Chest clearance techniques are different types of breathing exercises that help you clear sputum (mucus) out of the airways. They can help you breathe more easily, prevent infection and reduce coughing.
Active cycle of breathing is the main technique for chest clearance. It combines three practices: breathing control, deep breathing and huffing (forced expiratory technique).
This video shows you how to perform the active cycle of breathing (NHSGGC - Respiratory Physiotherapy Service: Active Cycle of Breathing)
If you are struggling to cough up and clear your sputum, your respiratory clinician may give you an Oscillatory PEP or OPEP device.
This video provides more information about the OPEP devices (NHSGGC - Respiratory Physiotherapy Services: Oscillatory PEP (OPEP))
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