From the Guidelines
The Acapella device is a recommended airway clearance therapy tool for patients with respiratory conditions, as it has been shown to improve quality of life, sputum volume expectorated, and exercise capacity compared to no airway clearance technique over a 3-month period 1.
Key Points to Consider
- The Acapella device combines positive expiratory pressure (PEP) therapy with airway vibrations to loosen secretions and make them easier to cough up.
- To use the Acapella, sit comfortably, take a deep breath in, place the mouthpiece in your mouth creating a tight seal, and exhale slowly through the device for 3-4 seconds.
- The device should be used 3-4 times daily or as prescribed by a healthcare provider, and cleaned regularly according to manufacturer instructions to prevent infection.
- The Acapella device has been shown to be more effective at clearing sputum than a threshold inspiratory muscle trainer 1 and improves QoL, sputum volume expectorated, and exercise capacity compared to no airway clearance technique over a 3-month period 1.
Important Considerations
- The British Thoracic Society guideline for bronchiectasis in adults recommends the use of oscillating positive expiratory pressure (Acapella) as an effective and safe airway clearance technique during an acute exacerbation 1.
- The guideline also states that the active cycle of breathing techniques plus postural drainage enhances the quantity of sputum expectorated compared to the active cycle of breathing techniques in the sitting position or oscillating positive expiratory pressure (Flutter) in the sitting position 1.
- High-frequency chest wall oscillation has also been shown to improve breathlessness, quality of life, sputum volume, and lung function 1.
Conclusion Not Needed, Only Recommendations
Based on the most recent and highest quality study, the Acapella device is a recommended airway clearance therapy tool for patients with respiratory conditions, as it has been shown to improve quality of life, sputum volume expectorated, and exercise capacity compared to no airway clearance technique over a 3-month period 1.
From the Research
Overview of Acapella Device
- The Acapella device is a type of oscillating positive expiratory pressure (OPEP) device used in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other respiratory conditions 2.
- OPEP devices like Acapella provide back pressure to the airways during expiration, which may improve clearance by building up gas behind mucus via collateral ventilation and by temporarily increasing functional residual capacity 3.
Comparison with Other Devices
- A study compared the Aerobika and Acapella OPEP devices in patients with COPD or chronic bronchitis, and found that Aerobika device users had lower rates of subsequent severe disease exacerbation and all-cause inpatient admission 2.
- The study suggests that OPEP devices may vary in clinical effectiveness, and that the Aerobika OPEP device may be a beneficial add-on to usual care 2.
Safety and Efficacy
- A study evaluated the safety of a disposable OPEP device, the UL-OPEP, in patients with COPD, and found that it was safe to use with no adverse events recorded during the study or in the follow-up period 4.
- The study also found that the UL-OPEP device did not negatively impact patients' lung function, exercise tolerance, or quality of life during short-term use 4.