Nebulisers, buy from a reputable company.

Buying a nebuliser can be a bit of a minefield and mistakes can be made. This is just one of the reasons we started to blog. Whether you purchase one from us or elsewhere, our aim is to help guide you through the process of buying a nebuliser, one that will not only suit your needs but best fit your lifestyle. You can view our range by clicking the red links in this post or by clicking HERE

So what are the questions you should be asking?

The most obvious is how long is the warranty? 

Remember a warranty is only a promise on purchased goods that they are of the quality represented and will be replaced or repaired if found to be faulty. It doesn’t promise that your nebuliser won’t develop a fault and it’s important to check that your supplier can fulfil this promise. 

Does the nebuliser need servicing?

Although many manufactures are moving towards nebulisers which are maintenance free some units still need an annual service to protect both its performance and the warranty. Can your supplier provide this support and what are the costs involved?

Is the nebuliser suitable for your medication?
Not all nebulisers are capable of efficiently nebulising all medications. Your heath care professional will be able to advise you if you need a specialist medication chamber and your supplier should provide you with a wide range of product knowledge. 

Where can I buy the spares and accessories? 

All nebulisers require their filters, medication chambers, tubes etc changing at regular intervals.This can vary but its usually between 3 and 12 months. Can the company provide a follow up service or will you have to look elsewhere? Are the spares and accessories available elsewhere? We still get many calls from people who are struggling to source replacement parts.
To find our full range of accessories click HERE  

Does the unit you have chosen hinder or enhance your lifestyle? Although you may have to nebulise frequently, using a nebuliser doesn’t necessarily mean you have to become chained to your home. Many of you still venture out, be it a simple trip to meet friends or the holiday of a lifetime. Good product knowledge will enable you to keep your independence and take back control of your life

Is it really necessary to spend a fortune? 

Some of you only nebulise occasionally and some of you many times a day. Spending more doesn’t always mean you get the best nebuliser to suit your needs or the best therapy, but conversely cutting costs doesn’t always turn out to be cost effective.

Wherever you chose to spend your money, buying the right nebuliser isn’t as complicated as it may first appear. Take while to do a little research, seek out  independent advice and remember to ask the right questions. If we can help  at all please give us a call on 01942 70120, email HERE or post a question below.

Nebuliser Questions and Answers

Below are some of the nebuliser questions which crop up regularly and if you click on them you may just find the answer.

Why should I have to buy  a nebuliser? 

There are so many different ones how do I choose?

Where can I get independent advice?

Which is the best nebuliser for using at home? 

Which medication will I use and where do I get it from?

Why do I need a special nebuliser for antibiotics or steroids

What is the new name for the Portaneb

What is the difference between the Innospire Deluxe Sidestream and the Innospire Deluxe Sidestream Plus  
What happened to the Ventstream

Which other nebulisers  come recommended for antibiotics? 

What if I am nebulising steroids or antibiotics and I need a mask?

What is the difference between ordinary and hypertonic saline?

How often should I change my nebuliser accessories and filters?

Where can I get my nebuliser accessories and filters from?

Who can I ask about servicing my nebuliser?

Where can I find a small portable pocket nebuliser?

I’m travelling to America, which units are dual voltage?

Which is better, the Innospire Mini or the MicroAir?

How do I clean my nebuliser?

How do I clean my MicroAir?

Are the small nebulisers powerful enough for my steroid or antibiotic?

I need to replace my old Freeway, which nebuliser  would you suggest?

What are the new Shakers?

What is a Flutter Mucus Clearance Device?

Still searching? Then why not give us a call on 01942 701210, email us HERE us or post your question below.

Shopping for a Nebuliser?

Well its official. Frequent shopping is good for your health. 

Research published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health found that it increases the chances of survival in both men and women as we get older. Active ageing is the key to healthy ageing and shopping trips count !  So what are you waiting for? Click the link below to view our full range of nebulisers.

https://evergreen-nebulizers.co.uk/contact

I think there was a little more to it but shopping does provide physical, mental and social activity and, when shopping for pleasure, it increases our psychological well being too. When did you last visit your local high street, garden centre or D.I.Y store? When did you last get out and about for a good natter or just to browse? 

The British Lung Foundation advocates exercise. It brings specific benefits to people with lung disease such as an increased ability to do daily activities, improved energy levels, reduced breathlessness and it can decrease number of days you spend in hospital. Asthma UK and the CF Trust  also advocate exercise to help reduce symptoms and aid well being. 

Exercise can be social too, be it in a class or a pulmonary rehabilitation  group. It can help reduce your sense of isolation and provide an opportunity to meet others with lung disease in a similar situation. They say it always helps to talk  and share your experiences maybe learn something new from others. So if you fancy a chat without the exertion why not pop along to your local Breathe Easy group or sign in to one of the forums? Who knows what adventures may be on offer.

