Flutter valve vs.?

Posted by cdward1028 @cdward1028, Jun 7 9:57am

I currently use a flutter valve along with nebuling and chest percussion vest. I am wondering if there is a better method than the flutter valve. I am having so much trouble actually getting complete airway clearance after my nebulizing (duoneb + 3% saline + chest compression + flutter valve). I also take mucimyst twice a day. Following all this I have productive coughing for several hours. It is exhausting and life limiting. Very frustrated with little advice from pulmo. (changing MDs in 6 weeks and moving to a less humid climate) Appreciate any advice in the meantime.

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scoop | @scoop | Jun 7 10:12am

Many have better success with the aerobika than the flutter valve.
https://www.monaghanmed.com/product/aerobika-opep-device/
Mastering the huff cough can help A LOT. Coughing is exhausting and ineffective for removing mucus. Huff coughing is controlled breathing with the goal of removing mucus. Very different maneuvers. Emily demonstrates it very well starting a minute count 1:15.

Don't expect your doctor to teach this stuff but you could ask your doctor to a referral to a respiratory therapist for some training. In addition, you might ask your doctor about medication for BE. For the first time ever, there is a FDA approved treatment, with more in the pipeline. Good luck!

cdward1028 | @cdward1028 | Jun 7 11:34am

Thanks. I am on Brinsupri (6 months) with no significant improvement. I finally got an order for pulmonary rehab which I hope will help. Moving to N. Georgia in hopes of a less humid environment than FL. I will ask for a script for the Aerobika. I think I am doing the huff cough right but I will check with RT when I get to the appointment. Thanks for your quick and helpful response.

mimimary | @mimimary | Jun 14 8:33am

There are a couple of devices that can be helpful in airway clearance.
The Volara by Hill Rom/Baxter.
The BiWaze Clear by ABM.
You can read about them online and see if they are something you would like to talk with your pulmonologist about.

ingrid1947 | @ingrid1947 | Jun 15 9:12am

Re getting mucus up, I depend on exercise and my Pulmonologist says I have to keep exercising even if I don't feel like it. I walk and ride my bike when I can. Also after nebulizing with saline solution (do you do?) and chest percussion (my husband died which is the best if you gave someone who can do it) or flutter valve I get into a down dog type position or lean way over the bed and I huff. Do you do breathing exercises? That helps too.

ingrid1947 | @ingrid1947 | Jun 15 9:14am

I didn't mean to say my husband died, but my husband DOES my chest percussion. That helps more than a flutter valve if you have someone to do it which thankfully I do. I haven't tried a vest.

cdward1028 | @cdward1028 | Jun 15 9:58am

Thanks for your comments. I will give the chest percussion a shot. I'm very happy to hear that your husband didn't die! The "huffing" procedure sounds helpful.

nygirl4159 | @nygirl4159 | Jun 15 11:31am

The Aerobika works great for me. After vest compression and nebulizer treatment there's always some residual. It brings up that last bit after a couple of "blows". I leave the strength on 4 or 5.

snoei | @snoei | Jun 16 3:53am

Yes, my airway clearance is also much improved since changing to the aerobika. For me it does not have an immediate effect. I wait around an hour and suddenly my mucus is "juicy" and cooperative. I also agree that exercise is essential. The bicycle trails, my vegetable garden and flower beds are my happy places this time of year. Wishing you the best.