How do I correctly take my Peak Flow?

Your Peak Flow (PEF) measurement is a measurement of your maximum speed of expiration. This is a very common measurement to take for both the diagnosis and management of asthma.

PEF can vary due to multiple factors so the best way to use this measurement is often in a series over time. Medical professionals may ask for a series before diagnosis, and the continued management of asthma is greatly facilitated by the regular taking of these readings.

To take your Peak Flow (PEF or PEFR)

• Sit upright or stand up.
• Hold the meter level and keep your fingers from obstructing the marker (or the window on the RespiTrak Peak Flow Meter.
• Take a deep breath in.
• Put the meter in your mouth and close your lips tight around the mouthpiece, making a good seal.
• Keep your tongue away from the mouthpiece.
• Blow the air out of your lungs as hard and fast as you can, with a strong huff – emptying your lungs.
• Repeat these steps 2 more times.
• Record the highest of the 3 readings. (RespiTrak will do this for you!)
• Keep a diary and preferably a graph so you and your doctor or nurse can see trends and anomalies (RespiTrak will do this for you too!)
• Ask your doctor, nurse or asthma educator to check you are using the meter correctly.

If you are a RespiTrak Premium subscriber, your peak flow meter is free – and if it is lost or broken, can be replaced for free up to twice per 12 months.