This shows that patients find expelling mucus easier and more manageable after using OPEP devices. The average response before the use of OPEP devices stood at 4.0 and was reduced to 2.9 after use. In the first 3 weeks of daily therapy with OPEP devices, the patients reported improvement in their ease of expelling mucus. The patients were to respond on a scale of 0-10, 0 being no difficulty at all and 10 being very difficult. In a 2016 study of 14 patients with Non-CF Bronchiectasis, the researchers utilized a Patient Evaluation Questionnaire (PEQ). ![]() Here are the effects of OPEP as seen in several diseases – Bronchiectasis A common effect is that of increased mucus clearance and cost effectiveness. OPEP devices have seen success for patients diagnosed with COPD, Cystic Fibrosis, bronchiectasis and Asthma. Coordinating these two parts, the OPEP device opens up the airways and at the same time, the vibrations brought on by the flutter ball reduce the stickiness of the mucus, allowing more mucus to be expelled during the coughing phase of PEP Therapy. Resistance while exhaling expands the airways, therefore more waste products such as carbon dioxide and mucus can pass through and exit the airway. When exhaling into a flutter valve device, this creates positive pressure along the airways, keeping the airways open. Positive Pressure means that an area or region is filled with gases. This vibration resonates throughout the patient’s airway, helping the mobilization of mucus phlegm and environmental irritants. When the patient exhales into the OPEP device, the ball moves upward and downward from its resting position, causing the Oscillation (OPEP) or vibration. The stainless steel “flutter” ball, rests on a cone on top of the device. There are 2 ways that an OPEP device helps with clogged airways oscillations and positive pressure. If in doubt, it is best to consult a medical care professional before undergoing OPEP Therapy. However, OPEP Therapy cannot be recommended for individuals diagnosed with Tuberculosis, Pneumothorax, Right-side heart failure and conditions that involve coughing up blood. OPEP Therapy is best utilized by individuals diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Cystic Fibrosis (CF), Atelectasis, Chronic Bronchitis, Bronchiectasis and Asthma. The vibrations, not present in some PEP devices, help mobilize mucus, allowing easier expulsion of mucus. OPEP Devices are highly recommended for those having difficulty expelling mucus in OPEP Therapy. OPEP Devices are seen as more effective than standard PEP devices during OPEP Therapy. The goal is to expand restricted airways and loosen and expel mucus. ![]() The positive expiratory pressure created by blowing into the device helps expand airways and strengthen lung capacity while the oscillations (or flutter effect) serves to loosen and clear mucus and other unhealthy secretions and environmental irritants from the airways thus making breathing easier. Oscillating Positive Expiratory Pressure Therapy (OPEP Therapy) is widely used by healthcare professionals as a drug free non intrusive method assisting those with chronic respiratory conditions.
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