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Peak flow meters

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Three types of peak flow meters, showing mouthpiece and numbered scale on each.

A peak flow meter is a pocket-size device that measures peak expiratory flow (PEF), or how much air a person can quickly breathe out. To measure PEF, the person takes a deep breath and then blows into a tube on the peak flow meter as hard and as fast as possible. A scale on the device shows how much air is breathed out. This can be done at home.

Peak flow meters come in many shapes and sizes.

Current as of: August 6, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.