Patients with chronic respiratory disorders, such as cystic fibrosis, bronchitis, or bronchiectasis, require therapy to mobilize and remove mucus secretions from the lungs. A handheld mucus clearance device, also known as the flutter, can help such patients cough up secretions more easily.

The device works by using a ball valve that vibrates as the patient exhales vigorously through it. The vibrations propagate throughout the airways during expiration, loosening the mucus. As the patient repeats this process, the mucus progressively moves up the airways until the patient can easily cough it out. A licensed practitioner should determine the frequency and duration of device use.

When used before bronchodilator therapy in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, the mucus clearance device has been shown to improve the patient’s response to the bronchodilator.