The Acapella Choice

How does the Acapella® work?

The device combines PEP (positive expiratory pressure) and vibration to help loosen sputum. When you breathe out through the device it causes the rocker to move in a seesaw motion around 15 times per second. This causes resistance, which keeps your airways open and allows air to get behind the sputum. It also causes vibrations, which are transmitted into the lungs and help to loosen the sputum so that it can be cleared more easily.

How to carry out your Acapella® treatment:

  • Get comfortable: treatment can be carried out while sitting or lying down.
  • Take any inhalers or nebulisers to prepare your airways before airway clearance (as prescribed).
  • Have relaxed normal breathing prior to starting treatment.
  • 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 mouth, then pause for two to three seconds.
  • Breathe out through the mouthpiece as far as is comfortable (you do not need to completely empty your lungs). The     breath should be slightly stronger than normal, but not too forceful.
  • Keep your cheeks held in during your breath out; you should feel the vibrations from the device transmit to your chest.
  • Try to suppress your cough.
  • Repeat for _________ breaths.
  • Return to relaxed normal breathing without using the device.
  • Complete _________ huffs as directed.
  • Repeat the above steps _________ times or for _________ minutes, or until your chest feels clear.
  • Take any inhalers or nebulisers after your airway clearance (as prescribed).

This can be combined with other airway clearance techniques, including autogenic drainage, as prescribed by your physiotherapist. Always take your Acapella® if you are admitted to hospital. Treatment with the Acapella® should be initiated by your physiotherapist who will instruct you in the correct technique.

Remember to do daily physical exercise as well, as this will help you move sputum from deep within your lungs and is important for helping you stay fit and healthy.

Precautions

Do not use your Acapella® if:

  • your device appears to be damaged.
  • you notice any blood in your sputum, suddenly have chest pain or      become breathless, stop using the Acapella® immediately and contact     your CF team or seek emergency help.  

The Acapella® may not be suitable if you have a history of the following:

  • recent sinus surgery
  • nose bleeds
  • recurrent haemoptysis (coughing up blood)
  • pneumothorax (collapsed lung)

If you’re unsure about any of these, speak with your physiotherapist before carrying out the treatment. Your physiotherapist will review  your technique with the Acapella® at regular intervals.

Proper cleaning of your device is essential, please ask your physiotherapist for their local guideline or follow manufacturers guidelines.