Aerobika OPEP

WHAT IS THE AEROBIKA OPEP?

The device generates oscillating (vibratory) positive expiratory pressure (OPEP) in the airways. Exhaled air, with a slight forced expiration through the device, activates an internal valve that creates vibration in the airways. The device’s resistance helps reopen the airways, while the vibration breaks up the thick, sticky mucus layer that is difficult to expectorate.

Performing this breathing technique 2–3 times daily helps mobilize obstructing mucus so it can be coughed up and cleared.

Recommended indications

Ideal for conditions caused or worsened by excess mucus accumulation in the airways.

• COPD — chronic obstructive bronchitis (treatment and prevention of exacerbations)
• Cystic fibrosis
• Residual symptoms after pneumonia (post-acute phase)
• Post-COVID pneumonia respiratory rehabilitation — increased mucus production can persist for weeks after COVID pneumonia; the device can help reduce it

BENEFITS OF USING AEROBIKA OPEP

• Airways obstructing mucus becomes easier to cough up and clear
• Reduces the frequency of distressing cough
• Decreases the sensation of breathlessness
• Improves ability to perform daily activities
• Enhances quality of life

WHAT CAUSES MUCUS BUILD-UP IN THE LUNGS?

Several interacting processes increase mucus production and hinder its clearance. Repeated lung infections (e.g., pneumonia or bronchitis) reduce lung elasticity, so airways may collapse at the end of exhalation or fail to reopen during inhalation. Mucus accumulates in these stuck airways and trapped air cannot escape. Gas exchange stops in these areas and infections recur, causing repeated flare-ups. Breathlessness worsens and can eventually interfere with simple daily tasks.

WHY CAN'T THE LUNGS CLEAR ALL THE MUCUS?

Normally, cilia on the airway mucosa move mucus toward larger airways for expectoration. In bronchitis, mucus production can overwhelm this clearance mechanism. Mucus thickens and consolidates into a sticky layer the cilia cannot remove, requiring assistance. The Aerobika OPEP supports natural lung clearance by thinning and loosening this mucus and moving it into larger airways where it can be coughed out.

USING AEROBIKA OPEP

• If COPD symptoms worsen, use the device 2–3 times daily for 10 minutes each session
• When symptoms are stable, once-daily use is recommended for prevention
• Current evidence also supports use for residual symptoms (cough, sputum) after COVID pneumonia

HOW TO USE THE DEVICE

• Set the resistance control to the lowest setting (toward the minus sign)
• Sit down and place the mouthpiece in your mouth
• Inhale normally through the funnel
• Exhale more forcefully through the funnel (as when inflating a balloon)
• Exhale slowly and at a steady pace — exhalation should last longer than inhalation
• Repeat breathing through the device for 10 minutes; cough as needed to help clear the airways
• You will feel vibrations in your chest during exhalation — this is the therapeutic effect
• The stronger the vibration, the more effective the airway clearance
• Do not start on the highest resistance — forced exhalation through the device can cause fatigue and worsen breathlessness
• Begin at the lowest setting; if you can complete 10 minutes without increased breathlessness, raise the resistance slightly next time
• Find the resistance that produces clear chest vibration without worsening symptoms over 10 minutes — this ensures the most effective treatment

USEFUL TIPS

• Perform active exhalation
• Active exhalation is like blowing out a candle or inflating a balloon
• Stronger exhalation produces stronger vibrations and more effective clearance, but very ill patients may fatigue from forced breathing
• Keep your cheeks relaxed and flat during exhalation; do not puff them out

Cleaning the Aerobika device

• The user manual contains detailed cleaning instructions
• Because airway mucus can contain pathogens, the device becomes contaminated during use
• Therefore, clean the device after each use
• The manufacturer recommends replacing the Aerobika device every 12 months

WARNING! The Aerobika OPEP is a personal hygiene device. Once opened and used (blown into), the device is considered contaminated. Returns are only accepted for unopened packages.

The Aerobika OPEP (Oscillating Positive Expiratory Pressure) therapeutic system is a gold-medal winner at the Medical Design Excellence Awards. This international award recognizes devices that introduce innovative technology for life-saving or disease-treatment solutions previously unmet. It is one of the highest honors in the medical device industry. At the New York award ceremony, manufacturers were celebrated for devices that improve patient outcomes and treatment effectiveness.

The drug-free Aerobika OPEP effectively helps prevent COPD exacerbations and relieves symptoms during acute phases.

• COPD symptoms often fluctuate in severity
• Exacerbations can be triggered by many factors, with airway infections producing the most serious symptoms
• Some studies report that about 20% of patients require hospitalization due to exacerbations
• Exacerbations cause short-term distress with breathlessness and coughing and worsen long-term disease progression
• Therefore, preventing COPD exacerbations is very important

Clinical studies have shown that Aerobika use reduced the likelihood of hospitalization by 30% and significantly lowered medication needs. Users required fewer antibiotics and steroids compared with control groups. In addition, measurable improvements were found in pulmonary function, breathing ease, and overall patient well-being.