Acapella Guide

What is the Acapella?

The Acapella is a device developed to help clear secretions and reduce or reverse lung collapse.
The equipment consists of a detachable mouthpiece and base unit.

The base unit contains a magnetic mechanism, which creates the vibratory resistance. The base unit has a frequency / resistance adjustable dial at the opposite end to the mouthpiece which changes how difficult it is to breathe out. Your physiotherapist will advise on this.

How does The Acapella work?

The device provides vibratory pressure within the airways loosening secretions. This effect, combined with other physiotherapy techniques, helps to move secretions to where they can easily be coughed and cleared. Air re-enters areas of lung tissue previously blocked by sputum allowing the lungs to re-open.

Cystic Fibrosis COPD, asthma, lung disease with secretory problems and patients with atelectasis are some of the typical patients that would benefit from the Acapella.

How to use your Acapella

Your physiotherapist will advise how to use the device. Please follow the advice as directed to gain best results and prevent harm.

1. Inspect the device for debris, check all attachments and if it is set up correctly (see picture above).
2. Select correct range as prescribed by your physiotherapist on the resistance dial.
3. Sit with your elbows resting comfortably on the table. If advised use a nose clip.
4. Take a larger than normal but not to capacity tummy breath.
5. Hold your breath for two to three seconds.
6. Place Acapella to your mouth to form a tight but comfortable seal. Mouth piece - place into mouth and seal lips around the outside. Mask – place over nose and mouth tapered end up.
7. Hold your cheeks in and breathe out actively but not forcibly through the device.
8. Maintain a speed of breath out which achieves a distinct vibratory noise and has best effect on your chest.
9. Repeat steps 4 to 8 as prescribed by your physiotherapist, usually 10 to 20 times each treatment session.
10. Remove mouth piece or mask.
11. Perform two to three huffs and a cough to clear secretions.
12. If advised by your therapist this can be combined with other treatments such as gravity assisted positioning or nebulisers.
13. Stop using the Acapella and seek advice from your physiotherapist if you notice blood in sputum, chest pains or prolonged shortness of breath when using it.
14. Seek advice from your physiotherapist if you are diagnosed with a pneumothorax, bullae or a cyst.

How often do you use it?

Try to use your Acapella at least twice daily or as directed by your physiotherapist. If you are unwell or have an active infection you may need to increase this to three to four times per day or even hourly to clear the excess secretions in your lungs.

If treatment is making you excessively tired when unwell, reduce your treatment time. You must remember to increase the number of treatment sessions, though.

Cleaning

Do not bleach the Acapella or put in the microwave.

1. Clean in warm soapy water - two teaspoons detergent to one gallon of water.

2. Rinse and air dry on side same position as in picture.

Breathing techniques required

Test Your Breathing

Place one hand on your upper chest and one hand on your stomach, just below your ribs. You will probably feel your top hand move more than your bottom hand as you take a breath in. This is an ineffective way of breathing, for use with the Acapella.

Tummy Breathing for the Acapella

Breathe in slowly through your nose. This should be larger than normal breath but not to full capacity. Then sigh the air out the mouth through the device.

Aim to make your stomach rise as you breathe in and fall as you breathe out.  It is very difficult to change your breathing pattern, however, if you practice daily it will become more natural.

You can practice tummy breathing by itself. When competent you can use it with theAcapella to maximise its effect.

Huff

Take a slow half breathe in through your nose. Feel your lower chest expand. Open your mouth wide to make a big O with your lips and blow the air out through your open mouth.

Our patients matter

Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust listens and responds to patients and their carers to help improve the services we deliver.

If you have any comments, compliments or concerns you can speak with a member of staff or contact our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) and Complaints Team.

Telephone: 0151 471 2377 Freephone: 0800 328 2941 Email: palsandcomplaints@merseycare.nhs.uk