia seeking an OPEP device renowned for its quality and effectiveness, AirPhysio emerges as a standout choice. Known as the "standard gold" in the country, AirPhysio employs the OPEP technology to assist individuals in breathing more freely. It features a unique system that combines positive pressure and oscillations to promote mucus clearance and improve respiratory function. AirPhysio has gained recognition for its effectiveness and user-friendly design, making it a trusted choice for individuals seeking respiratory support in Australia.
What sets AirPhysio apart is its adaptability, with different variations tailored to meet a range of lung capacity needs:
- AirPhysio for Low Lung Capacity: Specially designed for individuals with diminished lung capacity, this variation ensures a gentle yet effective approach to respiratory therapy, making it particularly suitable for those with existing respiratory conditions such as COPD, asthma, and Bronchiectasis. Additionally, it caters to individuals with advanced age who may experience reduced lung function.
- AirPhysio for Average Lung Capacity: Offering a balanced and versatile solution, this variation caters to individuals with average lung capacity, providing effective therapy for a broad range of users.
- AirPhysio for Children: Recognising the unique requirements of young users, this variation is designed to be child-friendly, making respiratory therapy a positive and engaging experience for children facing respiratory challenges.
- AirPhysio Sports: Tailored for individuals with an active lifestyle, this variation caters to sports enthusiasts and those aiming to enhance their lung capacity for athletic pursuits, ensuring optimal respiratory performance during physical activities.
Read more: 7 Ways to Improve Your Lung Capacity with AirPhysio and Make Breathing Easier
Considerations
While OPEP devices may be useful for your respiratory therapy, it's essential to recognise their role as complementary tools in respiratory care. Despite their potential benefits, you are strongly encouraged to seek guidance from healthcare professionals before integrating OPEP devices into your existing respiratory treatment plans. Consulting with a healthcare professional ensures that the chosen OPEP device aligns with specific health needs, treatment goals, and overall respiratory care strategies.