Aerobika green valve blows out; common?

FYI, I tried to boil 2 of my acapella devices and they melted… an expensive lesson

I spoke with Judy Schloss, the Clinical Manager at Monaghan Medical Corporation. She was already aware of the user's issue, having been informed by the customer service manager and was eager to assist. Judy, a respiratory therapist with 30 years of experience, is known for her caring nature and willingness to help customers, especially those in the bronchiectasis community who often lack device education.

Judy assured there are no issues with lot numbers or devices, thanks to their stringent quality control. While some may prefer alternatives like the Acapella, maintaining clear lungs is crucial, and resolving issues with manufacturers is vital for managing this lifelong disease.

Happy Saturday,
Linda Esposito

Hi Linda!
I love my manometer! I tried getting onto the Blue Dot Medical site to no avail. I wanted to compare prices. I got mine from AlliedMedicalExpress.com

I boiled it according to the instructions now I don't remember if it was 5 or 10 minutes. I no longer use any flutter type device with nebulizer, especially since Dr. McShane's airway clearance presentation, where she suggested saline is lost to the flutter device. My goal is to get as much saline in my lungs in the shortest time possible and then spend the time with clearance. I use aerobika when I have trouble getting gunk out and it works quite well. I breathe out through it only rather than in and out. Everyone is different and mileage varies!

Thanks for following up with them. They may not be having issues with lot numbers now, but when I called the first time in the spring and the rep asked me for the lot number, her response when I told her was something like “I thought you’d say that” indicating it wasn’t their first call with that number. They have been nice each time I’ve contacted them, but gave me no troubleshooting suggestions, just asked me to return them and offered new ones.
I received the Acapella Choice yesterday and it seems to be working. No blowout. I wish I’d had it when I saw RT, but at least I have something and will continue to play with settings. I’ve watched the online videos.
I also received an Aerobika with a manometer yesterday. I suspect that was your idea, so thank you.

I got sick and tested positive for Covid again over the weekend (Paxlovid/covid rebound). In a week or two, I’ll return the Aerobika.

Cathy, I saw my pulmonologist on Day 7 of Covid (her request that I not cancel.) She advised me to do airway clearance with Aerobika, even increasing my saline use, while I had Covid, and in future, during any respiratory illness. She also prescribed 10 days of prednisone, saying she wanted the inflammation in my lungs "tamped down" quickly. It worked! Curbed my cough and congestion within the first 3 days. and one month out I am doing fine.
Do you feel well enough to try it?

Thank you for that feedback, Sue. My routine appointment happened to be last week and they didn’t want me to reschedule either, surprising me. I’d finished Paxlovid and the rebound symptoms hadn’t started. The first phase was all fevers, chills, headaches and nasal stuffiness. The rebound has been bad dry coughing (better today) and nasal stuffiness again.

I was lucky to get the Acapella on Monday and think its more rigid design is better for my volumes. I’ve used that and hypertonic saline the past couple days.
I appreciate the comment about the steroids. My PMD offered some last winter when I had a viral illness with bad cough and I was afraid to take systemic ones. Next time I will.
I just tested positive again-day 15 or 16. It’s just a low level misery and I know it could be much worse, but I’m tired of it.

My friend who probably caught Covid from us before we were symptomatic was here last evening, finally feeling better after a Paxlovid rebound. She finally tested negative the second time after 24 days. It was particularly difficult for her family as she and her sister share caregiving duties for their disabled brother, and sis had to carry the whole burden for that time. Now she wants to "make it up" and her husband and sister don't want her to do too much and relapse again.

I fear this nasty virus is going to be in our lives forever.

Do those of you who took Paxlovid and had COVID rebound feel it was worth taking?

I’m very sorry for your friend and it helped put things in perspective. I really only have to worry about myself, though I miss helping dau’s family.
It’s encouraging that she finally tested negative!