What is a Flutter?
The Flutter is a device for people who have difficulty
clearing secretions (phlegm) from their lungs. It combines
the principles of oscillations/vibrations and positive airway
pressure to help clear secretions.
It consists of a mouthpiece, circular cone, heavy steel ball
and cover.
How does the Flutter work?
When you breathe out through the Flutter, the air flows up
through the circular cone, which causes the steel ball to lift
and move. This helps to keep the airways open and also
allows air to get behind sputum and help move it upwards,
making it easier to clear. As the ball moves, it generates
vibrations which are transmitted into the chest. These
vibrations aim to loosen the sputum from your lungs
making them easier to clear.
Using the Flutter
Your physiotherapist will show you how to perform the
Flutter.
1. The Flutter should be performed in an upright
position.
2. Ensure you have a good seal around the
mouthpiece
3. Take a slightly larger than normal breath in
through your nose
4. Blow out through the Flutter for 3-4 seconds. You
may feel vibrations in your chest.
5. Repeat this 8-10 times
6. At the end of each cycle of 8-10 breaths perform
a forced expiratory technique to clear secretions.
This should be repeated for 10-15 minutes or
until clear of secretions.
Cleaning your Flutter
You should clean the Flutter after each use. Start by
disassembling into parts. Then place all parts in warm
soapy water. All parts should then be rinsed again and
left to air dry thoroughly before reassembly.
