Design and initial testing of a novel disposable oscillating positive expiratory pressure device

Oscillating positive expiratory pressure (OPEP) devices play a key role in airway clearance, particularly in patients with cystic fibrosis. These devices, however, have the potential to become reservoirs for pathogenic organisms and require daily, or even more frequent, cleaning. This places a large burden on patients and their carers.

The objective of this work was to develop a disposable OPEP device, with comparable mechanical performance to commercial devices, that negates the need for cleaning after use thus reducing microbiological risks.

3D printing was used to iterate and develop a prototype disposable device (The University of Limerick OPEP, abbreviated to the UL-OPEP) that was compared with a selection of commercially available devices for mean pressure and oscillation amplitude (cmH₂O), as well as oscillation frequency (Hz). All devices were tested using a healthy volunteer at a target expiratory flow of ~ 20 L/min. The target therapeutic range was 10-20 cmH₂O at a flow rate of 10-20 L/min as is reported widely in the literature.

The prototype disposable device achieved a mean pressure of 14.82 cmH₂O at a mean flow rate of 18.82 L/min, and generated an oscillation frequency of 26 Hz with an amplitude of 1.28 cmH₂O. These characteristics compare favourably with existing, more complex, reusable OPEP devices.

The UL-OPEP device is a small, disposable OPEP device, that generates pressure and oscillation amplitudes for clinically effective airway clearance. The device negates the need for cleaning and disinfecting, removing the risk of devices acting as a potential reservoir for pathogenic organisms while maintaining mucus-clearing benefits.