Rehabilitation physiotherapy
What is the Aerobika?
The Aerobika is used as part of treatment to help people who have difficulty clearing secretions (sputum) from their lungs.
It It combines the effects of Positive Expiratory Pressure (PEP) therapy with oscillations or vibrations to improve clearance of secretions and helps to open the airways in patients with COPD, asthma, bronchiectasis andcystic fibrosis.
When you breathe out through the device it causes increase in expiratory resistance which keeps your airways open and allows sputum to be cleared more easily.
Using your Aerobika
Your physiotherapist will show you how to use the Aerobika.
It can be used whilst you are in any position and can be combined with postural drainage positions such as sitting, standing, head down tilt, side lying.
- Start by taking some normal relaxed breaths.
- Then take a slightly bigger breath in, close your lips around the mouthpiece making sure there is a good seal and blow out through the Aerobika for 3 to 4 seconds. You may feel vibrations through your chest wall.
- Repeat 8 to 10 times breathing in and out through the Aerobika.
- After each set you should do huffs or coughs to clear any sputum.
Tip
It can be made harder by adjusting the expiratory resistance by changing the dial – to the hardest being +. Your physiotherapist will advise which is best for you.
There is an optional pressure manometer to help you monitor therapeutic pressure on each breath ensuring a proper technique and maximal treatment effectiveness.
The Aerobika can be combined with use of nebulised hypertonic saline (salty mist), this will reduce the length of therapy time. This can only be done if shown by your physiotherapist.
Cleaning your Aerobika
Your Aerobika should be cleaned after every use.
First disassemble it into its parts:
- Press tabs to release, remove valve cartridge and mouthpiece
- Wash it in warm soapy water
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water
- Allow to air dry upside down
- Make sure the green rubber part is at the top.
Sterilising
You should sterilise your Aerobika at least once a week using a steam steriliser or by putting it in a clean bowl of boiling water. You can also use a sterilising solution such as Milton.
Storing
Keep it in the bag provided or put it in a clean plastic container in a dust free environment away from direct sunlight.
This leaflet should only be used if it has been given to you by your physiotherapist, who will have decided if this is a suitable treatment for you to undertake.
Contact us
Rehabilitation Team
Telephone: 01642 850850
Email: [email protected]
Patient experience
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust would like your feedback. If you wish to share your experience about your care and treatment or on behalf of a patient, please contact The Patient Experience Department who will advise you on how best to do this.
This service is based at The James Cook University Hospital but also covers the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton, our community hospitals and community health services.
To ensure we meet your communication needs please inform the Patient Experience Department of any special requirements, for example; braille or large print.
T: 01642 835964
E: [email protected]