Evergreen Nebulisers

Nebuliser Product Reviews and Comments

2012-02-22T08:58:00.001Z

Yesterday we had an email asking for a space for customer feedback, so here goes.

We have kick started it with a few links to existing product reviews and personal comments but you are all welcome to add your own. However for those of you with a wicked glint in your eye unlike some other review websites we do have editorial control and although honest appraisals, genuine reviews and concerns will be very welcome, cheeky devilment won’t.

Omron Micro Air and cleaning questions.

Omron Micro Air benefits

Poetic customer springs into verse

Wendy's story

Mask or Mouthpiece

Your feedback is always appreciated

One thing we have learnt over 20 odd years is when it comes to choosing a nebuliser 'one size doesn't suit all'

Nebuliser Medication

2012-02-13T09:22:00.000Z

For some of you who need regular nebuliser medication cost of prescriptions can be very expensive, especially if you are to taking other medications as well. The Prescription Payment Certificate can offer a way to keep costs as low as possible for those of you who aren’t entitled to free prescriptions and more details can be found here

Asthma UK along with other organisations in the Prescription Charges Coalition have campaigned for many years to keep prescription charges down and once again are asking for your support to encourage this Government to freeze the cost of prescriptions till 2015

If you would like to add your signature to their campaign click on the link below:

http://www.asthma.org.uk/news_media/news/freeze_the_cost_of_p.html

Nebulisers for Children

2012-01-31T13:43:00.002Z

Generally, hospitals do not advocate the use of home nebulisers for children as it is often considered clinically safer for children who need nebuliser therapy to be treated in a setting where other vital signs such as oxygen levels and heart rate can be monitored. In the past research has shown that having a nebuliser at home can also lead to a tendency for parents to rely too heavily on them which can result in a delay in seeking medical attention.

However a Consultant, G.P. or Specialist Nurse may prescribe medication for home use if certain guidelines or protocols are followed.

Nebulisers for children are most beneficial when large inhaled drug doses or pulmonary therapy is required, if children are too unwell or unable to co-ordinate drug delivery devices, or when specific medications are unavailable in hand held devices and a wider choice is needed.

So which to choose?

The majority of our nebulisers come with a child mask included and for those that don’t this can be added on request free of charge. Your choice will be influenced by the type of medication prescribed, how often your child may need nebuliser therapy and how portable you need the nebuliser to be. More advice about choosing a suitable unit to fit your child and your lifestyle can be found here.

If your child finds nebulising a little stressful then why not consider the Omron C801 KD which with its bright puppet characters, low noise level and infant and child masks it is specifically designed to fit the bill, or an Omron Micro Air which is portable, versatile and virtually silent, helping you to create an environment where therapy becomes more relaxed and you feel reassured.

Children with cystic fibrosis or certain other respiratory disorders who may require a home nebuliser for more specialist medications should have contact with a Cystic Fibrosis Specialist Nurse or a Specialist Respiratory Nurse as they may require an alternative type of nebuliser.

If you’re confused or worried at all about your child there is lots of independent advice available and if you just need a little help making that final decision then why not give us a call on 01942 701210 or if you prefer you can email or leave a comment below

Happy New Year

2012-01-11T06:52:00.000Z

Happy New Year to you all.
Thank you for your patience while we were closed. Normal service is now resumed so if anyone wishes to email or call us on 01942 701210 we are happy to answer you questions.

We hope for all of you 2012 have got off to a good start.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-22T10:45:00.001Z

The Festive Season has arrived, a time of good cheer and good will. We would like to say a big thank you to all our customers over the last 12months and for your contributions to this blog.
Evergreen will be closed from today Thursday 22nd of December and will re open on January 11th 2012.
The major manufactures will be open on the non bank holiday days and you still have a short time to make sure you have all the relevent phone numbers you may need.
We look forward to being of service to you in the New Year and wish you all a peaceful and healthy 2012

Nebuliser Accessories and Spares

2011-12-12T10:09:00.000Z

With only limited posting days available it is good to see you are all stocking up on accessories and spares ready for the festive break.

Don’t forget a lot of major manufactures also take a well earned break at Christmas so now may be a good time to gather together all those useful contact numbers such as your G.P., asthma nurse, chest clinic and pharmacy.

For those of you on the last minute there is still a little time as the last posting date for first class is Tuesday 20th December but it is bound to be busy so it may be wise to act now.

You can call us on 01942 701210 or email if you are unsure as to what you may need and as always for independent advice don't forget there are always our useful links.

Exercising your airways

2011-11-22T11:26:00.002Z

Its hard to avoid Christmas jingles and Christmas carols as everyone up and down the country gets swept along in the preparation for the festive season. So why try? Even if you have no great Dickensian holiday plans singing and humming are good for your health.

We have been singing Christmas Carols since Roman times and everyone has their favourite. Choirs and singing groups are increasingly popular and research is proving it can be beneficial for those of you struggling with many different medical conditions, and for those of you with respiratory problems it may help you learn to breathe more easily as singing warms the muscles up just as athletes warm up theirs.

A choir for patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) has been set up by the The Sidney De Haan Research Centre for Arts and Health in Canterbury with the aim of improving the breathlessness associated with this condition and for the past couple of years Asthma UK has organised The Big Sing Song to raise funds and awareness. Breathe Easy and other groups up and down the country organise singing for breathing workshops and stories from the Cystic Fibrosis community should surely inspire us all.

It would appear from a survey conducted by Asthma UK that we aren’t easily embarrassed to have a sing-a-long but for those of you who are why not hum a long? Even humming could possibly be beneficial to anyone who suffers from sinus problems and at this time of year when we are surrounded by coughs and colds and the winter blues why not add exercising your airways to your daily routine and join in with the celebrations?

COPD Day

2011-11-15T10:40:00.002Z

COPD stands for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It is a term used for a number of conditions including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. COPD leads to damaged airways in your lungs, causing them to become narrower and making it harder for you to take air in and out. Symptoms range from a cough, phlegm or shortness of breath. Some people may only notice their symptoms in winter, or they might put them down to bronchitis or 'smoker’s cough'.

The most common cause is smoking and by giving up you can reduce the chances of getting COPD or slow down its progress. Occupational factors, such as coal dust, and some inherited problems can also cause COPD.

Although COPD cannot be ‘cured’ there are many treatments available to help ease your symptoms as well as ways to help yourself such as keeping an eye on your weight, eating a balanced diet and being as mobile as possible.

The earlier you seek help the better and November 16th is World COPD Day.

Organised by The World Heath Organisation, World COPD Day is a global effort to expand understanding raise awareness and advocate for better care for patients with COPD. In 2004 64 million people had the illness and WHO predicts that COPD will become the third leading cause of death worldwide by 2030.

But its not just global awareness. There are an estimated 3.7 million people in the UK with COPD yet only 900,000 people diagnosed with the disease and each year The British Lung Foundation focuses it campaigning around World COPD day. You can find out what events are happening in your local area HERE along with much more detailed information. You can even take a Breath Test on line. So if you have any concerns at all why not get in touch with them to find out more. You can also check out our other kindred spirits.

Treatment doesn’t always involve needing a nebuliser in fact there are many other treatments to explore first. But if and when that time comes then one size doesn't necessarily suit all. If we can be of assistance then please feel free to contact us.

Portable Nebulisers.

2011-11-09T16:06:00.002Z

Following a recent conversation, we would like to highlight to everyone that some hand held portable nebulisers may not prove to be always as robust as a mains only or a compressor type nebuliser. Hand held portable nebulisers can last and maintain optimum performance if kept for when you are out and about. For those of you with a busy lifestyle something slightly larger may be more suitable.

