Figure 7.

Postural drainage positions. The different positions used are aimed to target drainage from specific lung lobes and segments. (A) Upper lobes, apical segments: patient sits and leans back 30 degrees. Cupping and clapping over area between the clavicle and top of scapula on both sides. (B) Upper lobes, posterior segments: patient leans forward 30 degrees. Cupping and clapping over upper back on both sides. (C) Upper lobes, anterior segments: patient lies supine with knees bent. Cupping and clapping between clavicles and nipples on both sides. (D) Right middle lobe: patient lies in Trendelenburg position and rotate to left 1/4 turn with knees flexed. In males, cupping and clapping over right nipple area. In women, raise right arm over the head and perform cupping and clapping at mid-axillary line. (E) Lingula: patient lies in Trendelenburg position and rotate to right 1/4 turn with knees flexed. In males, cupping and clapping over left nipple area. In women, raise left arm over the head and perform cupping and clapping at mid-axillary line. (F) Lower lobes, anterior basal segments: patient lies in Trendelenburg position on contralateral side with pillow under knees. Cupping and clapping over lower ribs at mid-axillary line. (G) Lower lobes, lateral basal segments: patient lies in Trendelenburg prone position and rotate 1/4 turn upward ipsilaterally with legs between pillow and upper legs flexed. Cupping and clapping over upper part of lower ribs. (H) Lower lobes, posterior basal segments: patient lies in Trendelenburg prone position with pillows under hips. Cupping and clapping over lower ribs just lateral to the spine. (I) Lower lobes, superior segments: patient lies prone with two pillows under hips. Cupping and clapping over the middle of the back at the scapula tips next to the spine.