Set yourself a challenge. Be realistic but optimistic. For some of you it could be London and Oxford Street for others a simple afternoon tea in town. Achieving your goals is a great way to build your confidence, self esteem and independence. It helps you rediscover activities you used to enjoy. Take your first step today by contacting your health professional or the experts to find a safe way to kick start your new life.

Whatever your aim we have the green light to go shopping and if you need a nebuliser to help you on your way why not start your shopping with us. Be it a portable, battery operated nebuliser or a unit with a D.C. lead for use in your car. Give us a call 01942 701210 or click HERE to email and we will help you find the right model to match your ambitions.

Pulse Oximetry. Would you benefit?

Oxygen is carried round the body in the blood bound to a substance called haemoglobin and the simplest way to measure how much oxygen is in your blood is by using a pulse oximeter.

A pulse oximeter is a little gadget that clips on your finger like a clothes peg. It shines two lights though your fingertip and measures the colour difference between oxygenated and deoxygenated haemoglobin in arterial blood, displaying the result as a percentage. Under normal conditions this should be between 97- 99% symbolised as SP02 You can see details of our PO 30 HERE

So why might you need to monitor your oxygen level?

For most people with a chest condition, shortness of breath becomes part and parcel of your lifestyle to some degree or other. In mild cases it may only be present during the winter or after a cold. In more severe cases, you may be short of breath every day and because of breathlessness normal activities can become more difficult, some of you may even need extra oxygen at home. A home pulse oximeter can be used as an extra tool to assist you in monitoring your symptoms.

So what are some of its limitations?

High levels of artificial light and dirt under your nails or nail varnish may affect the reading. The oximeter needs to read at least 5 fingertip pulse beats and therefore should not be read in an instant. Movement, such as shaking or shivering can affect the reading as can and pre existing medical conditions such as anaemia, heart or circulation problems. As it only measures one aspect of the process haemoglobin oxygen delivery and not all you could have normal saturation levels and still be short of oxygen in your body tissue.

“Pulse oximetry is considered sufficiently accurate for most  clinical purposes having recognised its limitations.” Howell M (2002) The Correct Use of Pulse Oximetry in measuring oxygen status Nursing Times.net.

It also monitors your fingertip pulse rate and for adults and adolescents when resting an average pulse is between 60-100 beats per minute but for those of you with a pre existing medical condition it can vary. It doesn’t monitor your pulses rhythm or strength and needs to be judged over a short period of time.  So before you panic, remember pulse oximetry has limitations and has to be considered in context. Were you resting or had you only just sat down? Are your fingers extra cold today? Does using a pulse oximeter make you feel anxious? All factors which can affect your results.

Always remember to take into account other signs and symptoms that have helped you in the past. How do you feel? Are you unwell? Has your breathing become quicker or more shallow? What is your peak flow? Is your heart racing? Whatever the display on the pulse oximeter shows if you are concerned at all always seek medical help
For an expert patient a pulse oximeter can be a valuable additional tool so why not take a look by clicking HERE and choose which one would suit you. 

Nebuliser Help

We have talked about the Expert Patient but some days we don’t always feel brave, confident or in control so who is there to help?

There are your local health care professionals such as your G.P. Respiratory Team, Physiotherapist, Asthma Nurses, Practice Nurses and others. The Patient Advice and Liaison Service can help you access the services you need.

http://www.pals.nhs.uk/default.aspx  

NHS Direct offer health advice and reassurance 24 hours a day all year round. You can phone them on 0845 4647 or access their website for heath advice or to check your symptoms, find local services even email your concerns.

http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/

NHS Choices is a comprehensive information service that helps to put you in control of your healthcare and its content includes an A-Z of the most common medical conditions, non urgent medical advice, help with understanding your medication, advice on how to live well, access to blogs with comments from people like yourself plus information for carers

http://www.nhs.uk/Pages/HomePage.aspx  

Charitable organisations such as:

British Lung Foundation http://www.lunguk.org/

Asthma UK http://www.asthma.org.uk/index.html 

Cystic Fibrosis Trust http://www.cftrust.org.uk/

All have pages and pages of invaluable information ranging from patient support, nursing and medical helplines, health publications you can order, as well as thriving online communities for you and your family or carer. Their pages contain advice ranging from simple hints and tips to more detailed explanations of your diagnosis, prognosis and treatment. They are there for you at both national level and more importantly locally.

And then there are many individuals who in attempt to understand and manage their condition share their experiences in a blog. People such as,

Wendy http://myjourneyeverystepoftheway.blogspot.com/

Becky G http://theanticsofabrittleasthmatic.blogspot.com/

The COPD Bloggers http://talk.nhs.uk/blogs/copd/default.aspx

Kens Story My Journey with Bronchiectasis, MCI and Osteoarthritis 
http://linkis.com/blogspot.com/6mWbf

With one person in 7 in the UK being affected by lung disease always remember you are not alone and if we can help at all click HERE to email why not call us on 01942 70120.