How to Buy a Peak Flow Meter
A peak flow meter is a breathing device used to measure the strength of an individual's exhalation. The meter helps to determine whether an individual with a respiratory illness such as asthma needs to be treated. The individual places the meter's mouthpiece into his mouth and blows out as strong as he is capable. The peak flow meter registers the strength of exhalation, which is compared to a chart to determine the optimum strength and how the individual tested in comparison to this.
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Instructions
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Decide whether you wish to buy a mechanical peak flow meter or a computerized peak flow meter. A mechanical peak flow meter uses a tiny plastic or metal piece on a rod. When the individual exhales, the air pushes the piece up the rod. Individuals check their breath strength by comparing the final resting stop of the piece with a graph printed on the meter. On the other hand, a computerized peak flow meter uses computer sensors to measure the strength of an individual's breath. Computerized peak flow meters may be slightly more accurate than mechanical meters.
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Ask your physician or pediatrician for a peak flow meter. Many doctor's offices sell peak flow meters to patients. The price may be slightly lower than commercial meters provided by private vendors.
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Buy a peak flow meter from your local pharmacy, drugstore or general retailer. Peak flow meters can typically be found in the health and wellness section of the store with similar medical supplies such as thermometers and blood pressure testing units. In general, the cost of a peak flow meter ranges from $20 to $70 for each unit. Alternatively, you may purchase a peak flow meter from an online retailer such as Amazon (see "Resources").
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Tips & Warnings
Make sure your measuring chart or graph is provided by the same manufacturer as the peak flow meter because the measuring units a peak flow meter uses may vary by the company that made it.
