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Instructions for using a PEP pipe-shaped device/mask (for adults)

You have been given a PEP pipe-shaped device/mask as part of the treatment for your respiratory system. Once we have given you instructions on how to use the PEP pipe-shaped device/mask, it is up to you to practise using it.

You should also do the exercises your physiotherapist shows you, and be as physically active as you can.

How the therapy works

Breathing through the PEP pipe-shaped device/mask increases the pressure in your lungs. As a result, the air in your small airways is better distributed and your breathing becomes deeper and calmer. Any mucus gets loosened and minor collapses in your respiratory tracts are re-expanded.

PEP therapy can help you by:

  • preventing and alleviating the closure of your small airways
  • loosening mucus, making it easier to cough out and keep your respiratory tracts mucus free
  • enabling calm, deep breathing
  • reducing your breathing difficulties.

What to do

When using the PEP pipe-shaped device/mask for calmer breathing and/or loosening mucus:

  1. Sit up straight with your feet on the floor.
  2. Close your lips tightly around the mouthpiece or hold the mask tightly against your nose and mouth.
  3. Breathe in and exhale through the device/mask as many times as we have agreed. Inhale a little more deeply than usual. Exhale a little more actively than usual, without emptying your lungs completely. Breathe again when it feels natural to you.
  4. Remove the pipe-shaped device/mask from your mouth. Take a deep breath. “Huff cough” (exhale forcefully and quickly) with your mouth wide open. Repeat as many times as needed and, if possible, cough up mucus.
  5. Repeat steps 2-4 until you cannot feel any more mucus in your respiratory tracts.
  6. Use the PEP device/mask as many times a day as we have agreed, or whenever you feel mucus in your respiratory tracts again.

If you have been given a PEP pipe-shaped device/mask to treat minor collapses in your respiratory tracts (atelectases), perform steps 1-3.

Be as physically active as you can

In addition to using the PEP pipe-shaped device/mask, it is vital to be as physically active as possible. This:

  • helps your breathing
  • keeps your circulation going
  • maintains muscle strength and function while you are in hospital.

There are several ways to be physically active:

  • Change position in bed frequently.
  • Sit up – preferably in a chair.
  • Take a walk, even just around the bed.
  • Raise your arms above your head and out to the side – this will help your breathing.

Ask for help if this is difficult.

Good to know

It is easier to breathe when you are sitting or standing than when you are lying down. It is important to breathe deeply, even if it hurts afterwards – even if you are in pain after an operation or the like.

You can watch a video illustrating how to use a PEP device/mask and “huff coughing” on www.ouh.dk/traening-af-luftveje .

Illustration of the lungs with their branches of respiratory passages and small air sacs (alveoli). The circle features a close-up image of the air sacs. On the left-hand side, they are normal and filled with air. On the right-hand side, they have collapsed and contain less air.

The lungs with their branches of respiratory passages and small air sacs (alveoli). The circle features a close-up image of the air sacs. On the left-hand side, they are normal and filled with air. On the right-hand side, they have collapsed and contain less air.

Hygiene

Clean your PEP pipe-shaped device/mask by hand. It is not dishwasher-safe. How to clean it:

  • Take the PEP pipe-shaped device/mask apart.
  • Wash the parts in soapy water.
  • Then rinse in clean water.
  • Allow the parts to dry.

Contact

If you have any questions during your time in hospital, you can contact the department’s physiotherapist.


pinfoOUH-773016950-46 178504   |   11.11.2026

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