Frequently Asked Questions
The IOPI Series 3 has two different devices, the IOPI Pro and the IOPI Trainer. The IOPI Pro is for healthcare professional use and the IOPI Trainer is for patient in-home use. The Pro device can be used on its own to measure maximum tongue and lip strength and carry out rehab if appropriate. The Trainer is our in-home therapy device and is meant purely as a rehab tool to be used by a patient and cannot measure maximum strength.
The Iowa Oral Performance Instrument (IOPI) objectively measures both tongue and lip strength and endurance. These measures aid professionals involved in the treatment and study of disorders affecting swallowing and speech by objectively documenting deficits that justify treatment, diagnostically differentiating between muscle weakness and problems of motor control, providing biofeedback during isometric oral motor exercise programs, and motivating patients by showing them their progress from muscle exercise therapy.
When purchasing an IOPI Pro, you will need to choose if you would like the Standard or Deluxe option. The Standard Kit comes with the Pro device, a Connecting Tube, five Tongue Bulbs, an Accuracy Check Kit, batteries, and literature including a pad of Patient Progress Datasheets, Tongue Bulb Positioning Sheets, and a user manual. The Deluxe Kit adds to this with an additional Connecting Tube and a copy of our Report Generator software. Our Report Generator software pulls data from a device for a detailed review of all exercises performed and can generate printable reports.
There is no one size fits all when it comes to the IOPI and protocols. We recommend that you look at the specific patient in front of you and their needs and capabilities before administering a protocol. We have several excellent resources available to assist you: educational webinars, clinical support, and summaries of relevant IOPI-related studies.
Using an IOPI does not require a change in goals. Goals reflect functional outcomes, not the tool used. The use of the device can be documented in your daily notes.
Each device comes with all the required information to successfully use our products. There is no required training however, we do offer trainings with our Clinical Consultant Ed Bice, providing a deeper understanding of our products and their uses, which is often found to be beneficial. If you are interested in learning more, please email him at ed@IOPImedical.com.
Tongue Bulbs are single patient use and should never be shared. They should be cleaned between uses and should be replaced at least monthly. Cleaning and storage instructions are provided with the bulbs once you purchase them. If you are unable to clean and store your bulb as directed, we recommend using a new bulb each time.
For pricing information, please call us at (425) 549-0139 or email info@IOPImedical.com. For a quote including shipping, please visit Get A Quote.
IOPI Medical accepts purchase orders and credit card orders. To place an order using a purchase order, please email it to info@IOPImedical.com. To order using a credit card, please call us at (425) 549-0139 or email us at info@IOPImedical.com.
Part numbers can be found on both our Products page and our Get A Quote page. If you are unable to locate them, please email info@IOPImedical.com or call (425) 549-0139. We are happy to assist you!
Please call (425) 549-0139 or email info@IOPImedical.com. Our hours are 8:00am – 4:00pm Pacific Time, Monday – Friday.