AEROBIKA* OPEP Device
For drug-free therapy or can be used with a nebulizer
Why this device?
The AEROBIKA* Oscillating Positive Expiratory Pressure (OPEP) device is a drug-free and easy to use device that can help clear excess mucus in the airways and improve breathing.1
The AEROBIKA* device has an innovative pressure-oscillation mechanism that creates positive pressure pulses when a patient exhales. The positive pressure created can assist with opening weak or collapsed airways.1 The AEROBIKA* device also produces vibrations in the airways that can help to thin and loosen mucus, naturally moving it to the upper airways where it can be coughed out easily.2
The AEROBIKA* device can be used to manage respiratory conditions such as COPD, Bronchiectasis, and Cystic Fibrosis.
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AEROBIKA* OPEP Device with Manometer designed for hospital use.
Contraindications
The use of the device is not recommended for the following conditions: Patients unable to tolerate the increased work of breathing, Intracranial pressure (ICP) > 20 mm Hg, Hemodynamic instability (blood pressure instability), Recent facial, oral, or skull surgery or trauma, Acute sinusitis, Epistaxis (bleeding nose), Esophageal surgery, Nausea, Active hemoptysis (bleeding from lungs), Untreated pneumothorax (untreated collapsed lung), Known or suspected tympanic membrane rupture or other middle ear pathology
1. Svenningsen S, Paulin GA, Sheikh K, et al. Oscillatory Positive Expiratory Pressure in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. COPD. 2016;13(1):66-74.
2. Jean Bourbeau, R. Andrew McIvor, Hollie M. Devlin & Alan Kaplan (2019): Oscillating positive expiratory pressure (OPEP) device therapy in Canadian respiratory disease management: Review, care gaps and suggestion for use, Canadian Journal of Respiratory, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, DOI: 10.1080/24745332.2018.1558426
- Bronchiectasis
- COPD
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Drug Free
- Nebulized Medication
Product Overview
How does the AEROBIKA* OPEP Device Work?
- Drug free, natural airway clearance
- Easy to use, clean and disinfect
- Can be used in multiple positions
- Compatible with nebulizer therapy
- Five resistance settings to adjust to each patient’s expiratory capacity
- Backed by clinical evidence
- Not Made or Manufactured with BPA, Natural Rubber Latex, Phthalates, Lead, or PVC
An Award-Winning Innovation in Drug-Free Airway Clearance Therapy
AEROBIKA* OPEP device utilizes oscillating pressure that provides intermittent resistance, creating positive pressure oscillations during patient exhalation to help remove excess mucus from the lungs, creating a fluttering feeling.
COPD Exacerbations
After a COPD exacerbation (flare-up), patient lungs may be weakened putting them at risk of another flare-up. According to Canadian data, 1 in 5 patients hospitalized for a COPD exacerbation require re-hospitalization within 30 days.3
Effectiveness Proven by Clinical Evidence
In a clinical study, using the AEROBIKA* OPEP device has been show to reduce COPD flare-ups by 28% within 30 days of use and significantly reduce the use of oral corticosteroids and antibiotics1a.
In the image of the lungs, the teal colour and intensity show areas with gas distribution. The yellow circles represent areas of greatest change after 3-4 weeks of AEROBIKA* device use.
1a. Adapted from Svenningsen S, Paulin GA, Sheikh K, et al. Oscillatory Positive Expiratory Pressure in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. COPD. 2016;13(1):66-74
3. Burudpakdee, C, Seetasith, A, Dunne, P, et al. A Real-World Study of 30-Day Exacerbation Outcomes in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Patients Managed with Aerobika OPEP. Pulmonary Therapy 2017;3(1):163-171
Reimbursement Information
CANADA Reimbursement is as easy as these three steps:
- Prescription is required for reimbursement
- Devices are often covered on extended health benefits via a manual pay-and-submit process
- Many private insurance plans will cover the AEROBIKA* OPEP device
- Please consult your individual plan for your level of coverage
- Depending on where you reside, public health plans may be available to cover the AEROBIKA* OPEP device
- Always submit the receipt and prescription directly to your insurance provider even if denied in the pharmacy
- Claims submitted through the pharmacy counter may be wrongly denied coverage
- Please consult your individual plan for your level of coverage
AEROBIKA* OPEP device may be covered by NIHB.
If you have any questions about AEROBIKA* OPEP reimbursement options, please contact customer service
Care Instructions
How to Use an AEROBIKA* OPEP Device
Follow the steps outlined below or download our full instructions.
