A new respiratory medical device called the AirPhysio is now accessible to the public even without a prescription. The device was created in 2016 as an improved design of similar products known as Positive Expiratory Pressure, or PEP, devices.
The AirPhysio is an OPEP (Oscillating Positive Expiratory Pressure) device designed to increase overall lung function for people of all ages. Steve Owen and Paul O’Brien formed the idea when they were marketing a similar product and discovered complications in its development. The two realized there was a need for a better, more user-friendly, respiratory physiotherapy device. After a lot of research and with the goal of providing a better option, for sufferers of respiratory complications, the pair created the new OPEP device.
PEP devices are often bulky or enclosed, making use more difficult for certain individuals, especially for those with declining lung function. Meanwhile, AirPhysio’s design is clear, lightweight, and handheld. It is about the same shape and size as an average inhaler. This allows the patient to clearly see if the device is active. It is also an FDA-approved medical device. While it’s not the first OPEP design, this apparatus’ patented design may be the easiest to use.
#Australian #medtech @airphysio enters 50 new countries selling physiotherapy devices that aid in recovery from lung-related conditions. @Austrade @InvestmentNSW helped with their growth plans in 18 markets incl. #MiddleEast. More on their success https://t.co/o3YaqpnWdf pic.twitter.com/K8d2qXywbo
— Ian Halliday (@IanHalliday29) August 10, 2022
Improving airflow
The device works with a combination of vibration, pressure, and accelerated airflow when one exhales. AirPhysio uses focused exhalation to oscillate a small steel ball inside of a circular cone. The size of the ball determines the resistance which affects the pressure in a person’s lungs. This creates vibrations and positive expiratory pressure, which loosens the mucus trapped in one’s lungs and opens the airways, increasing respiratory function.
AirPhysio is marketed as a device that improves the health of your lungs, even reversing declining function. The company asserts that using AirPhysio after taking an aerosol medication will help distribute the medication to be more effective in individuals suffering from asthma, or other lung-related diseases, such as Cystic Fibrosis, or COPD. Athletes could see improved endurance and capacity. They even suggest using it after certain surgeries to prevent lung collapse.
Oct 8'22; Brett Lee, in the presence of Suneeta Reddy, MD, #ApolloHospitals, launched #AirPhysio, a multi-award winning respiratory device & BetterBreathing range of products
Helps patients with long COVID, other respiratory disorders, breathe better & reduce hospitalisation time pic.twitter.com/Bn1YUEmZrR— Apollo Hospitals, Chennai (@Apollo_Chennai) October 11, 2022
As the newest OPEP Device on the market, AirPhysio has presented us with some shiny new improvements from prior models. For one, they come color-coded, with respect to the resistance, or use, a device would be best suited for. This makes it much easier to decipher the right size for the patient. They also offer some convenience accessories like their protective travel case.
However, the most notable improvement, in my opinion, is the availability for public use without a prescription. With respiratory health becoming front and center for a few years now, AirPhysio will definitely be able to aid those who need help breathing better. At the moment, the device is available in their online store starting at $66.99. You can also head on to its store on Amazon.
YouTube: How Does AirPhysio Work
Photo credit: The feature image is symbolic and has been done by Beneda Miroslav.
