Acapella Settings

[reyemka]

Hi,

The instructions for the Acapella say not to adjust the frequency dial after the nurse has set it, but I'm wondering how many of you do adjust it and if you notice a difference? What is the process that the nurse goes through to select the appropraite setting in the first place?

Thanks,

 

[reyemka]

Hi,

The instructions for the Acapella say not to adjust the frequency dial after the nurse has set it, but I'm wondering how many of you do adjust it and if you notice a difference? What is the process that the nurse goes through to select the appropraite setting in the first place?

Thanks,

 

[reyemka]

Hi,

The instructions for the Acapella say not to adjust the frequency dial after the nurse has set it, but I'm wondering how many of you do adjust it and if you notice a difference? What is the process that the nurse goes through to select the appropraite setting in the first place?

Thanks,

 

[reyemka]

Hi,

The instructions for the Acapella say not to adjust the frequency dial after the nurse has set it, but I'm wondering how many of you do adjust it and if you notice a difference? What is the process that the nurse goes through to select the appropraite setting in the first place?

Thanks,

 

[reyemka]

Hi,

The instructions for the Acapella say not to adjust the frequency dial after the nurse has set it, but I'm wondering how many of you do adjust it and if you notice a difference? What is the process that the nurse goes through to select the appropraite setting in the first place?

Thanks,

 

[reyemka]

Hi,

The instructions for the Acapella say not to adjust the frequency dial after the nurse has set it, but I'm wondering how many of you do adjust it and if you notice a difference? What is the process that the nurse goes through to select the appropraite setting in the first place?

Thanks,

 

[Lilith]

I've never heard of such a restriction. A nurse never set mine to begin with. When I first got my Acapella, it was already at the lowest setting. I moved it up as my lung strength improved, and have been at the highest setting ever since. I turn it down only when I'm ill so I don't put too much strain on my lungs.

The basis for the settings are how easily you can handle each one as far as breathing. I treat it as I treat exercise; start with the highest setting you can handle, one that makes you work a little bit. Then, as you get used to it, move the setting higher. I'm pretty sure that's the way an R.T. would determine where to set it, but that's just the way I do things.

 

[Lilith]

I've never heard of such a restriction. A nurse never set mine to begin with. When I first got my Acapella, it was already at the lowest setting. I moved it up as my lung strength improved, and have been at the highest setting ever since. I turn it down only when I'm ill so I don't put too much strain on my lungs.

The basis for the settings are how easily you can handle each one as far as breathing. I treat it as I treat exercise; start with the highest setting you can handle, one that makes you work a little bit. Then, as you get used to it, move the setting higher. I'm pretty sure that's the way an R.T. would determine where to set it, but that's just the way I do things.

 

[Lilith]

I've never heard of such a restriction. A nurse never set mine to begin with. When I first got my Acapella, it was already at the lowest setting. I moved it up as my lung strength improved, and have been at the highest setting ever since. I turn it down only when I'm ill so I don't put too much strain on my lungs.

The basis for the settings are how easily you can handle each one as far as breathing. I treat it as I treat exercise; start with the highest setting you can handle, one that makes you work a little bit. Then, as you get used to it, move the setting higher. I'm pretty sure that's the way an R.T. would determine where to set it, but that's just the way I do things.

 

[Lilith]

I've never heard of such a restriction. A nurse never set mine to begin with. When I first got my Acapella, it was already at the lowest setting. I moved it up as my lung strength improved, and have been at the highest setting ever since. I turn it down only when I'm ill so I don't put too much strain on my lungs.

The basis for the settings are how easily you can handle each one as far as breathing. I treat it as I treat exercise; start with the highest setting you can handle, one that makes you work a little bit. Then, as you get used to it, move the setting higher. I'm pretty sure that's the way an R.T. would determine where to set it, but that's just the way I do things.

 

[Lilith]

I've never heard of such a restriction. A nurse never set mine to begin with. When I first got my Acapella, it was already at the lowest setting. I moved it up as my lung strength improved, and have been at the highest setting ever since. I turn it down only when I'm ill so I don't put too much strain on my lungs.

