Patent ID: 8327849

Claim:
An oscillating positive expiratory pressure apparatus comprising: a housing defining a chamber, a chamber inlet configured to receive exhaled air into the chamber; a chamber outlet configured to permit exhaled air to exit the chamber; a deformable restrictor member positioned in an exhalation flow path between the chamber inlet and the chamber outlet, the deformable restrictor member configured to deform in response to a flow of air along the exhalation flow path; and, an oscillation member disposed within the chamber; wherein the deformable restrictor member and the oscillation member are moveable relative to one another between an engaged position, where the oscillation member is in contact with the deformable restrictor member and a disengaged position, where the oscillation member is not in contact with the deformable restrictor member; and, wherein the deformable restrictor member and the oscillation member are configured to move from the engaged position to the disengaged position in response to a first exhalation pressure at the chamber inlet, and move from the disengaged position to an engaged position in response to a second exhalation pressure at the chamber inlet, the first exhalation pressure being greater than the second exhalation pressure; and, wherein the oscillation member moves and remains engaged with the deformable restrictor member while the deformable restrictor member initially deforms in response to the flow of air along the exhalation flow path.