How to Use Your Breathe-O Meter

Learn the correct way to use your Breathe-o meter to accurately measure your Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR). This step-by-step guide will walk you through assembling the device, preparing for a reading, the proper technique for blowing into the meter, and how to interpret your results.

Inhaler

Breathe-o Meter

Breathe-o Meter is a small, portable, easy-to-use device that measures your peak expiratory flow rate which has been calibrated using the European Union Scale. The Breathe-o Meter measures the speed at which you are blowing out air. This measurement is called PEFR, the rate at which you exhale, and this can be tracked over time to manage your asthma better.

About the instructional video

The video provides a complete step-by-step visual guide on how to correctly use the Breathe-o meter. In this tutorial, you will learn:

  • The different parts of the device include the mouthpiece, pointer, and scale.
  • How to prepare the meter for a reading, such as moving the pointer to zero and how to hold it properly.
  • The correct procedure for taking a measurement, from taking a deep breath to blowing forcefully into the device.
  • How to read your results and determine your final PEFR score by taking the highest of three consecutive readings.
  • Important precautions to ensure your readings are accurate, like not coughing into the device or dropping it.

How to use a breathe-o meter: step-by-step guide

To properly use a breathe-o meter, follow these steps:

  • Stand Up: For the most accurate results, it is best to take your readings while standing.
  • Assemble the Device: Join the mouthpiece to the main body of the breathe-o meter.
  • Reset the Pointer: Slide the pointer on the scale all the way down to the zero position.
  • Hold it Correctly: Hold the meter so that your fingers are not blocking the scale, the slot, or the holes at the end of the device.
  • Inhale Deeply: Take a deep breath in, filling your lungs completely.
  • Exhale Forcefully: Place the mouthpiece in your mouth between your teeth and seal your lips tightly around it. Do not bite down. Blow out as hard and as fast as you can in a single burst, like blowing out birthday candles.
  • Check the Reading: The pointer will move up the scale. The number it stops at is your reading for that attempt.
  • Repeat: Reset the pointer to zero and repeat the process two more times.
  • Record the Highest Score: The highest of your three readings is your final PEFR score. Note this down in a logbook to track your lung health.

Points to remember

  • Avoid Affecting the Reading: Do not cough, spit, or block the mouthpiece with your tongue while taking a reading, as this will lead to an inaccurate result. If you do cough, reset the pointer and start that attempt again.
  • Handle with Care: Never drop the breathe-o meter, as this can damage the internal mechanism and affect its precision.
  • Consult Your Doctor: A breathe-o meter is a valuable tool for home monitoring. Discuss your readings with your doctor to understand what they mean for your health management plan.
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