TheraPEP (1902)

Key points below

Purpose

 Positive Expiratory Pressure Therapy (PEP) helps to open up your child’s airways.  When the airways are open it is easier for your child to get rid of mucous.  

Supplies needed

Setting the blue dial

Your child’s provider will work with you to set the correct number on the blue dial.      

Steps to follow 

1. Wash your hands with soap and warm water.
2. Follow package insert to put TheraPEP together.  
a. If you are told to use a nebulizer with your TheraPEP, your provider will tell you where to put it.
3. Turn the blue dial to correct number.
4. Have your child sit in a chair with elbow resting on a table.
5. Put the mouthpiece in your child’s mouth. Lips should be tight around the mouthpiece. If a mask is being used, hold the mask firmly over your child’s mouth and nose.
6. Have your child take in a deep breath.
7. Have your child breathe out but not forcefully. Keep the top of the blue indicator between the two lines.  If the blue dial is set correctly, your child will be blowing out about 3 times longer than breathing in. 
8. Have your child do 10 to 20 breaths and then 2 to 3 huff coughs. This helps get mucous out.
9. Continue for 15 minutes.

Cleaning the TheraPEP

TheraPEP should be cleaned when it looks dirty. It may need to be cleaned after every treatment if used with a nebulizer.

1. Take the TheraPEP apart.  Set the pressure indicator aside.  Never put the pressure indicator or the small diameter tubing in water.  These parts can be wiped off if needed.
2. Wash in warm soapy water.  
3. Rinse.
4. Let air dry.

Disinfecting the TheraPEP

Disinfect the TheraPEP as directed by your provider.

1. Disinfect with one of these methods:
a. Soak in 70% isopropyl alcohol for 5 minutes.  Do not re-use alcohol.  
OR
b. Soak in 3% hydrogen peroxide for 30 minutes.  Do not re-use hydrogen peroxide.
OR
c. Soak in bleach solution for 3 minutes.  Do not re-use bleach solution. To make bleach solution, mix 1 teaspoon of bleach with one cup of sterile water.

2. Rinse with sterile water.  To make sterile water, boil tap water for 5 minutes. Use the water when it is warm, not hot. 
3. Let air dry.

For other health and wellness information, check out this resource: https://kidshealth.org/ChildrensWi/en/parents

ALERT

Call your child’s doctor, nurse, or clinic if you have any questions or concerns or if your child has special health care needs that were not covered by this information.