Product Review: The Quake

For cystic fibrosis patients, dislodging the sticky mucous in the lung is key to preventing infection.

The Quake ®, a portable, easy-to-use, hand-held airway clearance device. It uses positive expiratory pressure (PEP) as a means to loosen mucous. The Quake accomplishes this in a unique way. Unlike competitors' products, The Quake's design promotes greater "pressure pulses. In other words, the airways vibrate to a much steadier and stronger degree. When used with steady, tidal breathing (i.e. "regular" breathing) pressure pulses are at a maximum. This means that the lungs are benefiting from the pressure during inhalation and exhalation.

The Quake can be used standing up, sitting down, hanging upside down and even when curled up on the floor in the fetal position. And yes, I actually conducted tests in each of those positions. This feature makes it a more versatile device than competing products such as the Acapella or the Flutter.

There are no predetermined settings that need to be "dialed in" on the Quake. Anyone, regardless of peak flow or FEV1 status has the lung power to make the device work. With a deep breath or a shallow one, the PEP stimulates the airways. The design of The Quake is such that the patient receives benefit when breathing in as well as out.

The device is extremely light weight and compact. It's easy to hold and the crank has a comfort grip.

And that brings me to the downside of The Quake. In order to use the device, you must have both hands free. It looks a bit like a fishing reel. The makers of The Quake say that by this active involvement of the part of the patient, the treatment is more effective. Multitasking is not an option with this little thing.

As with any airway clearance device, deciding which is best is a matter of personal preference. I am not immediately impressed by it, but I'll give it a week of good effort before I dismiss it completely.