Are you torn between AirPhysio’s OPEP Device and Acapella’s Choice Breathing Machine? As they both claim to enhance your breathing, it’s not surprising to feel confused. However, this comprehensive comparison aims to help you make an informed decision.
Contents
- AirPhysio and Acapella: Identifying the Differences
- The AirPhysio OPEP Device: A Deep Dive
- Acapella Choice Breathing Machine: An In-Depth Examination
- Comparison of Airphysio and Acapella
- Final Verdict
- FAQ
- What is the AirPhysio OPEP device and how does it work?
- What are the cleaning procedures for AirPhysio and Acapella Choice devices?
- Who can use the AirPhysio and Acapella devices?
- Where can I purchase the AirPhysio and Acapella Choice devices?
- What are the key differences between the AirPhysio and Acapella devices?
- Sources
AirPhysio and Acapella: Identifying the Differences
At first glance, both the AirPhysio and Acapella devices target respiratory improvement, but they vastly differ in their mechanisms and intended functions. AirPhysio’s Airway Clearance Treatment (ACT) is an FDA-cleared medical device that aids patients in lung secretion clearance. Acapella, however, is primarily designed for supplemental support, providing low-level continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) to those suffering from moderate-to-severe sleep apnea.
The AirPhysio OPEP Device: A Deep Dive
What is the AirPhysio OPEP Device?
AirPhysio’s OPEP (Oscillatory Positive Expiratory Pressure) device is a powered airway clearance therapy machine. It facilitates deep breathing, which helps in breaking up mucus and secretions in the lungs. The device employs OPEP mechanics, and has gained FDA-clearance for its effectiveness in relieving lung congestion.
This device is suitable for individuals suffering from mild to severe lung diseases, such as Asthma, COPD, Emphysema, Chronic Bronchitis, Cystic Fibrosis, Tuberculosis, and more. A unique feature is its compatibility across all age ranges, from children as young as two to adults aged 80.
How Does AirPhysio Work?
The device assists deep breaths, subsequently breaking up the accumulated mucus and secretions in your lungs. The built-in compressor generates positive pressure, aiding especially when fluid congestion occurs. The device does not require any external battery and operates silently, ensuring no disruption to your or your partner’s sleep.
Cleaning the AirPhysio OPEP Device
Cleaning the AirPhysio OPEP device involves simple steps. It primarily requires a warm, damp cloth for wiping down the device’s exterior and a disinfectant for cleaning the water container.
Pros and Cons of AirPhysio
Pros
- Integrated compressor for effective ACT
- Compatibility with all age groups
- Noiseless operation
- Easy usage and cleaning
- Cordless operation with no external battery requirement
- Ready-to-use out of the box
Cons
- May be cost-prohibitive for some
- Not suitable for individuals with pacemakers and pregnant women
Purchasing the AirPhysio OPEP Device
The device can be conveniently purchased from nearby stores, e-commerce websites like Amazon, eBay, and the official AirPhysio website for the best deals.
Also Read: AirPhysio Full Review
Acapella Choice Breathing Machine: An In-Depth Examination
What is the Acapella Choice Breathing Machine?
Acapella Choice is an FDA-approved device designed to clear lung secretions and mucus. Unlike AirPhysio’s vacuum cleaner-like design, Acapella resembles a whistle and is powered by an external battery. This device is particularly beneficial for individuals suffering from lung diseases characterized by excessive mucus production.
How Does the Acapella Choice Work?
The Acapella Choice employs a negative pressure generation technique to clear lung secretions. It also aids in performing deep breathing exercises, proving beneficial in enhancing lung capacity and expelling mucus from the respiratory tract.
Cleaning the Acapella Choice Breathing Machine
Cleaning the Acapella Choice involves steps similar to AirPhysio cleaning, with minor differences. The process includes the removal of the battery and air tube, cleaning of the air tube with a brush and warm soapy water, and reattaching the components post-cleaning.
Pros and Cons of Acapella Choice
Pros
- Effectively clears mucus
- Enhances lung function
- Easy to clean
- Cordless, powered by an external battery
- No need for extra medication
- No side effects
Cons
- Adjusting may initially be difficult
- May be expensive for some
Purchasing the Acapella Choice Breathing Machine
Acapella Choice can be easily purchased from nearby convenience stores and e-commerce websites like Amazon.