With winter approaching, even after taking all the usual precautions, details of which you can find HERE, some of you will be more at risk of catching seasonal coughs and colds etc. and you may find that you need to nebulise more often than perhaps you have in the past.

Now may be a good time to invest in a mains only nebuliser and this doesn’t necessarily mean you have to spend all the money you have set aside for that Christmas treat. There are several robust mains only models available which have proved popular and reliable.

Who knows what lies ahead and a back up plan is always useful and don't forget to give your nebuliser its annual M.O.T.
As ever if you wish to chat or need further information you can call us on 01942 701210, email or pop a comment below.

We would also like to take this opportunity to say thank you to our customer for their evaluation and feedback. We always appreciate your comments and acknowledge and recognise their value.

Be Prepared.

2011-10-31T11:45:00.002Z

With the clocks going back and everyone preparing to batten down the hatches, the high street has for a while been gathering in Christmas stock alongside Halloween and Fireworks. Possibly a little early but as you have no doubt gathered from previous posts on this blog our motto for nebulisers is be prepared too.

Christmas cards can be a great way to help raise awareness whilst helping to raise money for your favoured charity.

Why not choose some from those offered by our Kindred Spirits They have a wide range of festive designs and will spread a little Christmas cheer to.

Asthma UK

http://www.asthma.org.uk/what_you_can_do/raise_money/christmas_cards/

British Lung Foundation

http://www.blfgifts.com/category/56-christmas-cards.aspx

Cystic Fibrosis Trust
http://www.cftrust.org.uk/help/fundraising-ideas/regchristmas

We are choosing ours right after finishing this post

Nebuliser MOT

2011-10-18T13:07:00.003+01:00

It’s that time of year again.

With flu alerts, weather warnings, dark mornings and a general feeling that winter is well on its way, now would be a good time to give your nebuliser an MOT.

Has your nebuliser had its annual service? Some units need need to be serviced in order to provide you with an efficient therapy. You can call us on 01942 701210 or the manufacturer if you are not sure.

Have you changed the filters on your nebuliser. Your instruction manual will provide a guideline about how often this is required, common sense tells you that the more you nebulise the more frequently they will need to be changed.

If your unit has a rechargeable battery, discharge it and then recharge as per the instructions and remember never to store it unless it is fully charged.

And probably the most important thing to remember is to check your Spares and Accessories. Medication chambers, Air tubes, Drive lines, Masks and Mouthpieces are a vital part of any nebuliser and need to be cleaned, cared for and changed regularly.

We have had several calls recently from customers who have been using the same medication chambers for over two years. Although this adds up to value for money it can cause problems with repeated cross infection and after such a long time they are more than likely to stop functioning efficiently.

You can find a rough guideline to which type you may have, how to care for your accessories and how often they need changing HERE .

And if you find winter brings with it increasing problems with excess mucus or phlegm such as following a chest infection or even a cold, which can leave you suffering with sinusitis, then why not check out our Mucus Clearance Devices. These are products which require no medication and many of you find extremely beneficial.

HERE you can find even more simple but brilliant tips to help you beat those winter blues.

Nebuliser Blog. One Year On

2011-10-12T12:39:00.001+01:00

Its nearly a year since we started this Evergreen Nebuliser blog and judging by our user statistics and your comments both on the blog and over the phone many of you are finding it very useful.

We are really pleased it is having such a positive effect and helping to clear up some of the confusion and misunderstanding that surround nebulisers and their related products, as well as giving some of you the confidence to step out and find a whole new independent way of life.

Our Kindred Spirits have also proved very popular.
Having been in the nebuliser business for over twenty years as well as having lots of experience working with and within the NHS we occasionally forget that for some people being diagnosed with a new medical condition can be isolating and frightening. We have long been aware that there is a wealth of information available for you to access for any number of medical conditions but for some of you it has come as a life line to realise that there are independent organisations just waiting to help.

And of course its not all one way. If we can assist you to buy the right nebuliser or product to suit your individual needs then we have a happy customer. Customer relations have always been important to our business and will continue to be so. We in turn would like to thank our suppliers for their support in helping us to help you.

But mainly and most importantly we would like to thank you for all your feedback.

As customers you are the ones who use our products day in day out and your opinion of their benefits and performance is always valued. It is that knowledge and experience that we take on board and use to assist our new customers. You help us to continually reassess each product, revising our catalogue where necessary and on a lighter note is also always lovely to hear your stories, ditties and general out and about chat, so thank you again for keeping in touch.

If you need to talk to us at all, be it to review a product, share an experience or ask advice, we are here to listen and for those of you to shy to post below as always you can email or call us on 01942 701210.

Your Right to Challenge

2011-09-27T13:27:00.003+01:00

Neil Churchill, Chief executive for Asthma UK, asks in his blog "If you were unhappy with the quality of a local NHS service, would you want the right to challenge it?”

Apparently “One of the reforms the Government is considering is a Right to Challenge within the NHS. They envisage it could be used by patients to challenge poor quality. They also think it might be used by charities who think a service could be delivered more effectively.”

As a nation we used to have a reputation as a people who were slow to stand up for their rights. To encourage British shoppers to have confidence in getting a “better deal” the Office of Fair Trading launched a campaign way back in 2003 http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/2682707.stm which according to the latest research seems to have done the trick and we are now more likely to complain than any of our European neighbours!

So just what can you do if you feel the NHS care or treatment you receive is not up to scratch?

We do already have an independent organisation whose purpose is to help you in many ways and they have representatives available in most hospitals as well as on line.

The Patient Advice and Liaison on Service.

http://www.pals.nhs.uk/default.aspx

They can help you, your family or your carer with health-related questions, help resolve concerns or problems when you’re using the NHS, and help you to get more involved in your own healthcare.

Asthma UK are aware from patient feedback and from NHS data that asthma care is quite variable. There is much good practice but also pockets where standards are poor and believe that a Right to Challenge could allow patients to demand improvements. They are asking if there was a Right to Challenge would you use it? Why not join the debate here
http://blog.asthma.org.uk/making_use_of_the_ri.html

Big Up Your Chest?

2011-09-20T10:06:00.001+01:00

This is a new project from Asthma UK and Kodak aimed at supporting 16 to 24 year olds. It features a Facebook page for students with asthma, multimedia information about asthma, blogs and vlogs. It also allows young people to share their experiences with their peers, as well as enter competitions to win Kodak cameras.

Around one in 12 people in the UK has asthma and an estimated 40,000 students with asthma will be starting university in September and October, which traditionally sees an increase in preventable hospital admissions among 16-24 year olds.

This struck a chord with us on several levels.

On a personal level, as we too quite recently waved goodbye to our daughter, who is an asthma sufferer, as she started out on her new exciting University career.

On a business level, as over the summer we do receive many calls from concerned parents whose children are starting at College or University as well as parents whose children are embarking on adventure holidays or a gap year.

And right here on the blog as Wendy's story reflects everything the Asthma UK project is about. It was during her time at University that her Asthma really “kicked off’’ and now at only 23 years old it has consequences she couldn’t have even begun to imagine.

So if you are a worried parent or a young person you can find lots of useful information here:

http://www.asthma.org.uk/news_media/news/asthma_uk_and_koda_1.html

as well as a link to their new Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/bigupyourchest

Thankfully our daughter has remained happy and healthy. She attends for regular asthma checks and has established local links where she can drop in if she needs to seek help or advice and of course she still has us.

