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A Buyer’s Guide For PEP Therapy Systems

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Introduction     |    Types of PEP Therapy Systems     |    How to use PEP System?     |    How to Clean?

Positive expiratory pressure therapy or the PEP therapy is an airway clearance technique for patients that have Cystic Fibrosis (CF). A positive pressure is generated in the airways by breathing out with a moderate force through a resistance, which helps to keep them open. This positive pressure allows airflow to get under the areas of mucus obstruction and move the mucus toward the larger airways, where it can be expelled out easily. Positive expiratory pressure therapy can also help deliver medication deeper into the lungs when done with nebulized bronchodilator therapy.

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A Buyer’s Guide For PEP Therapy Systems

Types of PEP Therapy Systems

There are three major types of PEP therapy systems and the devices that work according to these systems.

  • Acapella - Acapella fuses two different types of therapy into one, high-frequency oscillation and positive expiratory pressure (PEP). There is a lever with a magnet on the end inside the Acapella. The magnet helps to intermittently interrupt the air flow across the lever, which causes a vibration in the lungs. A dial at the other end of the acapella adjusts the amount of resistance. When air is expelled out of the lungs through the Acapella valve, the air flow moves the lever in a front and back motion. The number and size of the lever movements or frequency are based on the resistance of the air flow.
Smiths Medical Portex Acapella Choice Flutter Valve Vibratory PEP Therapy
Smiths Medical Portex Acapella Choice Flutter Valve Vibratory PEP Therapy
  • PEP Valve - The PEP valve comes with a mouthpiece that enables you to pull air in through a one-way valve and blow air out through a hole or resistance. The resistance should be set so you feel as if your lungs are in a workout. A pressure manometer is included to help you see the level of pressure that you want to maintain when you are blowing the air out.
Salter NebuTech Safety PEP Device With Nose Clip
Salter NebuTech Safety PEP Device With Nose Clip
  • Oscillating PEP - Oscillating PEP is also known as flutter PEP. It is a pocket device that looks like a fat pipe. Inside the pipe is a plastic cone that cradles a steel ball sealed with a perforated cover. Its aim is to improve ventilation and mucus production.
Monaghan Aerobika Oscillating Positive Expiratory Pressure (OPEP) Therapy System
Monaghan Aerobika Oscillating Positive Expiratory Pressure (OPEP) Therapy System

How to use the PEP Therapy System Properly?

  • Firstly the nurse or the doctor will tell you the settings of the dial so that adequate pressure is used  
  • Before using the system, take a deep breath and hold it for a couple of seconds  
  • Then place the PEP system mouthpiece in your mouth and breath out into it. Exhale for about 3-4 seconds into the device  
  • Use the device for the number of times prescribed by the medical professional

How to Clean the PEP Therapy System?

Cleaning the PEP device is an important step towards reducing the chances of infection. It should be cleaned after every use and should be stored in a neat and clean place. Take a note of the following steps to keep your PEP therapy system clean:

  • The four parts of the system, the mouthpiece, the base, the cover, and the rocker have to be thoroughly washed  
  • Use warm soapy water for washing the parts of the system  
  • Dry the PEP system with a dry towel or an air dryer. You can later spread it and dry it out on a piece of cloth


PEP Therapy Systems have come off as a boon for people suffering from Cystic Fibrosis. Choosing the right PEP Therapy System for yourself or your loved ones is important to ensure the safety of the user and the safe treatment of the condition.

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