PEP / EzPAP

What is PEP?

PEP stands for "Positive Expiratory Pressure" and is a handy device that generates a positive pressure when exhaled. This makes it easier to transport sputum upwards and then cough up. PEP also helps to keep the lungs open so that they do not collapse.

Pros

  • Simple and handy device that works without batteries or electricity.
  • Cheap
  • Great for mobilizing mucus
  • Can be connected with a unit to measure the pressure
  • Can be done in between, no matter where and when

Cons

  • Works for some only with previous inhalation
  • Material rather cheap, very quickly bitten and used.
  • May cause lung bleeding if lungs are ailing.
  • Simple and handy device that works without batteries or electricity.
  • Cheap
  • Great for mobilizing mucus
  • Can be connected with a unit to measure the pressure
  • Can be done in between, no matter where and when
  • Works for some only with previous inhalation
  • Material rather cheap, very quickly bitten and used.
  • May cause lung bleeding if lungs are ailing.

My review

Personally, I use the PEP twice a day. In times when the lungs are struck, caution should be exercised. Depending on the pressure, PEP can lead to lung bleeding. The system should therefore only be used with a lot of pressure if there is no acute infection. Otherwise only with little pressure. PEP helps me enormously to dissolve and transport sputum. Since it is simple and handy, I can recommend the device to anyone. Since I travel a lot, the PEP is very practical and needs no space.

5/5
5/5

How to use PEP

  1. PEP works best if you inhale NaCL/Muccoclear first. This dissolves the sputum and makes it easier to cough with the PEP.
  2. Make sure you have the right pressure. With the turntable you can change the hole size. Choose one that does not burst all veins in your head. 
  3. Take a deep breath, take a short break of 2-3 seconds, then exhale into the PEP. Press the air into the device, depending on the selected pressure. (A measuring device can be attached to the PEP, but must be purchased separately).
  4. Repeat this 4-5 times, then take a short break and breathe normally and calmly.
  5. After the pause, repeat the process. You can do the whole thing until you think you've coughed everything up. If you get dizzy, stop.
  6. Clean the PEP after each application. The appliance can easily be boiled and disinfected. Also try not to inhale through the PEP. This reduces the risk of germs.

How to use PEP

  1. PEP works best if you inhale NaCL/Muccoclear first. This dissolves the sputum and makes it easier to cough with the PEP.
  2. Make sure you have the right pressure. With the turntable you can change the hole size. Choose one that does not burst all veins in your head. 
  3. Take a deep breath, take a short break of 2-3 seconds, then exhale into the PEP. Press the air into the device, depending on the selected pressure. (A measuring device can be attached to the PEP, but must be purchased separately).
  4. Repeat this 4-5 times, then take a short break and breathe normally and calmly.
  5. After the pause, repeat the process. You can do the whole thing until you think you've coughed everything up. If you get dizzy, stop.
  6. Clean the PEP after each application. The appliance can easily be boiled and disinfected. Also try not to inhale through the PEP. This reduces the risk of germs.

What is EZPAP?

EzPAP is also a system that produces a positive pressure when exhaled. The big difference between EzPAP and PEP is that EzPAP does not generate the pressure with the hole size of the device, but with air. Furthermore, EzPAP helps to fill the lungs with more air when inhaled and thus tries to ventilate the lungs better, even in places that would otherwise not be supplied with fresh air. 

Pros

  • Positive pressure when exhaling
  • Fills the lungs with air when inhaling
  • Can be combined with inhalation to add NACL when inhaling
  • Very effective

Cons

  • In order for the EzPAP to supply the lungs with oxygen, an oxygen tank must be available that can deliver between 3 and 10 litres of air per minute. For those who have an oxygen station at home, the EzPAP can be used. If not, the EzPA can only be used with a physio or in hospital. As an alternative you can use the Pari Boy, but the pressure is very high.
  • Positive pressure when exhaling
  • Fills the lungs with air when inhaling
  • Can be combined with inhalation to add NACL when inhaling
  • Very effective
  • In order for the EzPAP to supply the lungs with oxygen, an oxygen cylinder must be available that can deliver between 3 and 10 litres of air per minute. For those who have an oxygen station at home, the EzPAP can be used. If not, the EzPA can only be used with a physio or in hospital.

My review

EzPAP has brought me a lot, especially in times when my lungs were full of phlegm and breathing was difficult. At the moment I use the device weekly with my physiotherapist. Even if there is no sputum, it is good to fill with air and to ventilate more inactive corners of the lungs. If your lungs are aching, be careful not to work with too much pressure. The device cannot be cleaned very well, so it is important to use a new one every few treatments. This should be covered by your health insurance.

5/5
5/5

How to use EZPAP

  1. It is best to try EzPAP with your physio. 
  2. Make sure you don't take too much pressure. For usual I take 6-9 liters if I am well. 
  3. Breathe in through the device. Fill the lungs completely. When filled, let the device "inflate" you even more, i.e. do not block the throat so that the air can continue to flow. 
  4. Exhale through the device, paying attention to the pressure that indicates the display. 
  5. Alternate by filling the lungs only to 1/4, pause, exhale, repeat a few times. Fill half, pause, exhale, repeat, fill 3/4, pause, exhale, repeat. Fill whole. 
  6. You should only use EzPAP for a short time. Take a break after 1-2 minutes, breathe calmly and deeply.

How to use EZPAP

  1. It is best to try EzPAP with your physio. 
  2. Make sure you don't take too much pressure. For usual I take 6-9 liters if I am well. 
  3. Breathe in through the device. Fill the lungs completely. When filled, let the device "inflate" you even more, i.e. do not block the throat so that the air can continue to flow. 
  4. Exhale through the device, paying attention to the pressure that indicates the display. 
  5. Alternate by filling the lungs only to 1/4, pause, exhale, repeat a few times. Fill half, pause, exhale, repeat, fill 3/4, pause, exhale, repeat. Fill whole. 
  6. You should only use EzPAP for a short time. Take a break after 1-2 minutes, breathe calmly and deeply.