
INTRODUCTION TO THE PEAK-AIR™PEAK FLOW METER
The PEAK-AIR is a portable device for the measurement of peak expiratory flow rate
(PEFR). It can be used by the patient at home, school, workplace, etc.
Daily measurements of PEFR provide information to you and your doctor on small changes
in your lung function, often to prevent the onset of an asthma attack. Your doctor will assist
you in learning to properly perform the test and record the results, as well as providing a
treatment plan based on the peak flow measurements.
CAUTION
Use PEAK-AIR under the guidance and supervision of a physician or other healthcare
professional. Contact this person if you note a downward change in your readings indicating
a worsening of your condition.
WARRANTY
PEAK-AIR is covered by a three year warranty. If found to be defective under normal use,
the unit will be replaced free of charge. The National Asthma Education Program (NAEP) of
the National Institutes of Health established technical standards for peak flow monitoring.
These include documentation, accuracy and reproducibility requirements. PEAK-AIR and
this pamphlet have been designed to meet these rigorous standards.

HOW TO CLEAN YOUR PEAK-AIR PEAK FLOW METER
The PEAK-AIR and the plastic mouthpieces may be hand washed. When hand washing,
thoroughly drain and air dry the peak flow meter. It is not recommended to submerge the
peak flow meter in water or to use solvents or strong cleaning solutions. Use only soap and
water. If used in a home setting by a single patient, weekly washing is recommended.
DO NOT BOIL.

Take a few moments to apply the accompanying personalized self-stick information labels
and circle-shaped labels. Your physician will assist you in positioning the color zone
labels along the scale.
1. Attach the appropriate size plastic mouthpiece on the
input side of the peak flow meter, the side clearly
marked with the arrow (
). Both adult and pediatric
mouthpieces are tapered. Please be sure to insert the
wide end into the meter.
2. Make sure the sliding indicator is at the bottom (zero)
side of the scale.
3. Hold the peak flow meter so that your fingers do not
block the outlet opening or prevent the sliding indicator
from moving the full length of the scale. It is best to grasp the meter around the round
handle of the device.
4. While standing, inhale as deeply as possible, then place your mouth firmly around the
mouthpiece, making sure that your lips form a tight deal. The mouthpiece should be
inserted past the teeth.
5. BLOW OUT AS HARD AND FAST AS POSSIBLE, a short, sharp blast. This will cause
the indicator to move up the scale. NOTE: you do not have to expel all of the air in your
lungs, the indicator will most likely not move after the first few seconds of the effort.
6. The final position of the indicator is your PEFR (peak expiratory flow rate); make
note of this value.
7. Repeat steps 2 through 6 until you have completed three efforts correctly. Allow a minute
or so between efforts to rest. The variation between the readings should not exceed 10%.
HOW TO USE YOUR PEAK-AIR PEAK FLOW METER

8. Record the highest of the three readings. DO NOT AVERAGE, in your PEFR readings
personal log. Also record the date and time.
9. Compare the highest result with your personal best and calculate the percentage (divide
the current highest PEFR by the personal best PEFR and multiply by 100). Check to see
which zone you are currently in (green, yellow or red). Follow your physician’s advice
regarding your treatment for each zone (percentage of personal best) - green (80%-100%),
yellow (50%-80%), red (0%-50%).
HOW TO USE YOUR PEAK-AIR PEAK FLOW METER
Name: ____________________________________________________________________
Age: ___________________ Sex: ___________________ Height: ___________________
Average Baseline PEFR (liters per minute): ______________________________________
Green Zone: __________________________ to __________________________________
Yellow Zone: __________________________ to __________________________________
Red Zone: ____________________________ to __________________________________
Mouthpiece
Input
Port
Instructions
(Peak Flow Zone and
Emergency Information
Label on Reverse side)
Handle
Output
Port
Scale
Sliding Indicator

PEAK FLOW RATE (LITERS/MINUTE)
DATE
900
850
800
750
650
600
550
500
450
400
350
300
250
200
150
100
50
COUGHING WHEEZING
None
Mild
Moderate
Severe
None
Mild
Moderate
Severe
Comments:

The following clinical information regarding color zones have provided as guidelines
only. They follow the recommendations of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood
Institute, National Asthma Education Program, Expert Panel Report - 1991.
GREEN
- No asthma symptoms are present and the routine plan for maintaining control can
be followed. For patients on chronic medications, consistent readings in the green zone may
indicate an opportunity to consider a reduction in medications.
YELLOW - An acute exacerbation may be present and a temporary increase in medication
may be indicated.
RED - An immediate bronchodilator should be taken and the clinician should be notified
if PEFR measures do not return immediately and stay in yellow or green zones. Use the
PEAK-AIR under the guidance and supervision of a physician or other healthcare professional.
Contact this person if you note a downward change in your readings indicating a worsening
of your condition.
Distributed by:
Omron Healthcare, Inc.
300 Lakeview Parkway
Vernon Hills, IL 60061
Toll Free: 1-800-634-4350
www.omronhealthcare.com
Made in USA
Patent Pending
©3/2002 OMRON HEALTHCARE, INC.
BENEFITS OF PEAK FLOW MONITORING
• Aids in the early detection of an impending asthma attack.
• Measurement of reduced respiratory capacity such as during an allergic reaction.
• Easy self-administration of the peak flow test can uncover harmful effects of air
pollution and environmental or occupational hazards.
• Portable convenience - package includes reusable mouthpiece and peak flow diary.
CAUTION: United States federal law restricts this device to sale by or on the
order of a physician