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Step 1:
Carefully examine the device. If there is any visible dust or other debris inside, then clean the device. Replace immediately if it is damaged or has missing parts. Ensure the Resistance Indicator is set as prescribed by your healthcare professional. Gently press the two halves together to make sure the Attachment Tabs are engaged.
Repeat steps 5–7 for 10–20 minutes or as prescribed by your healthcare professional. The entire procedure should be performed at least twice a day on a regular basis, and increased to 3–4 times per day if you are producing a lot of mucus.
The goal is to keep your lungs clear and ventilatory capacity up. Continue with treatments on a regular basis even if you are bringing up just a little mucus.
Treatments should be conducted twice daily or as directed by your healthcare professional. Although the AEROBIKA* device is orientation independent, it is recommended that treatments be done in a comfortably seated position.
How to use the AEROBIKA* device - Easy to follow instructions
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Detailed Instructions
For more additional detail, download our instructions on how to use your AEROBIKA* OPEP device.
How to Clean an AEROBIKA* OPEP Device With Soap and Water
Follow the steps outlined below or download our full instructions.
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Step 1:
Wash the four parts in a solution of tap water and liquid dish detergent, allowing the parts to soak for 15 minutes. Agitate gently
How to Clean an AEROBIKA* OPEP Device In a Dishwasher
Follow the steps outlined below or download our full instructions.
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Step 1:
1. The four disassembled parts may be washed in a dishwasher by securing parts in a basket on the top rack. Wash in a normal wash cycle with dishwasher detergent, ensuring use of rinse aid
2. If excess water remains, shake the parts and allow to air dry thoroughly before reassembly
3. Washing with overly dirty dishes is not recommended
Complete Instructions for Use
For additional instructions on how to clean and care for your AEROBIKA* OPEP device, download our full Instructions for Use.
Data and Efficacy
Trudell Medical International has an enviable history of strong leadership in creating innovative medical devices that enhance the quality of life for people of all ages - all backed by science and clinical evidence.
AEROBIKA* Study Summary
The AEROBIKA* Oscillating Positive Expiratory Pressure (OPEP) device is hand-held, easy-to-use, and drug-free. When the patient exhales through the device, intermittent resistance creates a unique pressure – oscillation dynamic, which expands the airways, helps move the mucus to the upper airways where it can be coughed out and may also aid in improved drug deposition.
FAQs
The AEROBIKA* Oscillating PEP device is an airway clearance therapy device used to mobilize excess lung secretions and improve breathing1. It can be used to manage respiratory conditions such as COPD, bronchiectasis and Cystic Fibrosis. You should consult your healthcare professional to see if it is a good fit for you.
1. Jean Bourbeau, R. Andrew McIvor, Hollie M. Devlin & Alan Kaplan (2019): Oscillating positive expiratory pressure (OPEP) device therapy in Canadian respiratory disease management: Review, care gaps and suggestion for use, Canadian Journal of Respiratory, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, DOI: 10.1080/24745332.2018.1558426
The AEROBIKA* Oscillating PEP device is not recommended for the following conditions:
- Patients unable to tolerate the increased work of breathing
- Intracranial pressure (ICP) > 20 mm Hg
- Hemodynamic instability (blood pressure instability)
- Recent facial, oral, or skull surgery or trauma
- Acute sinusitis
- Epistaxis (bleeding nose)
- Esophageal surgery
- Nausea
- Active hemoptysis (bleeding from lungs)
- Untreated pneumothorax (untreated collapsed lung)
- Known or suspected tympanic membrane rupture or other middle ear pathology
You should consult your healthcare professional to see if it is a good fit for you.
The AEROBIKA* OPEP device is drug-free and can be an add-on therapy to your existing medications. You should continue to take your prescribed medications as directed by your healthcare professional and consult your healthcare professional to see if it is a good fit for you.
It is recommended to use the device at least twice daily, once in the morning and once at night or as directed by your healthcare professional. Start with a few minutes, slowly moving up to 10 minutes at a time, as you are comfortable. The AEROBIKA* OPEP device is compact and portable and can easily go with you on your travels.
The device should be replaced after 12 months of use, or immediately if damaged.
The AEROBIKA* OPEP device may be used with a small volume nebulizer with a 22 mm adapter. The AEROECLIPSE* XL BAN is the most efficient option due to the breath actuated function. Combined therapy should be used only if advised by a healthcare provider.
If you need to rest, that is not a problem. The resistance setting can be reduced, or you can reduce the time of the treatment if you cannot complete 10 minutes of therapy. Take a break until you are ready to continue. If you have additional questions, please consult a healthcare professional
Most prefer to complete their treatment at a specific time in their morning and evening routine. For example, while watching a favourite TV show, or listening to the radio.
