Expert Patient

We were recently reminded of a post we wrote way back in 2011. You can read it HERE. It's one of many over the years we have written in order to provide you with access to information, help and advice from experts. Some have gained their expertise through education and clinical practice, others by living with the symptoms and problems you may encounter with your health. All this knowledge is there waiting to assist you to develop into an Expert Patient. Our kindred spirits and Useful links are available at national and local level and there are many self help groups on Twitter like @Wiganwarblers, a local singing for health group, as well as individuals such as Ken who are happy to offer a friendly shoulder. You can read Kens story on becoming an Expert Patient HERE

Our expertise is in nebulisers It's why over the years we have resisted temptation to diversify too far from our core knowledge. Although at first being told you need a nebuliser may seem overwhelming, in practice when selected appropriately and cared for as manufacturers instructions it can soon become part of everyday life. Add in a portable nebuliser and you can still enjoy all that life has to offer. 

Nebuliser friends

Back in 2013 we wrote this piece about how the British public never failed to get behind a good cause such as fund raising for nebulisers, you can read it HERE. We are pleased to say despite recent headlines this still holds true.

Getting to grips with technology and social media has always been a little tricky for us but we took it slowly and shouted HELP when we needed it. (more often than I care to admit) Recently we were given another push by one of our customers to revisit Twitter. You can read Ken's story HERE

I can honestly say we have been bowled over by the atmosphere of friendly support, intelligent advice and community spirit. Friends are there waiting to help, at national level and more importantly at local level. Friends such as Wigan Warblers, a community choir passionate about singing for COPD and long term health conditions are just one example of how other people with long term medical conditions are waiting to reach out to you. You can find all sorts of activities and interests on Twitter whether you want to bake a cake, drink good wine, plant some bee friendly flowers or photograph your local wildlife. If you have an ambition or aspiration someone will be there to help you achieve it. So don't take my word for it why not check it out, you never know who you might find. @evergreennebs

Nebulisers for Europe 2016

"Can I take my big nebuliser to ....." is a question we often get asked. All our mains powered nebulisers will work in Europe though you may need a travel adapter for the socket on the wall.  The Omron C28 comes with its own travel bag which can prove handy but whichever mains powered nebuliser you have they should function well in Europe. There are smaller more convenient portable models available and you can see those HERE If all the football coverage has given you a hankering to take an impulsive trip to Europe then the answer is yes. You can take your "big one" 
If you need other advice about travelling with a lung condition our useful links provide a wealth of hints and tips that you can find HERE and if you want to learn from fellow travellers, its National Breathe Easy Week at British Lung Foundation why not see what you can learn right on your own doorstep by clicking HERE 

Lung health, Lung help

We are always blogging about our kindred spirits and useful links such as Asthma UK, the British Lung Foundation, the Cystic Fibrosis Trust and Voice 20-20 cancer. 
Why? Because everyday we speak to people who are lost, confused and overwhelmed by their diagnosis. Our kindred spirits are the experts. Expert clinical professionals as well as expert patients. The members of these organisations work tirelessly on your behalf and are there to share their knowledge, support you through your difficulties and help you find solutions, so why not click on a link and see what they have to offer. 

The Cystic Fibrosis Trust are campaigning hard for a life unlimited by cystic fibrosis for everyone affected by the condition and you can find out how they hope to make this a reality and how you can make a difference by clicking HERE
They are determined to ensure that people with Cystic Fibrosis have access to life changing treatments and you can find out more and join their campaign  by clicking HERE
Cystic fibrosis should not be a barrier that stops you from living the life you want. The Cystic Fibrosis Trust are there to provide high quality trusted information and assist those who need them most. 
Why not click on a link to find out just how you can learn more, find a friend and get involved. 

Struggling with Asthma?

Are you struggling to get to grips with your Asthma? Then why not check out what Asthma UK have to offer?

They have lots of health advice which you can find HERE. They can help you to understand and manage your diagnosis as well the correction action to take if you are having an acute attack.

