Flutter valve
Has anyone tried a flutter valve to help with mucous removal and lung strengthening? Also, my nose is so chronically stuffed, the inside of my nasal passages are swollen I can’t breathe through my nose. Does anyone know if there is anything that can be done to open up my nasal passages? It sounds gross, but if I pull my nose holes open, I can breathe better. But I can’t walk around all day doing that!
Hi cris, and thanks for sharing your concerns here with the community. You've brought up some interesting issues! I am hopeful others in the community will see your inquiries and respond by sharing their own personal anecdotal experiences with you.
I also have something to contribute.
The flutter valve belongs to a group of adjuncts known as positive expiratory pressure (PEP) devices which, as you know, are designed to help folks clear mucus from the airway. We actually have some articles, published right here on COPD.net, which focus on this type of therapy. For your convenience, here is a link to one of them: https://copd.net/clinical/flutter-valves-acapellas.
As well, we have some material which I also thought might be of interest to you. These address stuffy noses and sinusitis: https://copd.net/search?s=sinusitis%20runny%20nose.
I do hope you find this information is helpful for you in a practical way.
Wishing you well,
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)@CopdGirl Hi again, Copdgirl, and thanks for your post and question - it's a good one!
As you may be aware, positive expiratory pressure (PEP) devices are used only on the prescription of a physician. There are conditions in which the adjuncts are contraindicated. That is why their use should be supervised by a physician. I would suggest, if you are being considered for the use of one of these devices, you discuss your concerns at length with your physician.
I will also tag my colleagues,and , to see if they have something to contribute as well.
What do you think?
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)@CopdGirl Hi again, CopdGirl - it's always a good thing to be aware of one's own treatment plan, medication regimen and adjuncts, which are used to manage this disease. I mentioned the prescription because I am aware these devices can be obtained without one, too. It's always prudent to discuss therapy with one's physician before starting anything alone.
I am glad to hear that the device has been helpful for you. It is probably a good idea to make certain your physician is aware that you are currently using it.
Warm regards,
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)
Thanks, Leon. I’ll read the articles you recommended. I don’t think I’d be so short of breathe or tired if I could at least breathe through my nose. Thanks again.
,
I have been using my acapella (flutter valve) machine along with my spirometer for almost a year now, and I can say without a doubt that they work. I use them 5 times a day, 10 repetitions each time. They definitely help with loosening and coughing out mucus. As far as your nasal passages being swollen, I use saline nasal spray and saline nasal gel at night to keep my sinuses moist and open. There are a lot of OTC nasal sprays available to help with swollen sinuses. You could also contact your doctor and see what they recommend. Hope this helps.I just ordered a PEP Buddy and I really think it is helping!!! can you have an article about it?
Hi again, bonbonid - thanks for sharing your experience using a PEP buddy with the community. I am glad to hear it is working for you.
We actually do have an article or two on these types of adjuncts, and I am glad to share it with you here: https://copd.net/clinical/flutter-valves-acapellas.
I do hope this information is what you were looking for when you made your request. If so, I hope you find it to be helpful.
All the best,
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)