Yes, you can use the AEROBIKA* OPEP device.
It is recommended to use AEROBIKA* OPEP device before taking medication but after the completion of other airway clearance therapy, as this may result in clearer airways and better drug deposition. You should consult your healthcare professional regarding the use of the device if you are taking medication.
The AEROBIKA* OPEP device may also be used with a small volume nebulizer with a 22 mm fitting. Your healthcare professional will advise which medication to use for combined treatments. Medications which open the airways (eg. albuterol) or help to thin mucus (eg. hypertonic saline) would be good choices to use with the AEROBIKA* OPEP device because they help to remove or thin the mucus in your lungs.
Caution: Medications to stay in the lungs, like antibiotics, should be taken with the nebulizer alone after completing a treatment with the AEROBIKA* device.
The AEROBIKA* OPEP device resistance setting should be set up by a healthcare professional. It is recommended to start at the middle of the resistance indicator. The goal of using the device is to do so continuously for up to 10 minutes. If this is comfortable and easy to do, then you have the correct resistance. If the exhalation is too easy or doesn’t seem to be loosening up any mucus, then adjust to the higher resistance.
The resistance indicator slides to point to point to the numeric symbol on the device. The numeric symbol “1” is the lowest setting, the numeric symbol “5” is the highest resistance setting.
The Aerobika* OPEP device has 5 resistance settings that adjusts to each user’s capacity. Sliding to the left, towards 5, you experience greater resistances. Moving right, towards 1, lessens than resistance. It is recommended to set the Aerobika* device to resistance level 3, the middle resistance.
An important note with the resistance is that higher does not mean better. Treatment is maximized when the device is used with the resistance set to an appropriate level for the respective user.
When you have excess mucus that builds-up in the lungs, it can result in symptoms. As you exhale through the device, the airways are opened. As the airways open, vibrations help thin and loosen mucus which can then be expelled.
- Although the AEROBIKA* Oscillating PEP device, a type of PEP device, is orientation independent, it is recommended that treatments be done in a comfortably seated position.
- Put the mouthpiece in mouth and close lips around it to ensure an effective seal. Make sure your hand does not block the exhalation path on the back of the device.
- Inhale through the device taking a deeper breath than normal, but do not totally fill your lungs. Hold your breath for 2–3 seconds before exhaling.
- Exhale actively, but not forcefully, through the device. Ideally, exhalation should last 3–4 times longer than inhalation. Keep your cheeks flat and firm to maximize treatment effectiveness. Ensure you maintain a good seal on the mouthpiece for the duration of your treatment.
- Continue taking deep breaths and long exhalations for 10–20 breaths, or as instructed by your healthcare professional. After at least 10 breaths, perform 2–3 ‘huff’ coughs to clear your airways. Your healthcare professional will instruct you on the proper technique. For maximum efficacy, try to suppress coughing until the end of your treatment.
- Repeat steps 3–5 for 10–20 minutes or as prescribed by your healthcare professional. The entire procedure should be performed at least twice a day on a regular basis, and increased to 3–4 times per day if you are producing a lot of mucus.
When you have COPD or Chronic Bronchitis, Cystic Fibrosis or Bronchiectasis excess mucus can build-up in the lungs resulting in symptoms. The Aerobika* Oscillating PEP device is an airway clearance therapy device used to mobilize excess lung secretions and improve breathing.
The AEROBIKA* OPEP device is DRUG-FREE and can be an add-on therapy to your existing medications. You should continue to take your prescribed medications as directed by your healthcare professional. You should consult your healthcare professional to see if it is a good fit for you.
We recommend using the device twice daily, once in the morning and once at night. Start a session lasting a couple of minutes. As your comfort level with the device improves, slowly increase the treatment duration to 10-20 minutes at a time.
The AEROBIKA* OPEP device is easy to clean and maintain.
- Disassemble the device in four parts: the mouthpiece, top case, bottom case and valve cartridge.
- Soak 15 minutes in soapy water and agitate gently.
- Rinse with clean water to remove soapy water and contaminants.
- Shake out the water and dry vertically.
The AEROBIKA* OPEP device can also be cleaned with a dishwasher. Place the device in a basket on the top rack of the dishwasher after disassembly. Full instructions can be found with the included instructions package.
Healthcare professionals should always use clinical judgment to select the appropriate cleaning and disinfecting method and frequency, based on patient needs. If necessary, clean the AEROBIKA* device once daily. Note: Proper and regular cleaning of the device is important for it to work correctly.
