Evaluation of the PEP Mask in Cystic Fibrosis

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Abstract
Twenty‐eight patients suffering from cystic fibrosis, with an age range of 8‐21 years entered a randomised cross‐over trial to study the efficacy of the Positive Expiratory Pressure (PEP) mask as a method of chest physiotherapy, both on its own and in conjunction with other physiotherapy techniques. Twenty‐four of these patients completed the trial consisting of 4 treatment programmes each lasting one month and with no wash‐out period between them. Five of these patients went on to a fifth programme of Forced Expiratory Technique (FET) alone. At the end of the trial, no significant difference was found between the programmes as regards growth, Shwachman score, Chrispin—Norman score or pulmonary function tests. Twenty‐three patients chose to continue using the PEP mask in conjunction with FET long‐term as their chest physiotherapy programme as they felt it was an effective treatment allowing increased independence, with postural drainage being kept to a minimum.