Using The Aerobika® with a Manometer

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This information was reviewed and approved by Cheryl Torres, RRT (11/1/2019).

People with some lung conditions such as cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis with nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) disease and COPD often produce a large amount of mucus. If the mucus is allowed to collect in the airways, breathing may become difficult and infection may occur.

The Aerobika airway clearance device is a technique to help mobilize mucus from the airways. The manometer is an attachment with a green, yellow and red indicator that is used to provide visual feedback when you exhale.

 

How to Use the Aerobika

  • Assure proper setting of the resistance indicator on the Aerobika. This is on the same side as  the mouthpiece. Your health care provider will set the indicator when you get your Aerobika. Move the resistance indicator toward the + to increase resistance. Shift the indicator toward – to decrease resistance.

  • Sit up with good posture to use the Aerobika. Sometimes we may have you lie in a postural drainage position to use the Aerobika. Postural drainage positions include lying flat on your back, and alternating right and left sides. Your health care provider will show you postural drainage positions to use if these are recommended.

  • Place the Aerobika mouthpiece in your mouth. Seal your lips tightly around the mouthpiece.

  • Take in a fairly deep breath and hold it for about 2-3 seconds.

  • Exhale actively (but not too forcefully) through the mouthpiece until you no longer hear the flutter. Keep your cheeks as firm as possible when you exhale.

  • Manometer: When you exhale (not forcefully) keep the red indicator in the green zone.

  • Repeat this maneuver for 10-20 breaths. Try to resist coughing during this phase.

Daily Therapy

  • Follow this cycle: 

    1. 10-20 blows or as tolerated

    2. 2-3 huffs

    3. One big cough to bring the sputum up and out. Try not to swallow the mucus.

  • Huff coughing is a type of coughing if you have trouble clearing your mucus. Take a breath that is slightly deeper than normal. Use your stomach muscles to make a series of 3 exhalations with the airway open, making a “ha, ha, ha” sound. Follow this by normal breathing and a deep cough if you feel mucus moving.

  • Repeat cycle for 10-15 minutes 2 to 4 times a day (or as prescribed by your health care provider).

  • Your health care provider will tell you how many times a day to use the Aerobika.  If you use a short acting inhaled bronchodilator, use the Aerobika 15 minutes after you inhale the medicine.

  • Postural Positions: Complete 2 cycles with each position.

    • Sitting upright

    • Laying on back

    • Laying on right side

    • Laying on left side


How to Use Your Aerobika with your Nebulizer

The Aerobika device may also be used with a nebulizer. Your healthcare provider will advise which medicine to use for combined treatments.

  • Medicines which open your airways (e.g. albuterol) or help to thin mucus (e.g. hypertonic saline) may be used with your Aerobika because they help remove or thin the mucus in your lungs.

  • Medicines you want to stay in your lungs, like antibiotics, are not recommended to be used with your Aerobika/ Nebulizer.

  • Remove the mouthpiece (or mask) from the nebulizer.

  • Attach the nebulizer to the open end of the Aerobika.

  • Place the medicine or hypertonic saline in the nebulizer cup.

  • Ensure your nebulizer is set-up correctly and medication has been added to the nebulizer cup.

  • Switch on the compressed air source, and complete your combined treatment using the breathing technique outlined above.

  • Make sure you have read and understood instructions provided prior to your treatment.

 

Daily Cleaning

The manometer should not be submerged. Take the manometer off the Aerobika before cleaning and wipe with a disinfectant cloth.

Wash your device (except the manometer) with warm soap and water at the end of each day

  • Soak the five disassembled parts of the device for 15 minutes. Agitate gently.

  • Rinse the parts in warm water.

  • To dry, shake the parts to remove any excess water.

Dishwasher (cleaning with overly dirty dishes is not recommended)

  • The five disassembled parts may be washed in a dishwasher by securing the parts in a basket on the top rack. Wash them in a normal wash cycle with dishwasher detergent and rinse aid.

  • Always allow parts to air dry thoroughly before you reassemble the device. 

 

Reassembling the Device

  • Insert the valve cartridge into the bottom case. If it does not slip easily into place, rotate 180° and try again.

  • Connect the top and bottom cases until you hear both Attachment Tabs “click” (this may occur simultaneously).

  • Ensure the tabs are engaged by firmly pressing the two halves together.

  • Reattach the mouthpiece and manometer.

 

Disinfecting the Device

  • The manometer should be wiped with a disinfectant cloth.

  • The Aerobika should be disinfected weekly by using any of the methods listed below.

  • If considered clinically necessary for the patients’ disease state, the device may be sterilized after each use.

  • Prior to disinfection, follow cleaning instructions.

  • Distilled water can be used to avoid build-up from mineral rich tap water. 

 

Boiling

  • Place the disassembled parts in a colander to prevent plastic parts from coming in contact with the hot bottom and gently place into boiling water for 5 minutes.

  • Carefully remove parts from the water and allow to cool.

 

Microwave Steam Bag

  • The disassembled parts may be disinfected in the microwave in a steam cleaning bag (i.e. Quick-Clean MicroSteam bag) following the manufacturer’s instructions using distilled water.

  • Carefully remove from bag and allow parts to cool.

 

Isopropyl Alcohol (70%)

  • The disassembled parts may be soaked in 70% isopropyl alcohol for 5 minutes, rinse well.

 

Hydrogen Peroxide (3%)

  • The disassembled parts may be soaked in 3% Hydrogen Peroxide for 30 minutes, rinse well.

 

Always allow parts to air dry thoroughly before you reassemble the device. 

CAUTION: Failure to follow the cleaning or disinfecting instructions may have an adverse effect on device performance.

 

NOTES:

  • This is a SINGLE PATIENT USE device.

  • Do not share this medical device.

  • This product should be replaced after 6 months of use or immediately if damaged.

 

How to replace the Aerobika

To replace the Aerobika you need a prescription from your health care provider. The prescription should read: "Aerobika PEP Device for airway clearance."

Prescriptions can be sent to:

ALLIED MEDICAL Express
Toll Free #: 833.961.0122
Fax #: 913.451.9521
www.alliedmedexpress.com

  • Aerobika® Oscillating Positive Expiratory Pressure Therapy System  

  • AeroEclipse® XL Reusable Breath Actuated Nebulizer (R BAN)

  • Ombra e®  Table Top Compressor

 
Monaghan Medical Customer Service 
800.833.9653

PARI Products

  • Acapella e®  DH, Acapella e®  DM

 

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