The basis for the settings are how easily you can handle each one as far as breathing. I treat it as I treat exercise; start with the highest setting you can handle, one that makes you work a little bit. Then, as you get used to it, move the setting higher. I'm pretty sure that's the way an R.T. would determine where to set it, but that's just the way I do things.

 

[Lilith]

I've never heard of such a restriction. A nurse never set mine to begin with. When I first got my Acapella, it was already at the lowest setting. I moved it up as my lung strength improved, and have been at the highest setting ever since. I turn it down only when I'm ill so I don't put too much strain on my lungs.

The basis for the settings are how easily you can handle each one as far as breathing. I treat it as I treat exercise; start with the highest setting you can handle, one that makes you work a little bit. Then, as you get used to it, move the setting higher. I'm pretty sure that's the way an R.T. would determine where to set it, but that's just the way I do things.

 

[AnD]

Yep, I was told to adjust mine too. I adjust mine to where I can just breathe through it normally, but with <i>slightly</i> more effort than if I was breathing without it. I was told that I should be able to breathe through it (as some people attach it to their nebs), enough to feel the ''vibes'', but not so high that I had to <i>blow</i> through it. Does that make sense?

 

[AnD]

Yep, I was told to adjust mine too. I adjust mine to where I can just breathe through it normally, but with <i>slightly</i> more effort than if I was breathing without it. I was told that I should be able to breathe through it (as some people attach it to their nebs), enough to feel the ''vibes'', but not so high that I had to <i>blow</i> through it. Does that make sense?

 

[AnD]

Yep, I was told to adjust mine too. I adjust mine to where I can just breathe through it normally, but with <i>slightly</i> more effort than if I was breathing without it. I was told that I should be able to breathe through it (as some people attach it to their nebs), enough to feel the ''vibes'', but not so high that I had to <i>blow</i> through it. Does that make sense?

 

[AnD]

Yep, I was told to adjust mine too. I adjust mine to where I can just breathe through it normally, but with <i>slightly</i> more effort than if I was breathing without it. I was told that I should be able to breathe through it (as some people attach it to their nebs), enough to feel the ''vibes'', but not so high that I had to <i>blow</i> through it. Does that make sense?

 

[AnD]

Yep, I was told to adjust mine too. I adjust mine to where I can just breathe through it normally, but with <i>slightly</i> more effort than if I was breathing without it. I was told that I should be able to breathe through it (as some people attach it to their nebs), enough to feel the ''vibes'', but not so high that I had to <i>blow</i> through it. Does that make sense?

 

[AnD]

Yep, I was told to adjust mine too. I adjust mine to where I can just breathe through it normally, but with <i>slightly</i> more effort than if I was breathing without it. I was told that I should be able to breathe through it (as some people attach it to their nebs), enough to feel the ''vibes'', but not so high that I had to <i>blow</i> through it. Does that make sense?

 

[reyemka]

Interesting. Here is a cut and paste of the instructions that I have:

Using your PEP device
1. If this is the first time you will use your PEP device, the respiratory therapist or nurse will determine on what level your frequency adjustment dial should be set. With each use, make sure the dial is on this setting.
2. Sit with elbows resting on a table and relax.
3. Take in a deep breath and hold it for 2 - 3 seconds.
4. Place the mouthpiece lightly in mouth. Breathe out (exhale) through the PEP device slowly and smoothly. Be sure to keep a tight seal on the mouthpiece when breathing out.
5. Perform 10 - 20 breaths with each use. You should use your PEP device 4 - 6 times per day.

But it sounds like most people just adjust it to what feels right.

 

[reyemka]

Interesting. Here is a cut and paste of the instructions that I have:

Using your PEP device
1. If this is the first time you will use your PEP device, the respiratory therapist or nurse will determine on what level your frequency adjustment dial should be set. With each use, make sure the dial is on this setting.
2. Sit with elbows resting on a table and relax.
3. Take in a deep breath and hold it for 2 - 3 seconds.
4. Place the mouthpiece lightly in mouth. Breathe out (exhale) through the PEP device slowly and smoothly. Be sure to keep a tight seal on the mouthpiece when breathing out.
5. Perform 10 - 20 breaths with each use. You should use your PEP device 4 - 6 times per day.

But it sounds like most people just adjust it to what feels right.