What is the RC-Cornet?The RC-Cornet (see picture) is part of a
treatment to help people who have difficulty
clearing sputum (phlegm) from their lungs.
The equipment consists of a mouthpiece, a hose,
a curved tube, a sound damper (all of which are
already assembled), a plastic insertion tool to use
with storage, and a spatula to aid drying and
opening of the hose.
This leaflet explains about the RC-Cornet and what to expect when you receive one from Great Ormond Street Hospital
How does the RC-Cornet work?When you breathe out through the RC-Cornet pressure
builds up in your lungs. This helps to keep your airways
wide open and also allows air to get behind sputum
and help move it upwards. The vibrations transmitted
through the chest wall by the action of the hose also
help to loosen sputum from the sides of your airways.
Using the RC-Cornet Your physiotherapist will show you
how to use the RC-Cornet. This
guide is a reminder for you.
The RC-Cornet can be held at any
angle during treatment.
1. Treatment can be carried out in
sitting or any postural drainage
position.
2. Relax your stomach muscles
and take a few normal breaths
before using the RC-Cornet.
3. Close your lips around the
mouthpiece of the RC-Cornet,
making sure there is a good seal.
4. Take a slightly bigger breath
in through your nose and
then blow out through the
RC-Cornet. You may feel
vibrations on your chest wall.
5. Repeat eight to ten times.
6. Following this, you should
put the RC-Cornet down and
do huffing and coughing to
clear any sputum. You should
then have a period of relaxed
breathing before continuing.
This cycle should continue for 15
to 20 minutes or until you have
cleared all your sputum.
The pressure and flow can be
altered by twisting the mouthpiece.
By changing from positions one
through four, the twist on the hose
is increased, thereby creating a
larger pressure oscillation.
Risks of using the RC-Cornet As with all airway clearance devices
it is very important that equipment
is kept clean to prevent infection.
There have been no reported
problems with the use of the
RC-Cornet or any other airway
clearance techniques.
However, if you are worried about
your child's chest, especially if they
become short of breath, have chest
pain or are coughing up blood, it is
important that you contact the CF
team at GOSH without delay.
Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS TrustGreat Ormond StreetLondon WC1N 3JH
www..goshfamilies.nhs.uk www.childrenfirst.nhs.uk
GOSH Trust March 2010 Ref: 2009F0598 Compiled by Physiotherapy Department in collaboration with the Child and Family Information Group.
Contact details
GOSH switchboard: 020 7405 9200
CF team: extension 2328 or 0433
Respiratory physiotherapist: ask for bleep 0464
Notes
Cleaning the RC-Cornet
After each use:
leave to air by removing the hose
insert the spatula into the hose and dry
allow the outer casing to air dry
Daily:
Take apart and insert the spatula into the hose
wash in warm soapy water and then rinse with clean water
leave to air dry
