My nebuliser isn't working. Help.

What can you do if you think your nebuliser isn’t working?

The first obvious step is to try not to panic.

A nebuliser for home use is not really a complicated machine, but can at first be daunting if you are unfamiliar with it or short of breath. Ideally when you first purchased your nebuliser you would have spent a little time familiarising yourself with its operation and maintenance.

Begin by rereading your instruction manual and in particular run through the ‘trouble shooting guide.’ Some manufacturers are putting this information on line. 

Trouble shooting generally involves taking a systematic approach, checking each component from the mains plug through to the filter and accessories ensuring that each part is present, complete, and in clean working order. Things such as a dirty filter, residual medication in the chamber, a kink in the air tube or a missing component such as a vaporiser head or baffle can result in your medication not turning into a mist for you to breathe in. Problems such as these are easily solved and we recommend you always keep an adequate supply of replacement accessories.

Other questions to ask yourself are:

Am I using the correct accessories for my nebuliser?

Often when your ill and in and out of hospital it is easy to mix up which chamber, mask etc. matches which nebuliser as not all are compatible with all machines, and mismatched or worn out accessories can result in a poor output.

Is my nebuliser one which requires an annual service in order to maintain optimum output?

If your not sure you can call us or the manufacturer. There may be a service agent local to you.

Am I using the correct nebuliser and chamber for the medication I have been prescribed?

Therapy regimes change as research is constantly moving forward. If your medical practitioner prescribes a new medication you may find your old nebuliser is just not up to the job. There is lots of independent advice available and manufacturers are constantly updating their products to meet new requirements.

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

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 nebuliser therapy

And finally if it is broken then think back, just how old is it? Is it still covered by its warranty? In which case speak to whoever you purchased it from or possibly the manufactures who may be happy to assist you directly. Many companies have excellent customer service departments and most nebulisers should have at least a 3 year warranty, but this can pass surprising quickly. Short term, many hospital authorities may have a unit you can loan but long term they are becoming and less available. You can contact your medical practitioner or seek independent advice as to just what the situation is where you are. If it is time to buy a new nebuliser then why not have a look round this blog as it provides lots of information to help guide you. Check out our website, send us an email, or simply give us a call on 01942 701210 as we are always happy to help.