Hopefully this joint project will help to ensure that many other young people who are about to embark on their new adventures will, by following its simple but effective advice, enjoy a smooth, happy healthy start to their new lives.

Good luck to them all.

My nebuliser isn't working. Help.

2011-09-01T11:15:00.002+01:00

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 which is handy for those of you, who like us, occasionally put things in a ‘safe place’ only to forget where that ‘safe place’ is.

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. Simple 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.

Nebuliser Providers

2011-08-23T17:44:00.001+01:00

Many of you are fortunate in that you still have a mains only nebuliser provided by the NHS.

Recently though you have been telling us that with the current changes in the NHS you are struggling to keep up with the day to day details of just who is now responsible for the provision and maintenance of your unit. Where once it was your local Primary Care Trust it is now the Acute Hospital team and visa versa, and where access was local for servicing and replacement parts you now have to travel a greater distance, and in some cases during this period of transition no one is quite sure just who you can turn to.

As with everything new it is bound to take a while to settle down. On a local level why not try asking PALS, Patient Advice and Liaison Services, to help you wade through the minefield? They have many offices throughout the country as well as online support.

PALS on line

“The NHS employs over a million staff in thousands of locations. It is a large and complex organisation providing a broad range of services. It is not surprising that sometimes you or a loved one may feel bewildered or concerned when using the NHS. And this can be at times when you are feeling at your most vulnerable and anxious.

So, what should you do if you want on the spot help when using the health service? The NHS expects all members of staff to listen and respond to you to the best of their ability. But sometimes you may wish to talk to someone employed especially to help you. The Patient Advice and Liaison Service, known as PALS, has been introduced to ensure that the NHS listens to patients, their relatives, carers and friends, answers their questions and resolves their concerns as quickly as possible.”

Have you considered buying your own nebuliser?

There are many reasons why some of you prefer to buy your own and many questions for you to consider before you do. Your nurse or health professional may be able to guide you and there are lots of other independent voices just waiting to help. You could choose a nebuliser you are already familiar with or one which will enhance your lifestyle. Some units come complete with everything (apart from the medication) you may need for a whole year, where as others are perfect for those of you who only nebulise occasionally.

On the flip side we do speak to many NHS nebuliser providers and if it’s any consolation it’s as much a headache for them as for you. If you aren’t in a position where purchasing your own is an option, hang on in there, everyone is trying to resolve the issues as quickly as possible, and don’t be afraid to ask for help or advice from us or any of the independent agencies.

Need a nebuliser? Struggling to find the perfect fit?

2011-08-11T12:22:00.002+01:00

By now we all know that with nebulisers one size doesn't necessarily suit all.. There are many different reasons why you may be short of breath and many treatment and therapy regimes prescribed. So what about those of you on who really only nebulise occasionally but still want to be active and continue your daily life as near normal as possible?

One solution has always been the Omron MicroAir, especially since Omron made big reductions to their initial launch price as the unit became more and more popular. Another solution is the Philips Respironics MicroElite, this small, go anywhere model is equally as favoured.

Well now Omron have done it again.

Their new C801 is economical and versatile. Weighing in at only 270 grams, when coupled with their VVT technology it is still capable of driving your medication down to your lower airways where its needed. With a dual voltage capability and the added option of a 12 volt DC lead for use in a car, it comes into its own if you are looking for an inexpensive nebuliser for occasional travel and holidays.

Although we wouldn’t suggest this nebuliser for frequent , general, daily use, it provides the perfect answer for those of you who only need to nebulise every now and then. And because it is small enough to fit on your bedside table, it’s quieter operation would make it ideal for use during the early hours. The Omron C801 is competitively priced and therefore would also provide peace of mind as a secondary or emergency back up model.

For those of you with a complex therapeutic regime, sorry, but this isn’t for you but don’t be put off there are many other options available.

And as always if you wish to chat about this quirky new addition to the Omron range or need help finding a nebuliser to match your individual needs, please give us a call on 01942 701210 or email us here. We are always happy to help.

Portable nebulisers, why so fiddly?

2011-07-27T10:33:00.001+01:00

We had a couple of computer technological hitches recently which served to remind us just how some of you feel when confronted by the small portable nebulisers.

All those elements we take for granted, mesh cap technology, lithium battery, dual voltage, not to mention all those leads, wires and tiny buttons. Words and practices that after a while have just become second nature for us just as checking your mirror or changing gear when you drive may be for you.

So if you are thinking of investing in a small portable travel nebuliser don’t be put off. Over the years we have had feedback from so many customers who, with advice on which nebuliser would be most suitable for their needs, a small amount of patient explanation regarding assembly and care and a little practice before setting out, have discovered a whole new lease of life or added an extra dimension to their day.

We have finally got to grips with our technological nightmare though I think we tried the patience of the poor soul who was attempting to explain the process and are now so familiar with the steps involved its as if we have been doing it all along.

If you are thinking that small portable nebulisers are a little fiddly? Wondering if they are worth investing the money and possibly the time needed to become familiar? I can assure you that for very many of our customers the overwhelming answer is YES and with a little patience operating a portable nebuliser can become as simple as operating your mains nebuliser.

So why not begin today? Give us a call on 01942 701210 or email. We are here to answer your questions whatever they may be and to provide you with as much support as needed to help you on your way.

Good News Week

2011-07-20T12:33:00.000+01:00

Despite the weather trying to dampen our spirits this has to be seen as good news and,

We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate The British Lung Foundation and Asthma U.K., who have both this week been celebrating victory, with the welcomed announcement of the Governments, National Outcomes Strategy to tackle Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Asthma, which hopefully in the future has the potential to halve hospital admissions from these medical conditions.

They have both been campaigning for many years to get the COPD and Asthma Outcomes Strategy published.

Every seven minutes someone with asthma is admitted to hospital, and asthma costs the NHS more than £1billion per year and BLF research shows that there are 3.7 million people suffering with COPD which is the second highest reason for emergency hospital admission across the country. Eight million people across the UK. suffer with lung disease.

The National Outcomes Strategy for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Asthma in England recommends that patients should have a prompt and accurate diagnosis, standardised care across the country, shared decision-making regarding their treatment and the ongoing support to manage their condition themselves.

There is still a great deal to do to make sure that patients receive the improved outcomes set out in this strategy especially at a time of budget cuts but maybe the sun is starting to come out after all.

To read further about this announcement or to support the organisations campaigning on your behalf follow the links below:

Asthma U.K http://blog.asthma.org.uk/department_of_health.html

The British Lung Foundation http://www.lunguk.org/media-and-campaigning/media-centre/latestpressreleases/British-Lung-Foundation-victory.htm

Nebuliser Spares and Accessories

2011-07-14T07:03:00.000+01:00

Back in spring it became apparent that many of you were making travel plans. For some of you it was a day at the beach, for others an exotic adventure. Well if your chance for a getaway has finally arrived this is just a quick reminder to double check you have everything you need, which amongst the thousands of other items should include an ample supply of your medication and sufficient spares and accessories if you’re taking your nebuliser.

We wish all our customers a happy and healthy holiday wherever you have chosen to travel and for those of you caught out at the last minute, don’t forget we can post or courier to any UK address if you are holidaying over here so no need to panic, you can call us on 01942 701210 or get in touch via email.

Nebuliser News Blog

2011-07-11T13:44:00.002+01:00

What is a blog?

A Blog can be a personal diary. A daily pulpit. A collaborative space. A political soapbox. A breaking-news outlet. A collection of links. Your own private thoughts. Memos to the world.

