Abstract
Our study showed that mouthpiece size does not affect the consistency of measurement in either spirometry or peak flow meter in healthy adults. This is not surprising as mouthpiece diameter size of 30 mm and 22 mm are well attested in science and experience to be used for channeling unimpeded flow in lung function tests. Mouthpiece with size smaller than 22 mm like the spirettes used in EasyOne® Plus spirometry has also been long used in international multi-center studies like Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease (BOLD) [1] and presents no measurement problems. Our study however showed a clear preference for smaller size mouthpiece compared to the standard 30 mm one that is commonly used. We assume that this is due to the ease of making a tight lip seal over the mouthpiece with smaller ones. While this is observed in healthy subjects without lung conditions, it is possible that subjects who are breathless or with chronic lung diseases may also have such preference since making such maneuver can be even more difficult.
Highlights
Many have suspected that mouthpiece with a smaller diameter is easier to make a forced expiration in spirometry or peak flow meter
In a prospective cross-sectional study, we compared the individual preferences of mouthpiece size when conducting either spirometry (MicroLabTM spirometer) in 51 young adults (mean (SD) age 23 (1.5) years) or peak flow meter measurement in 50 older adults [age 59 (10.6) years]
Our study showed that mouthpiece size does not affect the consistency of measurement in either spirometry or peak flow meter in healthy adults
Summary
Many have suspected that mouthpiece with a smaller diameter is easier to make a forced expiration in spirometry or peak flow meter. This may be related to the ease of making a tight lip seal over a smaller opening than a larger one while operating the maneuver of a forced expiration. Some may prefer a smaller mouthpiece to conduct this maneuver because of the same reason.
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