Using a Positive Expiratory Pressure (PEP) Device

A positive expiratory pressure (PEP) device is a tool to help you breathe better. A PEP device helps people with lung conditions to keep healthy lung function. It helps clear mucus from your airways, expand your lung capacity, and prevent lung infections. The information below will help explain more about PEP devices and how to use one.

How a PEP device works

A PEP device is a portable tool. It has a mouthpiece or mask and a valve for exhaling. It may have a dial or settings to adjust the pressure. A PEP device creates positive pressure in the airways when you breathe out. This means you have to push air out of your lungs harder, against pressure. This helps clear mucus and improve your lung function. Some devices also vibrate when you breathe out. This helps loosen mucus so you can cough it out.

How a PEP device helps

PEP devices are used to treat lung conditions like these:

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

• Cystic fibrosis

• Bronchiectasis

• Asthma

A PEP device helps you:

• Clear mucus. PEP devices help loosen and move mucus in the airways. This makes it easier to clear out excess mucus from your lungs.

• Expand the lungs. PEP therapy encourages deep breathing. This helps expand the tiny air sacs in the lungs, brings in more oxygen, and keeps your lungs elastic.

• Prevent infections. By clearing mucus, PEP devices reduce your risk of lung infections.

How to use a PEP device

Follow these instructions to use a PEP device:

1. Prep your PEP. Wash your hands with soap and water. Make sure your PEP device is clean and dry. Put the device together. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer.

2. Get in position. Sit upright or find a comfortable position that lets you breathe easily. Put the mouthpiece in your mouth securely. Or make sure the mask fits well over your mouth and nose.

3. Breathe in and out. Take a deep breath in through your nose, filling your lungs with air. Hold your breath for 2 to 3 seconds. Close your lips tightly around the mouthpiece. Or make sure the mask fits snugly. Breathe out slowly and steadily through the device for as long as possible. Pause between breaths. If you feel dizzy, you may be breathing too fast.

4. Huff and cough. You may be instructed to huff and cough after 3 or 4 breaths. This is to clear mucus out of your lungs. First, remove the device from your mouth. Take a deep breath in. Breathe out in 3 fast breaths (huff). Cough hard to bring up mucus. Spit the mucus into a tissue. Don’t swallow it.

5. Do set sessions. Do a series of controlled breaths out through the device, usually around 10 breaths each time, or as advised by your healthcare provider. Take short breaks between each set of breaths if you need to. Repeat the session 2 to 4 times a day, or as advised by your healthcare provider.

6. Adjust the pressure as needed. Some PEP devices have a dial or settings to adjust the resistance. Start with a lower pressure setting. Adjust the pressure as instructed by your healthcare provider or the device manufacturer.

7. Clean and maintain your device. After each use, clean the PEP device. Follow the manufacturer's instructions. Check it often for worn-out parts or filters. Replace them as needed.

Keep a record of your PEP therapy sessions to track your progress. Share it with your healthcare provider during check-ups.

When to call your healthcare provider

If you feel too dizzy or have trouble breathing while using the PEP device, stop using it and talk with your healthcare provider.