A blog is whatever you want it to be. There are millions of them, in all shapes and sizes, and there are no real rules.

With the Evergreen blog we aim provide a little of all of the above. Primarily related to nebulisers but also keeping you up to date with news from our kindred spirits who can help you to access the independent advice you need on all respiratory conditions.

We welcome any input from you personally, be it a reflection of how your chest condition affects your life, a link to a a blog, forum or website you feel will be of interest to others or just a charming little ditty.

We strive, through our many links, to bring resources together which will help you move forward. Hints and tips ranging from choosing the right nebuliser for you or your family member, understanding just what is available and what you can expect from each unit, to the care and maintenance.

By linking together the information surrounding nebulisers as well as exploding a few myths we hope to help you achieve the best therapy possible and at the same time enable you to continue to live your life as independently as possible.

In gathering together news from manufactures, evidence based research as well as your own personal experiences, our ambition is to present well rounded, factual and practical information which enables you to make an informed choice when purchasing your nebuliser.

In simple terms, a blog is a website, where you write stuff on an ongoing basis. We hope you find the stuff we write useful and beneficial If you feel you have any hints tips or ideas that can help people along the way please feel free to join in.

Nebulising Colloidal Silver

2011-06-29T15:23:00.002+01:00

(and other complimentary therapies)

More and more we are getting calls from those of you who have sought the advice of an alternative or complimentary therapy practitioner. Often your practitioner has already suggested an complimentary remedy, such as colloidal silver , and the nebuliser unit they think appropriate for the purpose. However we also get many calls from you asking us to recommend an alternative therapy and a suitable nebulising unit.

Recommending complimentary remedies is way beyond our knowledge base and we have had no training in this regard other than the information available to all on the internet and occasional feedback from customers, so we wouldn’t know where to begin.

A nebuliser is a medical device and can have serious side effects, as can the medicine that’s used in it. In the U.K. nebulisers and nebuliser medications are licensed and monitored by the Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency

Always do your research thoroughly. Some alternative and complimentary therapies, such as acupuncture, are more regulated and researched than others. Some complimentary preparations can be dangerous and react with many prescription medicines, or lead to a build up of chemicals in your body.

The British Lung Foundation recommend that you always:

Discuss it with your doctor or nurse.

Keep taking your prescribed medication.

Check whether the therapy is available on the NHS.

Make sure that any therapist you consult is a member of the relevant professional body.

Make sure that your therapist knows about any medication or treatment you are using.

Never try to diagnose or treat yourself.

Avoid buying products (in shops, by post or over the internet) that you have not been

advised to buy by a qualified therapist.

You can find more information about various therapies and their governing bodies here.

If following careful consideration you decide that a complimentary therapy may be beneficial to you we can assist with your choice of nebuliser and the nebuliser questions you need to ask your therapist are really the same as when choosing a nebuliser for prescription medication. How many times a day will I need to nebulise and for what period of time? How sticky or viscous is the remedy and what sort of quantity of liquid will I be nebulising? These are just the nebuliser questions you need to consider but there are many other questions you should asking.

You may find other beneficial information throughout this blog, and remember nebulisers are designed to drive a strong solution deep into your lower airways. They are not suitable for everyone and, as a medical device, carry their own warnings and contra indications. Only make an informed decision after checking with your G.P. first

Do you suffer from Sinusitis, Acute or Chronic or Rhinitis?

2011-06-27T16:04:00.003+01:00

Sinusitis, Acute or Chronic and Rhinitis can be painful and debilitating. The RC Cornet-N is a non medicinal but effective way to help relieve your symptoms.

RC Cornet-N liquifies sticky mucus, widens narrow sinus passages, improves the passage of mucus and stimulates blood and lymph flow in the nose and throat, all of which help to reduce any swelling.

So how does it work?

Its made up of a nose piece and a rubber valve hose in a curved tube. Blowing into the nose piece causes pressure fluctuations and vibrations which in turn push and pull on the mucus blockages in your sinuses

Using the RC Cornet-N twice a day will massage and stimulate the cilia (tiny hairs) which transport excess mucus away as well as help increase blood supply to the airway lining (mucosa), which in turn will help fight the inflammation. It will also extend the small passages of your sinuses and help to restore them to normal pressure.

Okay, it doesn’t sound or look very pretty but it is effective and results can be felt as quickly as 10 minutes after therapy as the mucosal swelling starts to reduce and blockages slowly begin to dissolve. Luckily its very easy to clean and can be sterilised either in a pan of boiling water, in your dishwasher or by soaking in a antiseptic solution.

So if you’re suffering from nasal congestion, sinus headaches, sneezing, an itchy nose, post nasal drip or a tickley cough, whatever the initial cause, be it an infection, hay fever, or other allergies why not give it some thought. The RC Cornet-N isn’t particularly glamourous but it won’t make you drowsy or carry the side effects that some medications can.

Sinus Relief

2011-06-21T17:46:00.003+01:00

Sinusitis is often overlooked by both patient and healthcare providers though symptoms can be painful and persistent. Your sinuses are hollow air pockets in the bones of the face and head which are lined with a thin layer of tissue. Its purpose it to make a layer of mucus which keeps your sinus’s healthy, lubricated and to flush away any germs.

Rhinitis, Acute Sinusitis and Chronic Sinusitis, occur when these linings become swollen and produce extra mucus which may not drain freely as it should. This can lead to nasal congestion causing pain or pressure in your teeth or face (especially at either side of your nose). Other symptoms may be a raised temperature, nasal discharge, headache, earache, an inability to smell, fatigue or a cough.

Rhinitis is an inflammation of the nasal passages and is often caused by allergies such as hay fever, colds or a reaction to some medications, and for some people it can be a life long condition with no discernible cause. Symptoms can include nasal congestion, sneezing, itching, a runny nose, and the sensation that mucus is draining down the back of your throat (post nasal drip).

Acute Sinusitis is quite common, often caused by infection, usually viral, such as following a cold. It comes on quickly and lasts less 12 weeks.

Chronic Sinusitis is more persistent and can last for many months or occur multiple times in one year. Causes can vary and include infection, nasal polyps, allergies and even some medical conditions may mean you’re more at risk, such as Cystic Fibrosis

Possibly the first person to speak to should be your pharmacist as some symptoms can be relived by over the counter medications such as decongestants, nasal sprays and analgesics. He may suggest a visit to your G.P. who could prescribe further medication such as antibiotics or may even refer you to an E.N.T. specialist

A non medicinal and effective way to relive your symptoms is the RC Cornet-N

Pressure and flow variation from the RC Cornet-N ‘massage’ and widen the sinus’s, allowing air to pass and at the same time loosening the blocked mucous finally relieving that bunged up feeling. Its quick and simple to use, easy to clean and like the RC Cornet can be used by almost everyone, and as a physical therapy rather than a medicinal one it has virtually no side effects.

So don’t be overlooked or suffer in silence. If you feel you may benefit from the RC Cornet-N then check out the video on our web site and, as always, if concerned about your health at all, consult your doctor first.

Hospital Nebulisers

2011-06-17T11:02:00.000+01:00

We often get requests from customers for the “the nebuliser they use in hospitals”

However there isn’t a standard model chosen by the NHS and having supplied, serviced and repaired hospital nebulisers for over 20 years we know it can vary quite widely. Hospitals, wards, clinics, specialist nurses and consultants have their own criteria which can be based on many different factors including the latest research, cost, suitability for purpose, performance capability and just which nebuliser may suit your individual needs.

