Portable nebulisers for nebulised antibiotics and steroids

Small but still powerful. 

We often hear the MicroAir and the Innospire Go described as “little gems” and that some of you just couldn’t manage to live a normal life or have a holiday without them. Sadly not everyone is as fortunate and for those of you who have to nebulise steroids or antibiotics a portable nebuliser may mean choosing from the “bricks’ 

So what is available? 

Probably the smallest and most versatile is them all is the Pari Boy Mobile S. Even with its rapid charging lithium battery it only weighs in at just over 500 g. It can be used from the mains electric anywhere in the world and comes with 12 volt DC lead for the car. When used with Pari LC sprint chamber it is capable of efficiently nebulising just about all medications. And now, its even better, as from August 2012 you can pick and choose your accessories with the Pari Mini Click HERE to view.

Don’t be put off travelling with a nebuliser. The holiday companies spend a lot of money this time of year encouraging us to believe anything or anywhere is possible. If your thinking Truro, Tenerife or even Tobago be realistic but optimistic and remember you are the Expert Patient. To check out just which will suit you and your pocket best, click HERE

Just who is an 'Expert Patient'

Recent posts from Kate and Bill amongst others, along with several recent headlines had us thinking. An Expert Patient is someone who suffers from a chronic medical condition and takes control of their lives using 5 core skills:

Problem solving, decision making, making the best use of resources, developing effective partnerships with health care providers and taking appropriate action. All of which means putting people at the centre of their own health

Many councils (you can find yours here Direct.gov) and N.H.S.Trusts run regular programmes to help people understand their chronic medical condition and help them learn how to live with it on a day to day basis. The C.F. trust has encouraged people to use their knowledge of living with Cystic Fibrosis to influence others and the British Lung Foundation through their Breathe Easy Groups provide free practical self management courses and an opportunity share your experience. So on what ever level, be it becoming actively involved, requesting simple advice or just hoping to make a positive change to your health and well being there are many individuals and organisations  waiting to help.


And what has all this to do with nebulisers? 

A nebuliser can be just one aspect of a whole spectrum of treatments  for many chest conditions and, over the course of an average day, we take many calls from worried individuals, desperate to help their friend, relative, sometimes their child. 

However, as previously discussed nebulisers are not suitable for everyone  and there are many other options and treatments to be explored first. Having said that once your health care professional recommends that you may find a nebuliser beneficial, when chosen carefully and used correctly, it can help you to take back control of your life. You can view our full range by clicking HERE

With over 20 years experience and specialist knowledge a great deal of which comes from your feed back we are here and happy to help whatever your aspirations. Though after reading Brians comments  the results may not be quite what you expect !     

Micro Air & Mesh Cap Technology. What's that all about?

In the MicroAir U22, aerosol  is generated by pushing liquid medication through fine holes in the newly developed metal alloy mesh. This is realised by a titanium vibrator, oscillating at high frequency. 

Precisely !

So, what does all that mean? Who knows ? But what it can mean in real terms is more independence and an opportunity for you to take back control of your life at a very affordable price. You can check it out by clicking HERE

Weighing about 5 ounces and that's including 2 AA batteries, it will fit into a pocket or handbag so you can take it just about anywhere. It's discreet, effective and virtually silent. So,if your New Years Resolution  was that long awaited holiday or just a trip to Tesco the MicroAir U22 could help you on your way. 

Is this beginning to sound like an advert ? Is it too good to be true? Well not really. Not for many many people.

 David emailed to say "Thanks for the great service. I received the Omron U22 this morning, what a difference it is in weight and size compared to the ones I have bought over the past 25 years, which is all the more important with weight restrictions on planes." and Peter commented  
"This Nebulizer gave Ellen the freedom she did not have before and also more quality of life."
and Kate posted to say   she found the confidence with "her MicroAir and Epipen to travel again", even as far as the "Falklands and Ascension Islands"


However as with everything there are a few limitations. 

The Mesh Cap itself can be expensive to replace and needs gentle handling when cleaning. 

The MicroAir U22 has an optional mains adaptor and runs well on regular quality AA batteries as well as rechargeable, but this may mean having to spend more. Unfortunately its not suitable for all medications and can’t be used "hands free"

But please don’t give up your ambitions just yet, if the MicroAir doesn’t fit the bill, or you are still unsure, there are lots of portable nebulisers which you can find HERE to choose, and many organisations offering advice to help make life more accessible for you.

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

Shaker, Flutter or the Pari O-PEP ?

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

What is the Flutter

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

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

The Shaker

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

How do they work? 

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

Are there any risks?

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

So how do you use it? 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Is it easy to clean?

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

Top Ten Common Mistakes regarding Nebulisers

Not checking what resources Health Professionals can provide locally. 

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

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

Thinking a nebuliser will work without medication 

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

Thinking tap water is safe to use in a nebuliser. 

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

Assuming spending more money equals a better therapy

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

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

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

Mismatching nebuliser accessories and units

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

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

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

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

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

Boiling non boil-able medication chambers

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

Letting the pan boil dry when boiling those that are !

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

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