POWERbreathe Shaker Deluxe Mucus Clearance Device

Having clear lungs is important for good health. Clear lungs ensure that oxygen passes to the organs in our body, meaning they function well. Chronic breathing problems such as COPD, asthma and emphysema are often aggravated by build-ups of phlegm, which impacts this transport of oxygen.  The POWERbreathe Shaker Deluxe Mucus Clearance device breaks down mucus and phlegm in your airways (catarrh) to improve lung function.

OPEP device – This gravity-dependent OPEP (oscillatory positive expiratory pressure) device is easy to use for mobilizing pulmonary secretions such as mucus and catarrh.  A 2018 study found “the gravity-dependent devices were the ones to display close mechanical performances and produce optimal operational parameters at the simulated exhalation settings.”

How the Shaker Deluxe Clears Mucus – There is a weighted ball inside the Shaker Deluxe which raises when breathing into the device and then falls under its own weight. This rise and fall action happens very quickly and feels like a vibration.

This vibration, combined with the gentle resistance created by breathing against the ball causes a number of positive benefits. Changes in air pressure mean the smaller airways are encouraged to open, increasing lung usage and efficiency. The mucus is thinned or dislodged by the vibration and increased airflow helps this mucus to move to the large airways where gentle coughing can expel it.

Increase expectoration – The Shaker Deluxe is the next generation model that employs improved airflow for higher intensity vibrations. Excellent for increasing expectoration, improving lung function and reducing dyspnea. It is particularly beneficial for conditions such as COPD, Cystic Fibrosis, Bronchiectasis and Bronchitis.

Improve lung function – The Shaker Deluxe helps to open the airways, improving breathing efficiency. This reduces the risk of infection, fatigue and breathlessness.

Range of pressures to suit breathing ability- Each Shaker Deluxe mucus clearance device requires a minimum pressure of cmH2O when exhaling through to be most beneficial. The Shaker Deluxe Light and Shaker Deluxe Kids require the least amount of pressure and the Shaker Deluxe requires the most.

Economical – Prescription asthma inhalers and respiratory aids can be costly and need to be replaced. Whereas the Shaker Deluxe can be used repeatedly, all you need to do is wash it after use.

How to Use the POWERbreathe Shaker Deluxe Mucus Clearance Device

It is best if you use the Shaker either sitting down or lying down, as you may become dizzy while using the device. If you do become dizzy, stop performing the exercise and breathe calmly through your nose.

The ability to rotate the mouthpiece enables you to use the Shaker device while reclining. Physiotherapists refer to this as postural drainage. Additionally when lying down, make sure your head is slightly elevated.

1. Hold the Shaker device firmly in a horizontal position.
2. Place the device in your mouth and take a slow, deep breath in through your nose to fill your lungs and hold for 2 to 3 seconds.
3. Then, with your lips sealed around the mouthpiece, make a long exhale.
4. Take a few inhalations and exhalations through you nose before performing stages 2 and 3 again.
5. Repeat the process for about 10 repetitions or until bronchial hygiene is achieved. (The number of repetitions can vary depending on the patient and any medical or physiotherapy guidance.) Expel the secretion by coughing gently and expectorating into a tissue.

You may need to adapt the exercise to achieve the greatest and most effective vibration in your rib cage. This can be done by experimenting with the incline of the device and the intensity of the expired airflow.

How Mucus Clearance Devices Work – The POWERbreathe Shaker Series

Various POWERBreathe Shaker Deluxe Models

POWERbreathe Shaker Deluxe

Minimum pressure required when using Shaker Deluxe: 11 cmH2O.
Suitable for healthy people with seasonal symptoms, such as a chesty cough, flu or bronchitis.

POWERbreathe Shaker Deluxe Light

Minimum pressure required when using Shaker Deluxe Light: 8 cmH2O.
Can be used for people with chronic conditions such as COPD, asthma and emphysema.

POWERbreathe Shaker Deluxe Kids

• Minimum pressure required when using Shaker Deluxe Kids:  8 cmH2O.
• Can be used by children who suffer from seasonal symptoms or chronic conditions.
• Tailored to children, as, in addition to requiring only 8cmH20 making it easier to use as less expiratory pressure is needed, it includes a pack of stickers so that children can personalize their device, as well as, an easy-to-follow, child friendly user-manual that includes a colouring section to help make the treatment feel less of a medical intervention.
• If your child is under 7-years-old and you feel they have the ability to use the device and understand the exercise, then we recommend you check with your healthcare professional and ensure strict supervision is provided at all times due to small parts. (See Precautions.)

The POWERbreathe Shaker Mucus Clearance Device – Backed by Research

• Mechanical comparison of 6 oscillatory positive expiratory pressure devices
• Mechanical Behaviors of Flutter VRP1, Shaker, and Acapella Devices
• Utilization of a High Frequency Oral Oscillatory Device with Mechanical Ventilation
• Analysis of the functioning of the Shaker® to diverse levels of flow
• Respiratory physiotherapy in patients with cystic fibrosis: a literature review
• The use of oral high frequency oscillation in mechanically ventilated patients: a study prospective and literature revision
• Effect of oral high-frequency oscillation technique at different expiratory pressures on heart autonomic function and cardiorespiratory parameters
• European Respiratory Society statement on airway clearance techniques in adults with bronchiectasis

Cleaning, Care and Maintenance of Your Shaker Device

Because your Shaker Deluxe will be exposed to saliva during use, we recommend that your Shaker Deluxe is cleaned after use. Remove the mouthpiece, unscrew the back case and remove the ball and internal cone. Wash all parts in soapy water, rinse with clean water, dry thoroughly and re-assemble. Once a week we recommend that the device is cleansed using approved cleansing tablets.

Precautions

• Shaker is a single user device and for hygiene purposes, should not be shared with other users.
• Shaker should not be used by individuals with pneumothorax.
• Individuals with severe cardiovascular disease should only use Shaker on advice from a Doctor.
• Do not make changes to any prescribed medication or prescribed treatment program without consulting your doctor.
• Adult supervision may be required, when being used by children under the age of 16. The Shaker contains small parts (i.e. the small steel ball used within the casing to ‘shake’ the mucus) and is not a toy. However, if the child is the minimum age for using this device (7-years-old) and you feel they have the ability to use the device and understand the exercise, then strict supervision must be provided at all times due to the potential choking hazard of small parts (e.g. the weighted steel ball) when taken apart, for instance, when cleaning.
• If you become dizzy while using Shaker, stop the exercise and breathe calmly through the nose until the feeling stops. If dizziness occurs every time you use the Shaker, inhale and exhale without the device every 3rd breath. Should dizziness persist, or any other problems arise whilst using the Shaker, please stop using the device immediately and consult your physician.
• The Shaker is designed to be used for mobilizing pulmonary secretions. No other use is intended or implied. This product is not intended to diagnose, cure or prevent any disease.
• Only devices sold in sealed packaging should be used.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and sunlight.
• This product is sealed to maintain hygiene and cannot be returned if the seal is broken.

Video – Airway Clearance – Shaker PEP Program