They are the UK's leading asthma research charity, working towards better treatments, diagnosis, care and hopefully one day a cure. You can find out more or donate HERE

And they campaign to improve care and quality for you. They do this by identifying and raising awareness of issues affecting people with asthma and developing practical solutions to these problems. You can read more about their work or get involved HERE

As it's the Easter holidays their helpline is currently closed but I'm sure the advice forum will be open for business as usual. There you will find lots of people with similar symptoms and issues who would be happy to help. 

If you suffer from other chest conditions our useful links may just have the answers your looking for. If you find yourself with free time this Easter holiday why not see what they have to offer? We will be back on Tuesday after the holiday should you need to get in touch 01942 701210.

What the British Lung Foundation do for you

We often speak to customers who are confused about their diagnosis, treatment plan or how to access help which is why we always recommend you check out the British Lung Foundation. You can find out why out by clicking HERE
They are a UK charity who look after the nation’s lungs. They want to make sure that one day everyone will breathe clean air with healthy lungs. And they need you to make that happen.

Did you know?
Your right lung is a little larger than the left, to learn more about your lungs click HERE
Somebody dies from lung disease every 5 minutes, you can find the statistics HERE
In 30 years, they have spent £25m on lung research and you can read about it HERE
Their helpline answers more than 17,000 calls a year, to speak to their helpline click HERE
We find all our useful links very helpful and we know many of you do too. For confident, independent support and advice why not take a look ? They may just have answers you're searching for. 

Filters for Nebulisers

Most compressor type nebulisers have an inlet filter. This is the part which often gets over looked. Even those of you who change your accessories on a regular basis have been known to forget to check and change the compressors filter. So why is it important? It matters because this is where all the air to be compressed enters the unit, the filter therefore protects the unit from dust in the air and then ultimately your lungs. How often you change yours depends on how often you nebulise, manufacturers instructions and just where you choose to nebulise. Those of you with lots of fabrics, parrots and pets have found out you may have to change it more frequently than recommended. A blocked filter can also be one of the reasons your nebuliser is running slow and if you click HERE you can find hints and tips on how to look after your nebuliser properly.

You can find each of the nebuliser filters listed on the accessory page for your unit by clicking HERE and there are lots of pictures throughout the blog and on our website which you can see HERE if you're not quite sure which nebuliser you have. 
We do still keep stock of filters for some deleted nebulisers such as the Philips Portaneb and Inspiration Elite or you can always call us on 01942 701210 if you're still not sure

Portaneb Omron Pari Philips or Medix

Here’s a little tongue in cheek story sent in by one of our customers
“Often found in the draining board region of the kitchen ‘the baffle’ is a rare thing to behold. Sometimes known by its other name the vaporiser head or most often by its pet name “the thing in the middle”. They are quite rare and there is only one in every nebuliser kit.

By documenting such a rare item I am trying to highlight just how vital this component is to an effective nebuliser therapy and remind everyone that life just wouldn’t be the same were it to become lost forever.”
So help us help you, by taking great care of this mysterious and wonderful thing. Portaneb, Innospire, Omron, Pari or Medix, you can all do your bit by taking good care of your nebuliser accessories. If you click HERE you can just see the vaporiser head in its natural habitat 

Nebuliser delivery

Choosing a nebuliser can be tricky. The important aspects to consider are the medication you have been prescribed, what exactly is involved in its care and maintenance, and will it fit in with your lifestyle. To help you with these decisions you can click HERE where you will find many more clickable links to help you navigate your way through what may seem overwhelming at first. 

Having made a decision you may want to explore your delivery options and you can do that by clicking HERE

Delivery on orders received before 3pm on a working day are generally out for the delivery the following working day. As we all have busy lives these days we have added a Saturday and Sunday option with a cost supplement and our courier has a text or email predict service that puts you in charge of your delivery.

We always strive to put you at the heart of our service. So explore the blog to see whats available, return to our website when you have decided, proceed to check out and choose your delivery options

And for those of you who are not so technically minded we are still here and happy to take your call on 01942 701210 

Nebuliser servicing

Over the years the manufacture of nebulisers has changed. As components and materials have improved some companies have chosen to produce units that do not require annual servicing. You can see for yourself by clicking on our link https://evergreen-nebulizers.co.uk/

In the good old days every nebuliser needed a full service to maintain peak performance but now some manufacturers are offering service free models with a 3 year or 4 year comprehensive guarantee, taking the view that the service costs saved over the life of the machine more than cover the cost of a brand new unit. You can see whats available on the links below.