Choosing the “same” unit for perhaps an elderly relative who is comforted by its familiarity is a good decision but not necessarily the right decision for everyone.

We have blogged before about the important aspects to consider when choosing a nebuliser to be used at home. One size definitely doesn’t fit all. A general all purpose unit that stacks easily on a shelf is not necessarily going to be the most suitable to allow you to continue going about your daily life, nor will it take you out and about. It may also be quite unsuitable for the medication you have been prescribed. It may need an annual service, and could prove quite costly if the spares and accessories aren’t fit for purpose or readily available.

So don’t forget to stop and think. Our frequently asked questions and other posts cover a wide range of questions you should consider before purchase. Your Respiratory Nurse may already have a specific nebuliser in mind which they feel will be beneficial to your treatment plan and our kindred spirits and useful links will be able to give you independent

advice based on years of experience.

Manufactures continually upgrade their products and research into nebulisation is an on going process. Medications are reassessed, protocols change and many professionals strive to make a concerted effort to bring you the most effective treatment available, so that in the words of Trevor Clay, who was the founder of Breathe Easy, a General Secretary for the Royal College of Nursing as well as having Emphysema, “people should live with their lung condition” and not “suffer from it”

Initially choosing the right nebuliser to suit your needs may seem overwhelming. There is a lot of information out there but it's not as daunting as it might seem and we and many others are here to help, so feel to call us on 01942 701210, email or post below.

This week is National Breathe Easy Week

2011-06-13T22:49:00.003+01:00

Monday June 13th - Sunday June 19th

So who are Breathe Easy?

We’ve blogged before about how even the best expert patient can sometimes feel lonely and overwhelmed by their lung condition and how some of you feel isolated and different from everyone else. We regularly talk to many of you who feel unsure and confused of the best way forward.

Breathe Easy is a branch of the British Lung Foundation where not only those with a lung condition but family and carers of sufferers too, can come together for mutual support and advice. It provides information on lung health as well as a collective voice to raise awareness of the daily battle that living with a lung condition can involve. Its a chance to share your experience and they are experts at listening.

So just what is Breathe Easy Week?

It is the flagship campaign of the British Lung Foundation. Local Breathe Easy Groups will be holding talks, teas, quiz nights and other activities to raise awareness and promote lung health. The theme this year is Obstructive Sleep Apnoea and the BLF are launching a 'sleep survey' to discover who suffers and how this can affect your lifestyle. Their latest research shows that over a third of you sleep in separate beds because of your partners loud snoring. Annoying in itself but loud snoring is also one of the main indicators for OSA which could be detrimental to your health. They even provide an online indicator known as the 'sleepiness scale'

Breathe Easy groups are local and here you can find a group near you. Whatever your lung condition I’m sure they will be happy you popped by to say hello. So get involved you can start on line right now. Many of you have found it a very positive experience. Even we have made many new friends on line.

And if this doesn’t quite fit the bill, don’t forget our other kindred spirits who are equally warm, welcoming and more than willing to help wherever you are in the UK.

Dual Voltage Nebulisers

2011-06-06T13:25:00.003+01:00

What do we mean by Dual Voltage Nebulisers?

More and more products such as mobile phones and lap top computers have a dual voltage capability. This means that they are designed to operate efficiently and safety with either 110/120Volts such as in America and the Caribbean or 220/240Volts, the system we have here in the U.K. and in Europe. All you may need is the plug adaptor to convert your device to the style of the country your visiting which can make life much simpler. However assuming this applies to all electrical devices could lead to disaster.

Many nebulisers still have only a single voltage capability and mistakes can easily be made. We get frequent calls from American or Canadian visitors who have “blown up” their nebuliser as the voltage here is the U.K. is higher and conversely many people begin their long awaited holiday with a desperate scramble to source a nebuliser as the one they took with them from home just won’t run at all. It can be an expensive and worrying mistake to make as nebulisers in some other countries are often more difficult to source and more expensive to buy.

So before purchasing any nebuliser, it pays to consider its suitability for your lifestyle as well as its compatibility with the medication you will be prescribed.

Nebulisers which are dual voltage are:

Philips Respironics MicroElite

Omron CompAir Elite C30

Pari Boy Mobile S

The MicroElite even comes complete with the plug adaptors for he U.K., the USA, Europe and Australia and for occasional use only there is now the Omron C801

For those of you who prefer to cruise, a dual voltage nebuliser will work on board ship though its always wise to check with the travel company, and all models including the Omron CompAir Elite C30 come complete with a 12 volt D.C. lead so you can nebulise when necessary from the cigarette lighter in your car or caravan.

So if you are only going to purchase one unit consider those which are dual purpose as well as dual voltage. If you are lucky enough to travel frequently, stop a moment and think of just where in the world you hope to visit next and would a battery enhance your holiday? Or if being small and lightweight is essential maybe it will necessary to have a second nebuliser to take you there.

Buying an Omron MicroAir U22

2011-05-31T14:39:00.001+01:00

The Omron MicroAir U22 is now back in stock.

We would like to apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused. And say a big thank you to those of you who were in a position to wait, for your patience and loyalty. Your order will by now have been dispatched

To those of you who chose the Philips Respironics MicroElite We hope your finding that what we said was correct as it is an equally efficient, very versatile alternative with features that some of you consider an added bonus.

And as Kate pointed out lets not forget the reason for the stock issue in the first place and hope that those affected by the Tsunami are managing to rebuild their lives.

What do we mean by Dual Purpose?

2011-05-24T09:14:00.001+01:00

On our website we list nebulisers by their function.

Mains Powered, Portable and Dual Purpose. This is by no means a definitive list and there can be some cross over, for instance the MicroElite and MicroAir are the smallest battery nebulisers we supply and can be powered from the mains electricity. The MicroElite is also dual voltage. However for those of you who nebulise many times a day it is usually wise to have a larger 'work horse' for the house and a smaller hand held nebuliser for when out and about. Having said that this doesn’t suit everyone, and some you prefer to have 2 small portable units to ‘spread the load’ so to speak.

So, Dual Purpose?

Here we list the nebulisers we feel will not only have the power and durability to cope with a high usage but still provide some portability so you can enjoy the freedom to get out and about. These nebulisers can be a little heavier than the small portables but still have the capability of nebulising in your car or from a battery which may be integral or available as an extra.

When choosing any nebuliser its important to consider your lifestyle.

Some of you never venture far from your car in which case the few extra ounces become irrelevant. Others may not be able to afford the luxury of two nebulisers but don’t want to be chained to the house if your prescription requires you to nebulise 4 times a day. For those of you on antibiotics or a steroid who only have to nebulise twice a day, a dual purpose nebuliser can be light weight for travelling but still powerful enough to be efficient and effective.

And don’t forget our dual purpose nebulisers are also dual voltage which means they will automatically operate from any mains voltage worldwide for those of you lucky enough to travel to more exotic destinations. As always if you need help choosing or simply want to know a few more details, you can email us or call on 01942 701210.

New and Used Nebulisers

2011-05-18T09:49:00.002+01:00

Kate names her nebulisers and why not? Sometimes it can feel like you spend more time with them than with your family, and if people can name cars and other inanimate objects than why not nebulisers? With a little care and affection they can certainly help you out in a crisis.

But what happens to your nebuliser when it’s no longer needed?

Perhaps you have decided its time to upgrade as you have come to rely on it a little more. Maybe your health professional has prescribed a new medication regime and you need a more powerful unit or a closed system?

Perhaps, sadly it wasn’t your nebuliser but belonged to a family member who has passed away. Or finally, you are feeling much more confident and need a nebuliser that will take you out and about?

