WellO2 device is a third-generation respiratory muscle trainer which uses two previously investigated methods i.e. counter pressure breathing and steam inhalation. Counter pressure breathing has been investigated in connection with many diseases, whereas many effects of steam inhalation in connection with respiratory infections and allergy have been published. Intended use of WellO2 is respiratory muscle training. It is not regulated as a medical device because its clinical validation and evaluation is not yet complete.
Effects of the WellO2 are based on counter pressure breathing and / or steam inhalation. Counter pressure breathing opens airways while the steam increases fluidity of the mucus membranes alleviating irritation thus clearing accumulated mucus from the airways. Regular respiratory muscle training with counter pressure breathing strengthens respiration to better tolerate stressful situations.
In principle, use of WellO2 in mild feverless respiratory infections is safe and no restrictions to its normal use have been set in the most of these cases. During severe infective respiratory diseases, extra physical stress should be avoided. Thereafter, during the feverless recovery, WellO2 training with very low workload may be beneficial since it helps clearing mucus and opening airways. Even then, we recommend consulting your physician beforehand.
WellO2 device has a special cleaning programme which inactivates possible microbial contaminants with the hot steam. You may also clean similarly the detachable parts by placing them inside the device.
If you are healthy with no symptoms of respiratory infections
You may use the device normally according to the user instructions.
Mucous membranes in airways are the front-line defence mechanism against invading micro-organism. Integrity of the mucous membranes is essential in preventing microbial infections. WellO2 increases fluidity of mucous membranes in airways and helps clearing impurities accumulated in mucus. This helps maintaining integrity of the mucous membranes.
Regular training with WellO2 opens airways and strengthens breathing. This makes the body more resistive against physical stress caused by infections.
If you suffer from accumulated sputum, WellO2 helps clearing it from the airways since inhaling of the warm steam adds fluidity of the mucous membranes and intensifies its upward movement in airways. Mucus entraps infective particles and clears them off the airways. Dysfunction of this clearing mechanism increases risk of respiratory infections.
If you already have got mild symptoms of respiratory infections
You may use WellO2 device if you feel well and you don’t have fever. Then, it is recommended to use the lowest breathing resistance. Consult your physician if you have exacerbation of your lung disease or you have any doubts on using WellO2 device.
Regular training with WellO2 opens airways and the steam helps clearing mucus and impurities from the airways. This improves airflow in lungs making your breathing easier.
Avoid intensive respiratory muscle training and physical stress during sickness.
During infections, it is important to keep up with the hygiene and sanitate the device and its parts after each use.
If you suffer from severe symptoms of respiratory infections
Physical stress is not recommended in respiratory infections with severe symptoms. Therefore, WellO2 training should also be avoided. You can start using WellO2 a week after you have had no severe symptoms. Then, WellO2 exercise with very low intensity (setting 0) according to your doctor’s instructions may speed up recovery. After complete recovery, you can start using WellO2 normally.
If you have rare or unclear pulmonary complications
If you have any unclear pulmonary complications or you have breathing or cardiac symptoms which require medical attention, do not use WellO2 before consulting your physician.
Contraindications
- Pneumothorax
- Barotrauma
- Recent unhealed wounds in face, thorax or abdomen.
- Untreated lung emboli
Consult your doctor if you have, or suspect to have:
- exacerbation of asthma or COPD
- acute feverish respiratory infection
- end of pregnancy
- tendency for nasal bleeding
- severe cardiac disease
- resent infraction or pulmonary emboli
- aneurysm
- very high blood pressure
- epilepsy
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https://derby.openrepository.com/handle/10545/623523
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