Do you cough every day but your lungs still don’t clear? Does accumulated mucus make breathing difficult all day? In COPD and other chronic airway diseases, ordinary coughing is often not enough — thick secretions cling deep to the airway walls. The Aerobika OPEP device targets this problem: by producing vibration during exhalation, it loosens mucus and moves it into larger airways where it can be cleared. What can the Aerobika OPEP do for you? Mucus becomes coughable Oscillating vibration loosens the thick layer of secretions stuck to the airway walls and moves it into larger bronchi — from where targeted coughing can remove it. May reduce the sensation of breathlessness With regular use, the amount of mucus in the airways can decrease, which may improve breathing comfort and the ability to perform daily activities. Treatment possible at home No hospital visits are required — the Aerobika OPEP can be used at home with two 10-minute sessions daily. The adjustable resistance allows gradual, safe acclimation. Clinically studied method Randomized controlled trials have shown that regular use of the Aerobika OPEP can lead to measurable improvements in lung function, exercise tolerance, and quality of life in COPD patients. Who is the Aerobika OPEP recommended for? COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) When COPD symptoms worsen, the device is recommended 2–3 times daily for 10 minutes per session as a complement to medical treatment. During stable, low-symptom periods, a single 10-minute daily session may help prevent mucus accumulation. Cystic fibrosis In cystic fibrosis, managing the extremely thick, viscous secretions requires daily airway clearance. Use of the OPEP device should always be coordinated with the treating physician and can form part of the therapeutic protocol. Post-pneumonia respiratory rehabilitation After the acute phase of pneumonia — including COVID-19 pneumonia — increased mucus production and cough may persist for weeks. During recovery, the Aerobika OPEP can help remove residual secretions. It should be used only after the acute febrile phase has resolved. Bronchiectasis and recurrent bronchitis In bronchiectasis, secretions that stagnate in dilated bronchi can be a source of recurrent bacterial infections. Regular introduction of OPEP therapy can be used as an adjunctive method to help mobilize airway secretions and maintain lung hygiene. How to use it correctly? 1 Set to the lowest resistance Always start the resistance control at the lowest setting. Do not begin at the highest level — excessive resistance can increase breathlessness after a few minutes. 2 Sit down and place the mouthpiece in your mouth Use the device while seated. Breathe in normally and calmly through the funnel — there is no resistance on inhalation. 3 Slow, forceful exhalation Exhale through the funnel more forcefully than you inhale. The exhalation should be slower and longer than the inhalation — similar to inflating a balloon. 4 Feel the chest vibration You may feel vibration in your chest during exhalation — this indicates the treatment is effective. The stronger the vibration you feel, the more intensive the airway clearance. 5 Repeat for 10 minutes, cough if needed Continue the breathing cycles for 10 minutes. If necessary, use targeted coughing to help remove mobilized secretions. 6 Gradually increase resistance If you can complete a 10-minute session without increased breathlessness, you may raise the resistance by one step next time. Find the level where you clearly feel vibration but your breathing does not become more difficult. Video guide: steps for correct use The video shows how to hold the device, which breathing technique to use, and how to set the right resistance for you. Pay special attention to: making exhalation slower and longer than inhalation the chest vibration being a sign of effective treatment increasing resistance gradually — don’t start at the highest setting Package contents The Aerobika OPEP package contains the following components: 1 pc Aerobika OPEP housing (with adjustable resistance control) 1 pc mouthpiece (funnel) 1 pc user manual Cleaning and maintenance After each use, wash the components under warm running water and air-dry them. Clean the valve insert thoroughly once a week. The device is personal and must not be shared. Replacing the mouthpiece and valve insert approximately every 3 months is recommended to maintain hygiene and effectiveness. Spare parts are available at Medimarket. Frequently asked questions about the Aerobika OPEP Does Aerobika replace medical treatment? No. The Aerobika OPEP is an adjunct device intended to be used alongside medical treatment — medications, inhalers, and medical supervision. Do not make independent therapeutic decisions without consulting your treating physician. When should the device not be used? Do not use the device during active, febrile pneumonia, in the presence of hemoptysis (coughing up blood), with an untreated pneumothorax, or in severe heart failure. When in doubt, always consult your treating physician. How long until effects are noticeable? Clinical trials indicate that regular use of the Aerobika OPEP (two 10-minute sessions daily) produced measurable changes in lung function and symptoms after 12 weeks. Individual experiences may vary — consistent, regular use is key to effectiveness. How often should it be used daily? When symptoms increase, use 1–2 times daily, 10 minutes per session. In stable, symptom-free periods, a single 10-minute daily session may be sufficient. Individual treatment plans should be discussed with the treating physician. Which age groups is it suitable for? The Aerobika OPEP is primarily recommended for adults. Use in children should only be part of a physician-prescribed protocol and under medical supervision. Technical specifications Product name Aerobika OPEP device SKU 11050191010 Manufacturer Trudell Medical International (TMI), Canada Type Oscillating positive expiratory pressure (OPEP) airway clearance device Mode of application Oral (via mouthpiece) Resistance control Manually adjustable (min → max scale) Treatment duration 10 minutes per session, 1–3 times daily Target group Adults (children only with medical prescription) Certification CE medical device (MDR compliant) Hygiene Personal device; unopened returns only When NOT to use the device? Active pneumonia in the acute, febrile phase Untreated pneumothorax Severe heart failure, treated cardiac arrhythmia Early post-thoracic surgery rehabilitation phase (without medical clearance) Presence of hemoptysis (coughing up blood) Severe sinusitis or Eustachian tube involvement (doctor's decision) Unsure? Always consult your treating physician before use! Important information The Aerobika OPEP is a CE-certified medical device intended as an adjunct airway clearance method. The device is not suitable for making diagnoses, treating diseases on its own, or replacing medication therapy. In respiratory disease, all treatment decisions — including introducing an OPEP device — should be agreed with the treating physician. This page is for informational purposes and does not replace medical advice. Consult your treating physician before using the device! Scientific background PubMed-indexed studies supporting the Aerobika OPEP method and effectiveness: Sahardin SN, et al. (2023). Impact of Aerobika oscillating positive expiratory pressure in improving small airway resistance, lung function, symptoms and exercise capacity in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Frontiers in Medicine, 10, 1202380. PubMed Gupta A, et al. (2022). Therapeutic efficacy of oscillating positive expiratory pressure therapy in stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Lung India, 39(5), 449–454. PubMed Coppolo DP, et al. (2021). Non-Pharmaceutical Techniques for Obstructive Airway Clearance Focusing on the Role of Oscillating Positive Expiratory Pressure (OPEP): A Narrative Review. Pulmonary Therapy, 8(1), 1–41. PubMed Related content How does OPEP therapy work? – Article by Dr. Zátrok Zsolt → Airway clearance devices category →