It’s a question we get many calls about. But before you pop it in the bin or for sale on a famous online auction/shopping website, have you ever considered donating it?

With budget cuts in the NHS, loan machines are becoming scarce and your Asthma or Practice Nurse may know of individuals less fortunate who may not be able to afford to buy a new nebuliser.Customers tell us that local hospices, hospitals or clinics are often grateful for donated nebulisers, especially if its in good condition and well cared for.

And then there are other charitable organisations such as:

Karmic Angels who are hoping to send good condition second hand units abroad to countries where nebulisers are desperately needed. http://www.karmicangels.org.uk/

Or animal rescue centres such as Abijoes http://www.abijoes.co.uk/ who do wonderful work rescuing birds.

So stop for a minute, give it a little thought and make a few calls. A good mains only machine may improve someones quality of life by providing a better therapy or a second unit to spare them lugging theirs up and down stairs at bedtime. And a portable travel nebuliser could mean a whole new lease of life to someone who is too anxious to step outside without one, or allow a charitable organisation to treat several people to days out.

Spares and accessories shouldn’t be passed on, filters will need changing but your old unit may yet earn a little affection in someone else’s life.

Nebuliser Ditty!

2011-05-11T17:19:00.001+01:00

We would like to say a big thank you to our poetic customer for this ditty and he would like to apologise to Pam Ayers.

Oh I wish I’d looked after me neb

and rinsed the vaporiser head.

At times when I wheeze

and struggle to breathe

Oh I wish I’d looked after me neb.

Oh I wish I’d been a little more willin’

To part with a few hard earned shillings.

It needed some spares

and I didn’t care

Now I’m faced with an extra big billin'

The man on the end of the phone

had brought it along to me home.

He said “Hello Evergreen”.

“The neb is simple to clean”

Time to give back the neb that’s on loan.

Complete with instructions and guidelines,

a medicine chamber and driveline.

Some spare filters a mask,

a contact to ask,

All delivered in practically no time.

At first it was all fine and dandy.

Whenever I wheezed it was handy.

I soon took it for granted

despite how my wife ranted

The Mrs resembled a banshee!

“The machine needs a simple wipe clean!

The filters aren’t meant to be green!

The chamber a rinse!

It made the nurse wince!

Such a small effort to make it all gleam.”

So now I’m online for a new one

A few clicks, a card payment and all done.

It will be with me next day

so Evergreen say

Their service is second to non

With the wife now after my spleen!

Advice hints and tips from Evergreen

I promise to strive

Till that day arrives

When they finally make them dry clean!

If you need any help caring for your nebuliser please don't hesitate to get in touch you can phone 01942 701210 or email us here or post below.

Hands up who needs a mask?

2011-05-03T15:06:00.003+01:00

We often get asked “does the nebuliser come with a mask?” The answer in most cases is YES and where the manufacturer doesn’t include one we, where appropriate, will always put one in free of charge.

Your health professional may recommend you use a mouthpiece as some nebuliser medications such as Ipratropium can occasionally cause eye problems. Others such as antibiotics and steroids are safer when nebulised through a closed system such as a Ventstream or a Pari LC Sprint and cannot be fitted with a mask, while some nebulisers are more comfortable to use with a mouthpiece although many of you still prefer to use the facemask.

Kate emailed to say

"I am getting more converted to using a mouthpiece but find some more comfortable to use than others.
The side stream one is very good.
Ventstream - Good for anti-biotics etc though hefty!
Pari LC Sprint - OK and getting use to it. (My new neb!)
Micro Elite - I never really got on with this system, design, shape etc.
Omron Micro air - very good as soft.
I do however prefer a mask if my asthma is deteriorating and always use one when in hospital"

(A laryngectomy or tracheostomy mask is slightly different and fittings can vary but we are here to help you chose the most suitable nebuliser.)

So despite what the image on our website may show, the answer in most cases is YES, the nebuliser will come with a mask. If you would like to share your experience or if you are still unsure please feel free to contact us via email, comment below or phone 01942 701210 and we’ll be happy to help.

Struggling to source an Omron MicroAir?

2011-04-28T16:03:00.005+01:00

Due to recent events, the Omron MicroAir will remain in short supply from us and from others as Omron are not currently in a position to restock its distributors.

This is only a temporary hiccup and they should become available again in June. Those of you who may be holidaying in July or August don’t panic, supplies will be on the way. For those of you who need a portable nebuliser now, have you considered the Philips Respironics MicroElite

The MicroElite is becoming increasingly popular. It is a portable mini compressor which operates on similar principles to other nebulisers but weighs only 450g, and that’s including its rechargeable lithium battery, which lasts up to 60minutes and recharges in just 3 hours. Competitively priced at £99 a mains lead and a D.C lead for plugging into your car are also included. All this fits neatly into a small carry bag and because it is a mini compressor the operating system is very familiar to those of you who already have a larger nebuliser at home

Important elements favoured by many of you are, that unlike the MicroAir:

It can be placed on a surface and used hands free with the driveline which is included and the mask which we supply free of charge.
That coming complete with its own rechargeable battery saves you both time and money, providing a one stop solution.
And the included international travel adaptors plus its multi-volt capability means it really does provide total portability.

The MicroAir will be available again in June but in the meantime don’t be put off making the most of the warm weather, the spring flowers are out and so should you be. There are lots of alternative portable nebulisers I’m sure we can find one that suits your needs. Why not check out our website or give us a call 01942 701210 and we’ll be happy to help.
UPDATE JUNE 2011: Omron MicroAir is now back in stock

Easter Weekend

2011-04-22T07:18:00.001+01:00

Following the Governments “smog alert” issued for the Easter Weekend the British Lung Foundation are recommending “that anyone with a lung condition carry their medication as a precaution when out and about and anyone who needs advice can contact their helpline which is 08458 50 50 20.”

http://www.lunguk.org/

or there are always our other useful links for help and advice http://www.evergreen-nebulizers.co.uk/links.html

Obviously deliveries will be slightly interrupted due to the Bank holidays and National holidays but we promise to dispatch everything as soon as possible.

We would like to use this opportunity to wish everyone a restful, happy and healthy holiday weekend.

Nebulisers, buy from a reputable company.

2011-04-20T20:10:00.006+01:00

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.

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.

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 a while to do a little research, seek independant advice and remember to ask the right questions. If we can help at all please give us a call on 01942 70120, email or post a question below.

Nebuliser Questions and Answers

2011-04-19T17:01:00.001+01:00

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 difference between the Portaneb Sidestream and Portaneb 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 MicroElite 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?

Would I benefit from using a RC Cornet?

What is a Flutter Mucus Clearance Device?

Will a Pulse Oximeter also monitor my oxygen levels?

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

Nebuliser Shopping?

2011-04-14T17:04:00.004+01:00

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?

http://evergreen-nebulizers.co.uk/

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 and we will help you find the right model to match your ambitions.

Pulse Oximetry

2011-04-11T14:22:00.004+01:00

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.

It 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

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.

However, “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.

For an expert patient a pulse oximeter can be a valuable additional tool

Nevertheless 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

Nebuliser Help

2011-04-01T12:09:00.003+01:00

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
Breathing Together http://everybreath.vforums.co.uk/
who no doubt would be happy to help.

With one person in 7 in the UK being affected by lung disease always remember you are not alone and if we can’t help there will be somebody who can.

