AirPhysio Lung-cleaning Device Now Sold Online for U.S. Patients
AirPhysio, a handheld device designed to help clear the mucus that builds up in the lungs of people with cystic fibrosis (CF), is now available online in the U.S. through Life Wellness Healthcare.
The Australian-based company said in a press release that the AirPhysio — which it calls an all-natural “lung cleaning” device — is suitable for children and adults with CF.
“Life Wellness Healthcare was established to meet the needs of people who live each day with respiratory conditions,” the company said. “We know first hand what it’s like to live with such conditions. It can be hard, and that’s why we are committed to offering products that meet the needs of the customers we serve.”
The device, made in Australia, is now being shipped from Life Wellness’ U.S. warehouses, the company states on its website.
“Our aim is to help people breathe again,” Life Wellness said.
CF is caused by mutations in a gene called CFTR. Mutations in this gene lead to impairments in or the absence of the CFTR protein, which acts like a gate on the surface of cells to regulate the flow of ions and water.
This movement is key for the production of a watery and slippery mucus that is essential for the functioning of some organs, such as the lungs. As a result of CFTR mutations, however, thick and sticky mucus accumulates, causing breathing difficulties and increasing the risk of infections in the lungs.
AirPhysio uses oscillating positive expiratory pressure, called OPEP, to directly impact such mucus buildup.
According to the company, the OPEP device offers a certain level of resistance while a person breathes out into the device’s mouthpiece. This causes a vibration through the airways, which helps to loosen and clear the mucus out of the lungs. A combination of high-frequency oscillations, or fast movements back and forth in a regular rhythm, is used to provide the resistance.
The device is easy to use, Life Wellness says, and patients are recommended to use it up to three times per day as needed, for around five minutes at a time. The company said such usage should be enough to help loosen the mucus from the airways.
Also, the device’s regular use is believed to boost the body’s natural mucus-clearing process and ease patients’ breathing, the company said.
“Research shows that around 30,000 people in the US have cystic fibrosis, with symptoms including recurring infections in the chest, wheezing coughs, and yellowing of the skin around the eyes,” the company states on the website. “Life Wellness Healthcare is offering the AirPhysio as part of a focused effort to improve the lifestyle of customers suffering from the disease.”
Patients with other respiratory diseases, including asthma, bronchiectasis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), also can benefit from using the AirPhysio device, according to Life Wellness.
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