In addition to the potential for improving lung ventilation, quality of life, and exacerbation control, excess mucus removal has important benefits associated with the avoidance of opportunistic infection from pathogens.

Significant functional differences exist between oscillating positive expiratory pressure (OPEP) devices.

Observed variations in OPEP functional performance may alter therapeutic effectiveness making it difficult to translate improved patient outcomes between devices.

Traditional pulmonary function measures appear to be insensitive to various airway clearance techniques, including OPEP devices.

Radiolabeled imaging techniques reveal observable changes in airway patency and combined with real-world evidence, may provide more value in assessing device type in terms of ability to mobilize mucus plugs and thereby aid in improving therapeutic effectiveness.