Holiday Nebulisers

2011-03-28T16:16:00.002+01:00

Judging by the amount of calls we are taking recently many of you are turning your thoughts to holidays. Spring sunshine makes everyone more optimistic and determined to shake off those winter blues, be it a day in the country, a trip to the seaside or a much more adventurous ambition.

There’s lots of information in the blog to help you find what you're looking for as well as helpful comments from our friends. You can always phone us on 01942 701210 or email if you’re still unsure.

Of course travelling can be a little more daunting for those of you with a chronic medical condition but with the correct advice from your health professional , an ample supply of medication , enough spares and accessories to see you through and a little guidance from those in the know, whats to stop you popping on those sandals and getting away from it all for a while?

Nebuliser Accessories

2011-03-21T21:14:00.005Z

Have you changed yours recently?

At least once a week we get a call from a nebuliser user or their carers panicking because their unit isn’t working. As with any machine this is quite possible and over time some just wear out, even under guarantee faults can develop. But the first priority should always be to check your spares and accessories.

So how often should you change them?

There is no definite rule and each manufacturer has different recommendations. The questions to ask yourself are:

How often do I nebulise?

Common sense tells you that if you nebulise several times a day, all year round, you need to be particularly conscientious Just how long you have been using that chamber? Time flies and somethings can get missed.

Which medication am I using?

Some medications are stickier or thicker than others which means extra care has to be taken to ensure all accessories are free from residual medication which may block the jet holes causing the unit to nebulise less efficiently or not at all.

Did you choose a nebuliser with reusable accessories or disposable ones?

So, as a rough guide but by no means a definitive answer

Durable Medication Chambers such as,

Philips Respironics Reusable Sidestream, Ventstream or Micro Plus Medication Chamber

Pari LC and the LC SprintMedication Chamber

Omron V.V.T. Medication Chamber.

Should be washed in warm soapy water after each use, rinsed and left to air dry. If kept clean by weekly boiling they can last between 6 to 12 months depending on which unit you chose. Always dismantle the chambers before boiling and take extra care not to damage the jet holes.

Disposable Medication Chambers such as,

Clement Clarke Medix Lifecare

Philips Respironics Disposable Sidestream Chamber

Must be washed and rinsed after each use as above but NEVER BOILED and should be changed at least every 12 weeks.

Don’t forget to replace the baffle when reassembling any of the medication chambers.

Masks and Mouthpieces also need to be washed and rinsed regularly but Drive lines and Air tubes are better kept dry. If you have a durable medication chamber its more likely you will have a durable drive line so check your manufactures instructions. Filters should always be checked regularly to ensure they are clean and dry, some should be changed as often as every 3 months. If filters become blocked your nebuliser won’t function efficiently.

The Omron MicroAir and the Medix Microneb have a cleaning regime all of their own and more details can be found HERE.

For those of you who suffer from recurrent, frequent infections your heath professional may recommend a different regime and if advised to change your accessories more often it may be more economical to choose a nebuliser with those that are disposable.

As always we are here to help so please feel free to contact us if you have any worries or concerns with regards choosing the most suitable unit or caring for it afterwards.

Nebulising Saline

2011-03-17T12:54:00.004Z

Can you sing?

We can’t or at least not very well.

Recent research however shows that after nebulising isotonic saline Sopranos can sing more effortlessly and as a matter of fact over the years we have had occasional calls from exotic visiting entertainers needing a nebuliser to assist their performance.

This research no doubt has a more serious aspect and is part of a ‘dehydration challenge’ where dry air and sterile water were used for comparison and although the results were noticeable, the benefit was only short term which helps explain why some of you will be prescribed saline at regular intervals.

So what is Isotonic saline?

Its basically sterile salt water at a concentration of 0.9% and often referred to as normal saline. It has many medical uses, nebulisation being just one, but for those of you with a tracheostomy or laryngectomy it can be vital to prevent sticky secretions blocking your airway.

Sticky mucus secretions in lower airways can cause serious long term issues in many chest conditions . They are difficult to clear by coughing and can lead to frequent recurrent chest infections, lung damage and often exhaustion from over coughing and lack of sleep.

Treatment is very individual and can range from being recommended a simple oscillating PEP device such as the RC Cornet or Flutter, regular nebulisation with normal saline, to a complex therapeutic regime which may include chest physic, mucolytics, inhaled bronchodilators, antibiotics or steroids.

So what is Hypertonic saline ?

As part of your therapeutic regime many of you are prescribed hypertonic saline. This is a stronger concentration of sterile salt solution which can be anything from 3% to 7%.

It has been used over the years to treat many chest conditions such as bronchiolitis, bronchiectasis and cystic fibrosis, and it has helped to the reduce the number of recurrent chest infections and improve lung function for some of you over the short term. However the research is still very much ongoing and where some of you find it beneficial, for others it is not appropriate or you may find it unhelpful. Your health practitioner may suggest a short term trial.

As to which nebuliser to chose? You may find the hypertonic saline more difficult to nebulise due to its higher concentration of salt, therefore long term a slightly more powerful unit may be more appropriate or one with a specialised chamber. There will almost certainly be more residual salt so cleaning the accessories will need extra attention.

If wish to chat about which nebuliser may be more appropriate or you can recommend a particular unit for others, please give us a call on 01942 701210, email or post below.

Brittle Asthma

2011-03-14T08:23:00.003Z

We are enormously grateful for this contribution from Wendy especially as she is particularly unwell at the moment. You can follow her progress at her blog address.
http://myjourneyeverystepoftheway.blogspot.com
Life with Brittle Asthma
If anyone had said at 23 years old, I would be battling lung disease and reliant on a cocktail of medications just to stay stable, I probably would have laughed at them. Maybe looking back, I could have done more with my life while I could, but as a university student who had just moved out and started on a new track, I was all about enjoying myself and partying like a rock star.
Although I have had asthma for most of my life, things really started to kick off and get worse when I was around 21 years old. I had been unwell with a cold at the time and was noticing that I was getting more breathless and wheezing more than I ever had. By the March, I was so poorly with pneumonia in both of my lungs and was told that I was lucky to be alive. This triggered a long string of hospital admissions, some requiring some lengthy stays, long term prednisolone and becoming a regular visitor to my GP surgery.
I began treatment at the Heart of England NHS Trust, in their specialist Chest Clinics and Severe Brittle Asthma Unit. I was started on a home nebuliser. My nebuliser is such a lifesaver and has meant that I have been spending more time at home rather than in hospital. I have my Freeway which sits by my bed, and it is so reliable and has helped me in so many ways. I carry with me my Omron Micro-air which has become my best friend. I really am able to have an active and enjoyable quality of life.
One piece of advice I would offer to anyone else who is struggling and feels as though they need extra help, I would really say be persistent. Don’t let anyone beat you down or tell you not to try, or ignore the symptoms of worsening asthma, it nearly cost me my life by being so flippant about it.
Thanks Wendy, hope you feel better soon.
If you have a similar experience I'm sure Wendy would love to hear from any of you through her blog and for anyone wishing to find out more why not contact Asthma UK
http://www.asthma.org.uk/

What is a Peak Flow Meter?

2011-03-12T13:29:00.002Z

A peak flow meter is a small tube that you blow into. It measures the speed of the air coming out of your lungs, and ideally should be performed standing up and at regular intervals through the day

Initially you should be shown how to use it by your health practitioner and the meters are available on prescription. Once you have removed the peak flow from the box and checked that the marker is showing zero on the ruler, hold the tube with your fingers either side of the ruler so they are not touching or stopping the marker from moving. Take as deep a breath as possible, seal your lips round the mouthpiece, then blow into the tube as hard and fast as you can. You should do this three times with a short rest in between and it is the best of these three readings that you should write in your peak flow diary.

