Nebulisers. Why should you have to buy one?

For many of you over the last few years a loan machine hasn't always been an option. For some they are just not an option as the N.H.S. struggles to balance its budget, for others its a matter of choice. This may be set to become more common place following recent headlines:
"Government spending plans will test the NHS and social services in England to the limit, according to a report by the Commons Health Select Committee." http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health 15/12/2010

As a company we speak to many Respiratory Specialists and for many patients, once clinically assessed, a standard mains only nebuliser can be provided on loan but this varies from region to region and season to season. If you do need to buy one you can see our full range HERE

Historically there are many reasons why supply dries up, for example:

Not everyone treats a loan machine with the respect it deserves (and as service agents to the N.H.S. we have often seen first hand evidence of this) 

Not everyone returns them when a family member no longer needs it or moves out of area. 

Winter Pressures can cause a sudden spike in demand

So what are some of your reasons for buying your own nebuliser? 

Choice: As we have discussed previous blogs  one type doesn’t necessarily suit all, so you can decide on the nebuliser that best fits in with your lifestyle.

Personal Responsibility: We have all been encouraged towards becoming Expert Patients, taking control of your long term condition and not letting it control you.

And Kindness: We have over the years heard from many of you who feel that being fortunate enough to be able to purchase your own unit, you are reducing demand and making loan nebulisers accessible for others. 

These are just some of the many opinions we have heard during our years supplying nebuliser users

The rights and wrongs  of whether you should have to, or want to, purchase your own unit can be argued endlessly and passionately so please feel free to post and share your experiences or add your comments here http://blog.asthma.org.uk/your_ideas_wanted.html

Shaker, Flutter or the Pari O-PEP ?

Do you have difficulty clearing sputum or phlegm from your lungs? Then one of these devices may be recommended as part of your treatment. 

What is the Flutter

Its a pipe shaped device made up of four parts: a mouth piece, a semicircular cone, a steel ball and a perforated cover.   

The Pari O-PEP is a similar shape to the Flutter but comes with a handy red bag  

The Shaker

Is available in the 'classic' shape or as the new deluxe version with its more comfortable mouthpiece
To compare our mucus clearance devices click HERE

How do they work? 

When you breathe out through either device, pressure builds up in your lungs, helping to keep the airways open wide and allowing air to get behind the sputum, moving it upwards. The vibrations transmitted through the chest wall from the device help to loosen any sputum stuck to the sides of the airways.

Are there any risks?

The Flutter, the Shaker and the Pari O-PEP are not suitable if you suffer from Pneumothorax, Tuberculosis, Right Sided Heart Failure or if you have been coughing up blood and although we are not aware of any reported problems with these airway clearance techniques, if you are worried about your chest, become short of breath, or have chest pain it is important that you contact you Health Professional without delay.

So how do you use it? 

Your health professional should show you how to use these devices and each unit comes with full instructions, but as a rough guide;

Treatment can be carried out in sitting or any postural drainage position (where possible).

Relaxing your stomach muscles take a few normal breaths before starting.

Close your lips around the mouthpiece and make sure to make a  good seal.

Start by taking a slightly bigger than normal breath in through your nose, then breathe out through the device. You may feel vibrations on your chest wall.

Repeat this eight to ten times. You should then put the device down and cough to clear any sputum. Then relax before starting again.

Aim to continue for about 15  minutes or until you have cleared all your sputum.

Is it easy to clean?

As with all airway clearance devices it is very important that equipment is kept clean to prevent infection therefore both products should be taken apart every day and cleaned according to manufactures instructions. Hot soapy water is all you will need. Dry throughly and remember to take care when reassembling the Flutter as it could crack if dropped on a hard surface. 

Top Ten Common Mistakes regarding Nebulisers

Not checking what resources Health Professionals can provide locally. 

Despite what we read in the press most NHS trusts provide knowledgeable and efficient COPD, Chest, Respiratory Clinics and its always worth checking with them first.

Self help groups such as Breathe Easy and Breathing Together can also be a source of invaluable local knowledge 

Thinking a nebuliser will work without medication 

Its a question we often get asked. People are fearful and panic buy but without medication a nebuliser is just fresh air.

Thinking tap water is safe to use in a nebuliser. 

These are powerful medical devices and should only be used under the direction of a medical professional.

Assuming spending more money equals a better therapy

It can equal a slightly quicker therapy but this doesn’t suit all and if you only nebulise occasionally what difference does a minute or two make? Some of you prefer to keep a little cash back and invest in a pocket nebuliser as well. 

Conversely hoping a budget machine will work like a hospital model.

For those of you who do have to nebulise more regularly and often, then spending a little extra is definitely cost and time effective in the long run.

Mismatching nebuliser accessories and units

In some circumstances this can work but manufactures do invest a great deal of time and expense developing their nebulisers and accessories to provide you with efficient effective therapy ( its not like socks where one size fits all )

Buying a travel nebuliser with a car lead and a battery when you never really stray far from home.

Pocket nebulisers and travel nebulisers really can give you the freedom to get out and about. But when choosing a nebuliser, be realistic.   A battery that is never used may not work 12 months after purchase. 

Thinking your nebuliser isn’t working properly when really you should be ringing your G.P.

This is just one of the reasons why Health Professionals are reluctant to prescribe home nebulisers. If after your therapy you feel no benefit, call for medical advice. Nebulisers can fail but as you are no doubt aware, anyone with a chest condition is vulnerable and your health can quickly deteriorate even after your neb therapy.

Boiling non boil-able medication chambers

Always read the instructions or feel free to call us for advice. Boiling can extend the life of some medication chambers but completely destroy others. Good practice is to keep a spare.

Letting the pan boil dry when boiling those that are !

We’ve all done it whether it’s a medication chamber or an egg. Its dangerous, expensive and messy, so do be careful. 

If we can help you avoid any of these or other mistakes then call us on 01942 701210 or you can email by clicking HERE