How does your AerobikA® work?
This device combines PEP (positive expiratory pressure) and vibration to help loosen sputum. When you breathe out through the device the paddle moves side to side. This causes resistance which helps keep your airways open and allows air to get behind the sputum. It also causes vibrations which are transmitted to the lungs and helps loosen the sputum so that it can be cleared more easily.
Your physiotherapist will set the resistance that is appropriate for your chest and will review this regularly.
You may or may not be given a manometer with your AerobikA®, this helps to visualise how hard you should blow out into the device.
The AerobikA® device may also be used simultaneously with nebulised aerosol drug delivery.
Assembling your AerobikA® (with manometer)
- Take any inhalers/nebulisers as advised by your physiotherapist before you start your Airway clearance to help prepare your airways. Or alternatively, attach your nebuliser to the end of your Aerobika®, your physiotherapist will show you how to do this.
- Treatment can be carried out in relaxed sitting or in different positions as advised by your physiotherapist.
- Place the mouthpiece in your mouth and create a seal around it with your lips.
- Slowly take a bigger breath in than normal through your nose/mouth, then pause for 2-3 seconds.
- Breathe out through the mouthpiece as far as is comfortable using a slightly stronger breath out than normal, but not too forceful.
- Try to tighten your cheeks during the breath out so that the vibrations from the device are transmitted to your airways.
- Take any inhalers/nebulisers after your airway clearance as prescribed.
- Please bring your AerobikA® to clinic with you on a regular basis so that your physiotherapist can check whether it is in working order and review your technique.
Cleaning your AerobikA®
- Take your AerobikA® apart into four pieces or six pieces if you have a manometer attachment.
- The manometer should NOT be washed. Take the manometer off the AerobikA® before cleaning and wipe it with a disinfectant cloth.
- Wash the parts of the AerobikA® in warm soapy water.
- Rinse in clean, warm water to remove soap and bubbles.
- Shake out any excess water then pat dry with kitchen roll.
- Leave the AerobikA® in the separate parts somewhere clean to dry until you next use it. The central part can be hard to dry so with the green end up, tap it on a piece of kitchen roll, then leave it stood up with the green end at the top to air dry.
- Once a week you need to deep clean the AerobikA®. To do this, place the separated parts (except the manometer) of the AerobikA® in boiling water for five minutes, remove carefully, pat dry with kitchen roll and allow to air dry. The AerobikA® can also be cleaned on the top rack of the dishwasher (again leaving it in the separated parts and not the manometer).
- Remember to put your AerobikA® back together and check the setting is right each time you use it.
If you have any problems or questions about the above, please do not hesitate to contact your physiotherapist on 0113 392 7125 or 0113 392 0609.