Why should you measure your peak flow?

It can help to confirm your diagnosis. For instance, asthmatics usually find their peak flow readings lower in a morning and using a peak flow meter will help you to tell what is going on in your airways rather than just guessing by the way you feel. By keeping a record of your readings your health practitioner can monitor your progress at your next appointment. Is your treatment having the effect it should.? Does your peak flow improve following your medication?

What are normal readings?

Readings vary depending on your height, age, medical history, time of day and whether or not you are well at the time. In 2004 a new scale was introduced, make sure if you purchase you own unit that it is compatible with this new scale. One gentleman returned two units believing them to be “faulty” but when he investigated further his clinic were using the old scale. New Mini Wrights have a yellow label with blue writing.

Your health practitioner will explain what should be an average for you and the appropriate action to take should your peak flow start to fall.

Other tests which may be carried out in clinic?

Spirometry, this is a more sensitive method of assessing lung function, along with your symptoms and medical history it will help your health practitioner with a correct diagnosis. Reactive disorders, such as Asthma, produce different readings than obstructive disorders such as COPD. You may be asked to record your FEV1 at home as well as your peak flow then the Mini Wright Digital can help. FEV1 is the volume of air that you can force out in the first second when breathing out

A Blood Gases test measures how much oxygen and carbon dioxide is being carried in your blood and an Exercise Test reflects how exertion may affect your breathing.

Treatment Reversibility tests will check if your condition is improved with certain medications and there are tests to help determine if you need Oxygen or a Nebuliser at home. You can find more details of these and other tests here

http://www.lunguk.org/you-and-your-lungs/diagnosis-and-treatment/breathingtests

If you have any concerns at all about your breathing please contact your G.P. or health practitioner,and for advice about any of tests or treatments you may be prescribed don’t forget our kindred spirits.

Nebulisers for Birds?

2011-03-08T09:49:00.034Z

Well, animals of all types do get respiratory disorders and diseases and quite frequently we receive emails and calls from Vets, Zoo’s, Animal Clinics as well as individuals.
For some species there has to be a certain amount of D.I.Y when it comes to fashioning medication chambers and accessories in order that the poor animal receives an effective therapy and nebulisers with a higher pressure rather than a technologically designed mouthpiece work the best. As for the medication and treatment regime, that’s completely in the hands of your vet or animal health practitioner as a nebuliser isn’t suitable for every animal and comes with many contra indications and complications, just as it does for people.

One successful story came from Jayne:

“The speed with which your nebulizer was delivered, saved a little bird from suffocation. Her lungs and air sacs and become so congested with infection a nebulizer was the only effective way for the medicine to reach in and clear her airway, as she was too weak to be transported to a vets surgery. It was a great service and, again, much appreciated.”

Jayne works for Abijoes which is a non-profit organisation that is raising money to build a unique bird sanctuary that will enable disabled people to become active participants in bird rescue, rehabilitation and care. They are based in Cornwall and if you would like to learn more I’m sure they would be interested to hear from you either via their website, by phone 01736 757656 or email

We couldn’t begin to advise on the hows and why’s of nebulising animals, its an area we only touch on when contacted by you or animal health practitioners, but we do know quite a great deal about the units themselves.

Always contact your vet if you have any concerns at all about the heath of your animal, we will help where we can and we are always interested to hear of your experiences you can phone 01942 701210, email or post

MicroAir Cleaning Guidelines

2011-03-06T12:22:00.001Z

A question we often get asked is, “How do I clean my MicroAir ?”

Omron are one of the manufactures who do try to help out and along with your original instruction manual they are building an online library of guidelines that can be found here:

http://www.omron-healthcare.com/en/media/videos/ This may take a while to load but it is a comprehensive, easy to follow video on how to assemble and use your U22 MicroAir

And this link will take you to U22 MicroAir Instruction manual

http://www.omron-healthcare.com/export/sites/default/_global/RespiratoryTherapy/InstructionManualsNebuliser/IM-NE-U22-E_04-08-2010_EN.pdf

Omron recommend that you nebulise clean water to remove medication left in the mesh holes after discarding any residual medication and that the following items should be cleaned after each use:

medication container, mesh cap, mask adaptor, mouthpiece and mask, these parts (NOT THE MAIN UNIT) should be washed in warm soapy water, rinsed to remove soap residue and left to air dry on a lint free cloth.

NEVER TOUCH THE MESH directly with you fingers or any implement such as a cotton swab

To reduce the risk of infection the parts listed above should also be disinfected which can be done by several methods such as boiling or soaking using either alcohol, commercially available disinfectant such as some dental tablets, or a solution of white vinegar. Not each solution is suitable for all the items listed so please check your manual or the link above

Always pay particular attention to the mesh cap as residual medication can reduce its performance.

The main unit can be wiped clean using a moist, not wet, cloth and don’t forget the contacts or electrodes.

Mr Lewis emailed us to say he was worried about his U22 as “The on off switch was faulty, turning its self off within 2 seconds of being turned on.”

This can happen and just wiping the contacts isn’t always enough as occasionally when cleaning the medication bottle, your finger or thumb rubs on the two metal contacts on the bottom which then build up a film of grease off your skin. However it can be easily rectified by using something such as a ladies metal nail file to give those two metal contacts, and the contacts on the top of the battery box, a really good scratch to remove the residue.

It worked for Mr Lewis who emailed again to say “ I lightly cleaned the contacts concerned the neb is working fine now. Thank you very much you saved me a couple of weeks of hassle.”

The MicroAir is a reliable efficient nebuliser which gives you the freedom to live your life the way you want. It needs minimal but valuable maintenance and this post should be considered as just an introduction to that care. If your worried or confused at all please feel free to call 01942 701210 or email us. If you have any useful tips you would like to share please feel free to post.

A Little Inspiration for under £50

2011-02-28T16:04:00.015Z

One of the most common mistakes made when purchasing a nebuliser is not considering how often you will need to nebulise.

Nebuliser therapy for some is needed only as and when. A number of you struggle during the harsh winter months, for others hot summers can be a trigger and many of you nebulise only when you have a chest infection or an acute exacerbation. This means that for a great part of the year your nebuliser will sit unused in a cupboard.

Spending more money doesn’t always equal a better therapy. It can produce a slightly quicker therapy but this doesn’t suit all and if you only nebulise occasionally what difference does a minute or two make? Why buy a Rolls Royce and then leave it in the garage?

How do you decide? Even though you maybe looking to spend less it’s always wise to stick with one of the major manufactures because there will come a time when you need to replace your accessories, and even though you may only use it occasionally, a three year warranty may be invaluable.

Nebulisers made by Philips Respironics such as the Portaneb have a solid reputation amongst many heath professionals and they produce the Inspiration Elite. Smaller than the Portaneb but equally reliable, it comes with a disposable Sidestream chamber though it is compatible with the reusable Sidestream if you prefer. It’s robust, compact, lightweight and its new price of £49 makes it excellent value.

Then there is the Omron C801 recently launched which is dual voltage and can be purchased with an additional car lead or the Omron CompAir C28 with its boil-able VVT nebuliser kit which is stylish lightweight and easy to clean. Both units also carry three year warranties.

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, but if this isn’t you then why not keep a little cash back to treat yourself or maybe invest in a portable pocket nebuliser as well.

Finding the right unit to meet your needs is much more important than how much you spend. So consider carefully and as always if you need to know more we are here to help.