TheraPEP

TheraPEP is a therapy that helps to remove mucus from the lungs or to increase the effectiveness of a nebulized bronchodilator. A bronchodilator is a drug that helps to relax the smooth muscles in the lungs to make breathing easier. It can also prevent or open up areas of the lung that have collapsed.

How to do a TheraPEP Treatment

1. Make sure that the adjustment dial is set to the correct range ordered by your doctor.
2. Sit with your elbows resting comfortable on the table of sit upright.
3. Make a tight seal around the mouthpiece with your mouth. If you are using a mask, apply the mask tightly but comfortably over your nose and mouth.
4. Breathe in naturally taking a deep breath.
5. Hold your breath for 2-3 second. This allows the air to move evenly throughout the lungs.
6. Breathe out slowly and forcefully into the TheraPEP. Keep your cheeks hard and flat while you are breathing out.
7. During the time that you are breathing out, you will feel resistance. This is positive pressure being created in your airways.
8. You should breathe out 3-4 times as long as you breathe in.
9. Continue taking slow deep breaths while breathing out through your TheraPEP valve for about 5 minutes or 20 breaths.
10. Remove the mouthpiece or mask and perform a "huff cough".
11. A huff cough is performed by taking a deep breath and holding it for 1-3 seconds. Then force the air out of your lungs with your mouth open like you would do if you were trying to fog a mirror.
12. Continue steps 2-10 for the total amount of minutes prescribed by your respiratory therapist or doctor.
13. NOTE: It is very important to pace yourself as you breathe out into the TheraPEP device. Pause for a few seconds between breaths. If you feel dizzy or get a headache while using the TheraPEP, you may be breathing too fast. If you develop these symptoms, stop using the TheraPEP for a few minutes and breathe normally. When you begin to use the TheraPEP again, take more time between breaths.
14. Your doctor will tell you how many times a day this is ordered as well as the setting level.

Using the TheraPEP with your Nebulizer

Your TheraPEP can be used at the same time you are doing your nebulizer treatment. Follow the set-up that comes with your TheraPEP device.

Cleaning the TheraPEP

The TheraPEP should be cleaned twice weekly or more often if it is visibly soiled.

1. Take the TheraPEP apart and soak all of the pieces except the tubing and "Blue indicator column" in warm soapy dishwater for five minutes.
2. Rinse all of the part with hot tap water and then place them in a bowl with enough rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) to cover the TheraPEP. Soak the TheraPEP device in the alcohol for five minutes.
3. Remove the TheraPEP from the alcohol and rinse with sterile water. DO NOT USE WATER FROM THE FAUCET, BOTTLED OR DISTILLED WATER. You can make water sterile by soiling it for 5 minutes. Us this water once, then throw it away.
4. Place all of the parts on a paper towel to dry.

Cleaning your Nebulizer

If you are using the TheraPEP with a nebulizer, please clean your nebulizer at the same time that you clean your TheraPEP. Please refer to the Small Volume Nebulizer document for nebulizer cleaning instructions.