Acapella Devices Vs. Incentive Spirometers: Supporting Respiratory Health During Cold & Flu Season
- Staff Writer
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
As cold and flu season approaches, maintaining strong, healthy lungs becomes even more important. Two tools often recommended by healthcare professionals are the Acapella device and the incentive spirometer. While both support respiratory health, they serve very different purposes. The Acapella device helps clear mucus from the airways, while the incentive spirometer strengthens the lungs and encourages deep breathing to prevent complications such as pneumonia.
Acapella Device: Airway Clearance
The Acapella device is a type of Oscillating Positive Expiratory Pressure (OPEP) therapy. It works by using a valve to create vibrations and pressure when you exhale. These vibrations loosen sticky mucus in the airways, making it easier to cough out.
Benefits during cold and flu season:
Loosens secretions: Helps manage heavy congestion, which is common with the flu or conditions like chronic bronchitis.
Reduces coughing: By moving mucus more effectively, it reduces the need for frequent, forceful coughing, which can irritate the airways.
Prevents infections: Clearing pooled mucus lowers the risk of secondary infections, especially in people with chronic lung conditions like COPD or cystic fibrosis.
Incentive Spirometer: Lung Expansion
An incentive spirometer is a device designed to encourage slow, deep breathing. When you inhale through it and hold your breath, you fully expand your lungs and keep the tiny air sacs (alveoli) open.
Benefits during cold and flu season:
Prevents pneumonia: After an illness or surgery, people often breathe shallowly due to weakness or pain, allowing fluid and mucus to build up. Using an incentive spirometer helps keep lungs inflated and lowers pneumonia risk.
Strengthens lungs: Acts like “exercise equipment” for your lungs, restoring lung strength and function after a respiratory illness.
Improves ventilation: Ensures you’re taking in enough air to fully ventilate the lungs.
Key Considerations During Cold & Flu Season
Sanitation is essential: Clean your device daily with warm, soapy water, and disinfect it weekly using a vinegar-and-water solution or as directed by the manufacturer.
Do not share devices: These tools are for single-patient use only to avoid spreading germs.
Avoid using near others: When sick, use the device away from others since exhaling may release airborne microbes.
Follow medical guidance: Your doctor or respiratory therapist will recommend the best device and frequency of use for your needs.
Final Thoughts
Both the Acapella device and incentive spirometer can play a role in keeping your lungs healthier during cold and flu season. The Acapella helps clear mucus and reduce infection risks, while the incentive spirometer keeps the lungs strong, open, and well-ventilated. Together, they provide complementary support for respiratory health.
References
American Lung Association. How to Use Your Incentive Spirometer. https://www.lung.org
Cleveland Clinic. Acapella® Device: How It Works & Uses. https://my.clevelandclinic.org
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Lung Health During Cold and Flu Season. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov
Johns Hopkins Medicine. Preventing Pneumonia After Surgery. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org
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