Expiratory Muscle Strength Trainer

Instructions for Use

What does the EMST 150™Expiratory Muscle Strength Trainer do?• Increases expiratory muscle strength (the

muscles you use to breath air out)

• Helps develop greater pressure and airflow when you are breathing out

• Strengthens the muscles that help swallowingand coughing and those that improve voice

• Most recent reports – Reduces snoring

Description of the Trainer

• The EMST 150tm device consists of plexiglass tube with a variable tension spring controlling a “pop-off” valve

• It provides a consistent pressure load on expiration

EMST 150tm Trainer

Loaded Spring

AdjustableValve

Mouthpiece

You train by simply blowing into the trainer to overcome the thresholdload. When you develop enough pressure the spring-loaded valve

opens. The spring contained in the trainer is adjustable.

Training Instructions

• It is important to remember the number 5throughout the training period

• 5 breaths• 5 sets of exercises• 5 days a week (2 days off)• 5 weeks

Adjusting the Valve and Spring

• Turning the knob clockwise:– tightens the trainers spring– makes it more difficult to blow air out through the

valve

• Turning the knob counterclockwise:– loosens the spring– makes it easier to blow air out through the valve

Determining Where to Start

• Measure your maximum expiratory strength:

1. Turn the knob of the EMST 150tm counterclockwise until you can no

longer turn it. (all colors on label will be visible)

2. Place the mouthpiece in the EMST 150tm.

3. Placethenose clip onyournose

4. Breathe in as much as you can. Hold that air while you place the

mouthpiece in your mouth.

5. Make a tight seal around the mouth piece then breath out with a

quick short burst

6. If air went through the trainer, turn the knob one full turn to a

higher pressure. Blow through again. Increase by one turn until you

can’t blow air through.

7. Then turn back one half turn. That is your starting point. (MEP)

• The highest pressure that air goes through the trainer is

maximum expiratory pressure (MEP)

First Week of Training

• For daily exercises, decrease the pressure by turning the knob counterclockwise, increase by turning clockwise

• Turn the knob to a pressure that is ¾ of the maximum expiratory pressure that you determined

• This is the daily training pressure for theentire first week

Week 1 Training Instructions

1. Breathe in as much air as you can then place the mouthpiece in your mouth

2. Breath out as much air as you can in a short burst– When the pressure is strong enough to open the

valve, you will hear a rush of air through the trainer

3. Repeat this expiratory exercise 5 times– Rest for 15 to 30 seconds in between each breath.

(or whatever is comfortable for you)

Week 1 Training Instructions

• When you have finished all 5 expirations, rest for 2 minutes (you have now completed one set)

• Repeat steps 1-3• Continue pattern of 5 expirations and 2 minute

breaks until you have completed the 5 expirations procedure 5 times

• Complete steps 1-3, 5 times during the week• At the end of the week, increase the pressure

of the trainer to the next calibrated line on the label

Week 2,3,4 and 5

• Follow the procedures described for the first week of training

Tips

• Do not skip the rest period and go too fast– Your muscles need time to prepare for the next set

• Be sure to keep an tight seal with your mouth around the mouth piece– It may help to press the sides of your cheeks in while

blowing• If you feel light-headed at anytime during the

exercise, stop and discontinue the exercises

Wear Noseclips while Training

Proper Placement of Noseclips

Hold cheeks gently while blowing through device

Have caregiver help if necessary

Breathe in deeply and blow out until air flows through device

Once air flows through device, STOP and Repeat, wait at least 10

seconds between trials

Disassembling The Trainer

• The mouthpiece is the only removable part of the trainer

• To remove the mouthpiece, pull gently until loosened

Cleaning The Trainer

• We recommend the trainer be cleaned monthly– The mouthpiece should be removed before cleaning– Dishwashing soap and warm water should be used

to rinse the trainer– Air dry before re-using

• Do not use:– Harmful cleaning agents such as bleach

• Do not share your EMST 150tm trainer with anyone else