FAQ - Nebulizer

Nebulizer

FAQ - Nebulizer

1) What is a Nebulizer?

A nebulizer is a device, which is used to administer a drug solution in the form of a fine mist for you to inhale. The pump (compressor unit) forces air through the liquid (drug solution) in the drug chamber (nebulizer chamber). This changes the liquid into a fine mist, which you breathe in through a mask or mouthpiece.

2) What are the advantages of Nebulizer?

a.) a large dose of drug can be administered simply and effectively
b.) patients too ill, short of breath, or otherwise unable to use hand-held inhalers, can self-administer drug therapy
c.) drugs intended for the lungs, not available in hand-held inhalers (e.g. lignocaine and antibiotics) may be administered.

3) How does Ultrasonic Nebulizer work?

Ultrasonic Nebulizer such as NE-U14 uses a rapidly vibrating piezo crystal in the reservoir, which forms a fountain of liquid from which the aerosol mist arises. However, do take note that this type of nebulizer does not nebulize drug suspensions efficiently.

4) Which should I use - Mouthpiece or Mask?

A mouthpiece is the preferred method for delivery of nebulized drugs to the lungs. Aerosol delivery can increase by up to 85% through a mouthpiece. Masks allow more contact of drug with the skin of the face possibly causing allergic reactions. However, masks are likely to be the only means of delivering nebulized drugs to infants. Children faces should be washed after delivery of nebulized steroids administered through a facemask. Nebulized ipatropium bromide, via a mask in older patients, may result in an adverse affect on intra-ocular pressure.

5) Can I use rechargeable batteries in my NE-U14 nebulizer?

Yes you can. Lots of people enjoy the convenience of using 4 "AA" size alkaline or lithium batteries, others prefer the long-term economy of rechargeable batteries. They purchase two sets of 4 "AA" rechargeable batteries and a battery recharger. While one set is in use, the other can be charging. The alkaline batteries and the rechargeable batteries will give you about 5 hours of use per set. The lithium batteries will give you about 10 hours of use per set.

6) Why is it my NE-U14 nebulizer shuts itself off after about 15 minutes?

Your NE-U14 nebulizer incorporates a fail-safe system to protect the batteries from being left on accidentally. After 12 to 15 minutes of continuous operation the nebulizer will shut off automatically. If your treatment is not finished simply press the on/off button and resume treatment.

7) How long can I keep using my disposable nebulizer parts?

Although there are no set standards, it is generally accepted that disposable nebulizers should be replaced about every 2 weeks. This will be affected by use and care of the nebulizer and in some circumstances can be extended for over a month. Continued usage causes the orifice inside the nebulizer to become enlarged. This affects the particle size of the mist. Although you will still see a mist, the particles will become too large to reach the lower airways in your lungs. Therefore if you use the disposable nebulizer too long you will begin to get less benefit from the treatment. Be sure to follow your physician's directions and your homecare supplier's directions in care and cleaning of the nebulizer and replacement of the nebulizer.

8) My Doctor prescribed 8 ml of medication and NE-U14 only holds 5 ml, what should I do?

In most cases part of this medication is Saline that is used to dilute the medication and give enough volume for the nebulizer to work. In your case you may not need all of the Saline because you have plenty of volume for the nebulizer to work. Ask your Doctor if you can decrease the Saline portion of your prescription. You will receive the same amount of medication without the added Saline, it will just be less diluted. If you can not decrease the amount of Saline you can take half of the medication at a time. Ask your Doctor how he wants the medication split up for your treatment.

9) How much medication is left at the end of my treatment?

This depends on the nebulizer that you use. Most nebulizers will leave around 0.5 ml of medication after your treatment is done. This is a result of the mechanics of the nebulizers and they are unable to nebulize the rest of the medication. This is also the reason why Saline needs to be added to the medication. The only exception to this is the NE-U14 nebulizer, which literally nebulizes to the last drop. The NE-U14 leaves only 0.05 ml (about one drop) in the medication tank. Because of this you may be able to use the NE-U14 without diluting the medication with Saline. This can save you considerable time with your treatment. Be sure to ask your Doctor if you can leave the Saline out of your prescription.

10) Do the nebulizer, mouthpiece and mask need to be cleaned?

At home, nebulizers and the mouthpiece (or mask) should be washed in warm soapy water after each use. Tubing should be kept dry. Before commencing a new treatment, air should be blown through the equipment for 10 seconds to remove any residual fluid.