Philips
https://evergreen-nebulizers.co.uk/nebulisers?category%5B%5D=philips

Pari
https://evergreen-nebulizers.co.uk/nebulisers?category%5B%5D=pari
The Pari TurboBoy SX comers with a 4 year warranty

Omron
https://evergreen-nebulizers.co.uk/nebulisers?category%5B%5D=omron

Beurer
https://evergreen-nebulizers.co.uk/nebulisers?category%5B%5D=beurer

Other manufacturers prefer the more traditional system and offer a nationwide service facility. For details of your local service agent you can contact us on 01942 701210 or click HERE to email. Clement Clarke are on 01279 414969

Medix (Clement Clarke)
http://www.evergreen-nebulizers.co.uk/mains/mains_medix.html
The Medix Actineb does not require an annual service

Spares and accessories still need to be changed on a regular basis you can see our full range HERE and a quick guide to how often HERE

Nebulisers and COPD

Although not everybody who needs a nebuliser has COPD, we do take a lot of calls from those who do as well as their relatives and friends. “My friend has COPD and I was wondering if they would benefit from a nebuliser if I bought one?” “My mother used a nebuliser in A&E and I was wondering would she benefit from having one at home?”

The first person to speak to has to be the medical professional who is helping with your COPD. It could be the COPD Nurse the British Lung Foundation Nurse the Respiratory Nurse or the G.P. They will decide if now is the right time for you or your relative to have a nebuliser at home. They will decide which medication to prescribe to use with it and advise on how often you may need to nebulise. For some people its a regular daily routine for others it's as and when.

We can help you choose the right nebuliser to suit your needs and there is lots of information throughout this blog to get you started. You can click HERE to view our range or call us on 01942 70120

COPD stands for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It is the name used to describe a number of conditions, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, where people have difficulty breathing because of long-term damage to their lungs.

If you want to read more about COPD then the British Lung Foundation have some excellent, simple to follow pages on their website which you can find HERE or by clicking on the link below and there are leaflets and publications available if your friend or family member hasn’t got access to the internet. 

http://www.blf.org.uk/Conditions/Detail/COPD

Nebulisers, would you benefit?

Well what a difference a few weeks can make, it has turned from the coldest spring to what may become the hottest summer in a while.

If you are struggling with an exacerbation of your chest condition or having any difficulty breathing the first priority has to be to seek medical help from your G.P. Respiratory Nurse or Asthma Nurse. 

There is also plenty of hints and tips on how to manage in the heat on our kindred sprits websites as well as large communities of fellow sufferers who have developed their own coping strategies over the years which you may find useful. 

We have seen an increase in calls about nebulisers and for some, once you have been assessed by your medical professional, a nebuliser may provide vital relief but you do need that all important prescription first. As with our mucus clearance devices, although they don't need medicine there are contra indications and they aren't suitable for everyone. So its worth just asking a few questions before you invest in a nebuliser, shaker or flutter. 

If you get the go ahead, there is lots of information throughout this blog, you can view our full range HERE or for frequently asked questions and answers click here which will help you choose the product to fit your needs as well as lots of independent advice from our kindred spirits. 

In the meantime for those of you that can, relax and enjoy it and if you are struggling remember it won't last forever this is the U.K. after all ! 

Struggling to choose a nebuliser ?

There is lots of helpful advice throughout this blog and you can click here for our Frequently Asked Questions and Answers. If you are looking for a friendly face, people with personal experience of nebulisers or just someone  to chat to,
Here are a few Facebook links to our kindred spirits

Asthma UK

British Lung Foundation

Cystic Fibrosis Trust

"20-20 Voice Cancer Appeal

Have a look at their pages and check out what they are up to, who knows you may even end up getting involved.
And if you just need to ask a few questions you can talk to us on 01942 701210 or drop us a line via email

Nebuliser, helpful key words

Nebuliser Questions,   Buying a nebuliser, Delivery options

Home nebuliser,  Hospital nebuliser,  

Portable nebuliser,  Childrens nebuliser, 

Dual voltage nebuliser,  Nebuliser not working?

