Stressful and strenuous coughing can leave you exhausted as excessive mucus in the lungs not only makes breathing more difficult, but if allowed to build up can lead to an infection. As this mucus becomes stickier making it more difficult to clear, it can make your airways swell and produce even more mucus. This in turn results in further infection which can eventually lead to lung damage. One possible treatment of these symptoms along with mucolytics is airway clearance techniques.
Increasingly many of you have been recommended by your health professional to try Oscillating Positive Expiratory Pressure devices such as the Shaker Classic which brings a new option to the problem of clearing mucus congestion.
Exhaling through the Shaker causes a steel ball to vibrate in the casing, creating a movement in your airways which travels deep into your lungs and ‘shakes’ any stubborn mucus loose. This vibration combined with the gentle resistance created when you breathe against the ball causes a number of positive benefits. Changes in air pressure encourages your smaller airways to open which in turn increases lung efficiency. Mucus is thinned and dislodged by the vibration and increased airflow helps the mucus to move to your large airways where with gentle coughing you can more comfortably expel it.
The Shaker Classic is effective for sufferers of:
However, the Shaker Classic is not suitable for anybody that is suffering from the following conditions: severe Tuberculosis, Right sided heart failure, Pneumothorax or Haemoptysis (coughing up blood).
Start your treatment by sitting in a comfortable position. Relax your stomach muscles and take a few normal breaths before starting. Close your lips around the mouthpiece and make sure to make a good seal. Start by taking a slightly bigger than normal breath in through your nose, then breathe out through the Shaker. You may feel the vibrations on your chest wall. Repeat this eight to ten times. You should then put the device down and cough to clear any sputum. Then relax before starting again. Aim to continue for about 15 minutes or until you have cleared all your sputum.
Because your Shaker Classic will be exposed to saliva during use, we recommend that it is cleaned after use. Remove the mouthpiece, unscrew the cover and remove the ball and internal cone. Wash all parts in soapy water, rinse with clean water, dry thoroughly and re-assemble.
Not sure which
product to choose?
For impartial advice on home use or portable nebulisers, our team of experienced, professional staff are here to help you.
