PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
People with asthma have problems when their airways constrict and tighten decreasing air flow through them.
A peak flow meter is a device that measures how fast you can blow air out of your lungs after you take the deepest breath you can. This is called the Peak Expiratory Flow and is measured in Liters Per Minute (lpm). TruZone® PFM measures peak flows from 60 lpm to 800 lpm This measurement indicates the condition of your airways. It is important to know your normal reading. If you use the TruZone PFM every day, you will know when an infection may be starting, even before you feel symptoms.
Everyone will have their own predicted normal reading based on your age, sex and height. Say you are a 30 year old woman who is 65 inches tall. A woman without asthma should have a peak flow reading of approximately 450 lpm.
You may find your predicted peak flow value on the instruction sheet that came with your TruZone®
Directions
The TruZone® PFM is very simple to use.
Stand when you take your peak flow reading to allow for the best results. Be sure to reset the yellow indicator on the peak flow meter to zero, behind the reset diamond.
You should do three blows and take the best of the three – they should all be just about the same. Your readings depend on your effort, so blow out as hard and fast as you can and be sure to keep your lips sealed around the mouthpiece. It shouldn’t be a long exhalation – short and fast!
You want to find your “Personal Best” peak flow reading. Take your readings for 2-3 weeks when you do not have a respiratory infection or other circumstances that may not make it a normal time for you. Take the readings in the morning and night and after you have taken your inhalers.
Your highest peak flow reading during this intial time will become your Personal Best. You may now apply the ColorZone® tape to the peak flow meter and be able to instantly see what zone you are in every day.
The green zone is when your peak flow reading is 80% or more of your Personal Best and you are in control of your asthma. If your Personal Best is 300lpm, the green zone would be from 240 – 300lpm.
The yellow zone is when your reading is 50-80% of your Personal Best. This is the caution zone and you should be making changes to your asthma treatment as discussed with your physician such as using your rescue inhaler to open up your airways. We have two ranges of yellow – High Yellow is 65 to 80%, Low Yellow is 50 to 65%.
The red zone is when your readings are half of what they should be. Stop what you are doing and take your rescue inhaler. Consult your physician.
Now that you have your Personal Best, you may put the ColorZone® crack and peel tape on your TruZone® PFM. Remove one piece of the multicolored tape from the sheet by cutting along the dotted lines. Peel the backing from the green zone and place the tape so that the arrows below the word BEST line up with your Personal Best and press into place.
Cut the red zone just above the reset diamond, peel off the remaining backing and press into place.
You may plot your daily readings on the Daily Record that came with your TruZone or other graph or write them down in a notebook. You might see a pattern emerging at different times of the year. Your peak flow readings might decrease when pollen or air pollution is heavy. If you have discussed an action plan with your physician, you will be able to use your medication to prevent an asthma attack before it starts!
These are abbreviated instructions for use, please remember to read the complete instructions that are packaged with your device.
CLEANING IS EASY
Clean once a week. Wash the PFM by moving gently through warm, mild, soapy water.
Rinse gently and thoroughly and allow it to air dry before your next reading. Do not try to clean the inside with a brush.
Dishwasher safe, follow care and use instructions included with the TruZone® PFM.
Your TruZone® PFM need only be cleaned once a week by moving it gently through warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and let completely air dry. Don’t clean the inside with a brush or place it in boiling water. You may put it vertically on the top rack of your dishwasher.
These are abbreviated instructions for use, please remember to read the complete instructions that are packaged with your device.