Philips Respironics,  Omron,  Medix,  Pari,  Battery,  

Car lead,  Cleaning MicroAir,  Cleaning generally.

Medications,  Saline,  Medication chamber,  

VVT Kit, Sidestream,  Sidestream Plus , LC Sprint, Mask,  

About accessories,  Buying accessories.

Mucus Clearance Devices, Sinus problems,  Flutter,
Shaker
Asthma,  Cystic Fibrosis,  COPD,  Bronchiectasis,
Lung disease and Respiratory disorders and many more helpful friends.
A few clickable links to help you navigate your way round when getting to grips with nebulisers and their related products. If you are still a little unsure there is lots more information on our blog, our website and don't forget our useful links for independent help and advice

What do we mean by Dual Purpose?

Click HERE on our website and you will the nebulisers we list 

Some are Mains Powered, Portable or Dual Purpose. This is by no means a definitive list and there can be some cross over, for instance the Innospire Go and the MicroAir are the smallest battery nebulisers we supply and can be powered from the mains electricity. 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?

Dual purpose nebulisers are those which 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. Some of 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. You can always call on 01942 701210 if you're not sure

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 by clicking HERE or call on 01942 701210.

Hands up who needs a mask?

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 despite what the image may show on our website

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 Sidestream Plus or a Pari LC Sprint and work better when used with a mouthpiece if you do prefer a mask please phone us for advice on 01942 701210 


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 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 HERE, comment below or telephone and we’ll be happy to help.

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.

So, having bought your new nebuliser what exactly have you got?

If you decided to choose a compressor you should have included in the box:

The compressor itself.  A a simple machine with its mains electrical lead, which should be fitted securely in its port and the unit placed in a stable area away from water or liquids before switching on. A quick wipe clean with a slightly damp cloth is all the compressor needs.

 The compressor works by sucking in air, compressing it and then using this power to turn your prescribed medication into a mist. The micron size of most of this mist has to be small enough to reach your lower airways. 

The filter, is there to protect your lungs and the compressor from any dust and other particles floating around in the air. This is where all the air to be compressed is sucked in and over time it gets clogged and blocked when not changed regularly. This can put an unnecessary strain on your compressors motor and can result in a drop in pressure. Change each filter as per manufactures instruction 

A drive line or air tube.This is mostly opaque or clear between 1 and 2 meters in length with connectors moulded at either end, it connects your unit to the nebuliser chamber. Change according to manufacturers instructions, and we often recommend you try to always connect the same end to the unit. This should help reduce wear and tear.

The nebuliser chamber. Sometimes known as medication chamber, acorn or cup. It comes in many different shapes and sizes but generally functions in a similar way. It has three parts. The bottom where you connect the drive line and the top where you connect the mask or mouthpiece. The third and most important piece, the ‘baffle’,‘mushroom’, ‘umbrella’ or ‘vaporiser head’, it has many names and must always sit in the bottom of the  nebuliser chamber. Without this small item your unit will not work and your medication will not turn into a mist. 

Some nebuliser chambers are disposable and need changing after 3 months or so, others can be boiled like an egg in a pan. All need rinsing after each use and must be left to ‘air’ dry. Avoid using towels or tissues. Your manufactures guidelines will explain which chamber you have and how often it should be changed 

This covers the most basic of nebuliser compressor types. You may have chosen one with a battery, a car lead, or a different technology in which case please do read your instructions carefully. You can see our full range of nebulisers HERE and check out our spares and accessories HERE 

We often get asked “Just what is a nebuliser?” What exactly does it do?” What’s this bit I’ve found in my box” “ Which is the.........” For those of you who are probably a million times more familiar with the world of nebulisers I apologise and  please feel free to comment or call if you have any useful hints or tips to add. For those of you new to nebulisers, this is just a simple general guide not a definitive article as your healthcare professional will be able to advise you more fully and on a more personal level. 

Nebulisers. Why should you have to buy one?

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

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

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

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

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

Winter Pressures can cause a sudden spike in demand

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

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

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

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

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

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