spirometry tube and hoffing
Hi all,
Does anyone use a spirometry tube for hoffing during airway clearance? If you do, where can you buy spirometry tubes? I checked Amazon, you have to buy 100.
Thanks!
Ling
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I use the plastic whiteish clear ones that come with disposable nebulizers. Sometimes I cut them in half so I have more. They seem to disappear easily. And sometimes I temporarily stop using because it's tempting to exhale too hard through the tube. I vacillate but they are good to have around to help keep glottis open during exhalation.
https://www.directhomemedical.com/vixone-disposable-nebulizer-devilbiss-3655d-621.html
Ah, many thanks Scoop. That is smart. I will check. I think hoffing correctly is so crucial for a good airway clearance. The tube will make sure I am doing it right. Once I have muscle memory, I may not need it any more. But like you said it is a good idea to keep them around.
Thanks again.
Ling
In case it helps, the autogenic drainage video demonstrates how the tube in mouth is used to help keep glottis open. Such a great site filled with valuable info.
https://bronchiectasis.com.au/resources/airway-clearance-videos
Many thanks again Scoop. What a great site.
Have you tried to use an Aerobika mouthpiece as spirometry tubing for huffing? To use the round end, that will make the mouse right shape I wonder if it works efficiently as a spirometry tubing.
Ling
Yes, I've used the aerobika mouthpiece in the past and it works just fine but I prefer the tube as it's a slightly larger diameter.
Speaking of aerobika, since I've stopped using aerobika concurrently during saline I find that I am not missing it. Autogenic drainage app for me is more effective without aerobika. Of course will keep for now but I am happy having one less thing to sterilize.
If you are active and exercising, I guess maybe aerobika is not a must? I am very active, after exercises like walking, hiking, stepping up the plyo box, yoga, taichi ... I normally don't have mucus coming up. But I found Aerobika with breath holding for 3 seconds is quite effective for me. A lot of time, mucus jumps to the throat while doing it. I do want to shorten the time of doing it to experiment.
As for the Autogenic drainage app, do you use the one with 2.5, 4.5 and 6 minutes length? I do find it very effective, that is the one I like to use after aerobika. What do you use to cut the tube? I purchased it.
Ling
Most often I use 2.5 minute option sitting upright. When the stuff thins out I change to my back and then sides. I also use active cycle of breathing before huffing. Regular scissors to cut tubes in half.
I think you are doing everything right, which keeps you safe from MAC. I don't know if I have MAC or not, I think the bronchoscopy probably will tell. I am going to do it at the end of July. My 3 sputum test results were all negative. But I have big nodules, they don't shrink. I hope the bronchoscopy will find out what causes the nodules.
Keep up the good work and take care!
Ling