Comparison of Airphysio and Acapella
| Criteria | AirPhysio | Acapella Choice |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Oscillatory Positive Expiratory Pressure (OPEP) | Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) |
| Functionality | Creates positive pressure to break down secretions and mucus | Creates negative pressure to expand and contract lung volume |
| Suitable For | Mild to severe lung diseases such as Asthma, COPD, Emphysema, Chronic Bronchitis, Cystic Fibrosis, Tuberculosis | Conditions producing a lot of mucus, like Suppurative Lung Disease, Bronchiectasis, and Cystic Fibrosis |
| Power Source | Built-in air pump (no need for external batteries) | Requires external batteries |
| Cleaning Process | Wipe down exterior and cone, spray disinfectant on water container, wash and dry | Remove battery and air tube, brush inside tube, wash tube’s outside, and reattach components |
| Availability | Convenience stores, e-commerce websites, official AirPhysio website | Convenience stores, e-commerce websites |
| Budget Consideration | Might be more expensive due to built-in air pump | Might be more budget-friendly due to the lack of built-in power source |
Final Verdict
The primary difference lies in their design and cost. AirPhysio’s built-in air pump, extended functionalities, and long-standing reputation make it a preferred choice for many, provided the budget isn’t a constraint. However, if cost is a concern, Acapella Choice serves as a worthy alternative.
While AirPhysio is suitable for a variety of respiratory complications, Acapella is primarily targeted towards lung conditions that generate excessive mucus. Moreover, AirPhysio is devoid of side effects, unlike Acapella Choice.
Both devices require further studies and patient testimonials to establish a clear winner. However, if you seek a versatile, all-around device, AirPhysio is the recommended choice.
FAQ
What is the AirPhysio OPEP device and how does it work?
The AirPhysio OPEP device is a powered airway clearance therapy (PACT) machine designed to aid deep breathing, thereby helping to break up secretions and mucus in the lungs. This FDA-cleared medical device functions on the mechanism of oscillatory positive expiratory pressure (OPEP). It has a built-in compressor generating positive pressure to facilitate the breakdown of secretions and mucus, improving overall respiratory function.
What are the cleaning procedures for AirPhysio and Acapella Choice devices?
To clean the AirPhysio OPEP device, ensure it is turned off, wipe down the exterior and circular cone with a warm damp cloth, spray disinfectant on the water container, leave it for half an hour, then wash off with clean running water and dry. The Acapella Choice machine can be cleaned by removing the battery and air tube, using a brush to clean inside the tube, washing the tube’s outside with warm soapy water, then reattaching the tube and battery.
Who can use the AirPhysio and Acapella devices?
Both devices can be used by individuals across a wide age range, from children to adults. The AirPhysio is suitable for people with mild to severe lung diseases like Asthma, COPD, Emphysema, Chronic Bronchitis, Cystic Fibrosis, Tuberculosis, etc. The Acapella Choice machine is beneficial for conditions where the lungs produce a lot of mucus, such as suppurative lung disease, bronchiectasis, and cystic fibrosis.
Where can I purchase the AirPhysio and Acapella Choice devices?
AirPhysio is available at any local convenience store and on e-commerce websites like Amazon, eBay, etc. But, for the best deal, you can buy it directly from the official AirPhysio website. Similarly, Acapella Choice is also readily available at convenience stores and on Amazon.
What are the key differences between the AirPhysio and Acapella devices?
Though both devices are designed to improve respiratory function, they vary in a few significant aspects. The AirPhysio device, with its built-in air pump, is more suitable for a range of respiratory complications and also works as a mucus clearing device. On the other hand, the Acapella device, which requires an external battery, is ideal if budget is a concern and is effective for conditions where the lungs produce substantial mucus. The choice between the two will depend on individual needs and budget.
Also Read: AirPhysio vs Aerobika
Sources
- AirPhysio Website. AirPhysio User Guide Video Manual.
- Journal of Cystic Fibrosis. Long-term multicentre randomised controlled study of high frequency chest wall oscillation versus positive expiratory pressure mask in cystic fibrosis.
- Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Oscillatory Positive Expiratory Pressure in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.
- Jornal Brasileiro de Pneumologia. Oscillatory Positive Expiratory Pressure (OPEP) therapy does not improve pulmonary function in asthma.
- Vitality Medical. Natural breathing and lung expansion mucus clearance and removal device.
- Faarc, Kacmarek Robert PhD Rrt, et al. Workbook for Egan’s Fundamentals of Respiratory Care. 12th ed., Mosby, 2020
- Volsko TA, DiFiore JM, Chatburn RL. Performance comparison of two oscillatory positive pressure devices: Acapella versus Flutter. Respiratory Care 2003; 48(2):124-30.
- Smiths Medical. Acapella | An introduction to Physiology and Vibratory PEP Therapy. Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5gEwEIkRjo
- CMC Vellore. Use of Acapella for Airway Clearance for Cystic Fibrosis Patients. Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uOscl37oHzg
- Patterson JE, Hewitt O, Kent L, Bradbury I, Elborn JS, Bradley JM. Acapella versus ‘usual airway clearance’ during acute exacerbation in bronchiectasis: a randomized crossover trial. Chron Respir Dis. 2007;4(2):67-4