Airway Clearance

Airway clearance is part of standard therapy for people with cystic fibrosis. To clear mucus from airways, people with CF use a variety of methods. They include postural drainage with percussion, PEP and the Flutter®. There are also newer therapies such as high-frequency chest wall oscillation (commonly referred to as a ‘vest’) and the Frequencer™.

Many issues need to be considered before choosing a particular airway clearance technique. The Foundation created a Working Group to review literature and produce materials on airway clearance for the CF community. These documents, approved by the Foundation’s Clinic Subcommittee and Board of Directors, may help answer your questions.

Position Statement on Airway Clearance Techniques

List of Commonly Used Airway Clearance Techniques

Questions and Answers on Airway Clearance

The Foundation will continue to monitor developments, and review and update documents as needed. If you have questions about airway clearance, please call us or send an e-mail to info@cysticfibrosis.ca.

Reviewed/updated: 2009-09-01