What are your recommendations for travel nebulizer?

Posted by terryb1 @128128terry11t, Aug 22, 2017

A few months ago there were some emails about what to take and do when traveling. Someone from the NYC support group recommended the PariTrekS portable nebulizer. I ordered it from Just Nebulizers. When I ordered this I inquired at Just Nebulizers if this could be used with an aerobika. They referred me to Pari and its spokesperson could not definitively endorse their product with an aerobika. I got the same sense that Katherine always got that they didn't want to recommend a competitor nor endorse something for fear of liability. In any case, it can operate as an efficient nebulizer with a small compressor for travel. I ordered mine with a battery. The battery (not really needed) came defective and neither Just Nebulizers or Pari would give me a refund. Pari will be sending a replacement but as mentioned, battery is really not necessary. Hope this is helpful for the travelers on our forum. Terry

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the MAC & Bronchiectasis Support Group.

@mb53

Does anyone know of a good battery operated travel nebulizer ? I see them come with self cleaning which would be helpful
Thank you

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@mb53 - Let me start by saying there is no such thing as a "self-cleaning" nebulizer when you are dealing with MAC & Bronchiectasis. Nebulizers, and all other devices like the Aerobika, need to be cleaned daily with soap and water, and disinfected weekly with boiling water, steam, or alcohol depending upon recommendations.

As for "travel nebulizer" there are two types
- compressor nebulizers (traditional type) which are more compact and lightweight than a tabletop model, and include a battery pack - usually rechargeable. These still include a neb cup and tubing, and may have the added advantage of being able to be run and/or charged in your auto.
- handheld nebulizers which use a mesh to break up the droplets and you breath directly through a mouthpiece.

Each has its own advantages, but the handheld ones you see on Amazon of $30 - 60 are NOT for daily use with meds plus saline solution - these are intended for occasional users of albuterol or an inhaled antibiotic during an brief illness or infection.

I will let others comment here, but my go-to for travel and everyday use is the DeVilbiss Traveler with battery pack, charger and 12v cord. I am on my third one, but only because my kids keep stealing them from me. It is quiet, reliable and long-lasting. It is a fast as the fastest tabletop nebulizer, and 7% saline doesn't cause it to clog. corrode or quit working. It runs 15-20 uses between charges, and costs a little over $100.

What kind of a nebulizer are you currently using?
Sue

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@mb53

Does anyone know of a good battery operated travel nebulizer ? I see them come with self cleaning which would be helpful
Thank you

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Another travel nebulizer is the PARI Trek, which I purchased for a recent trip. I was surprised how quiet it was. It did the job, although I think it took a few more minutes than my tabletop Ombra. The Trek is small, light and an optional lithium rechargeable battery is available for on the go nebbing. Sounds a lot like the DeVilbiss Traveler.

It's on sale right now (with no prescription necessary, just a photo of a nebulizer med) at Direct Home Medical.
https://www.directhomemedical.com/47F35-LCS-paritreks-compressor-nebulizer-power-kit.html
I, too, have never heard of a self cleaning nebulizer!

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@sueinmn

@mb53 - Let me start by saying there is no such thing as a "self-cleaning" nebulizer when you are dealing with MAC & Bronchiectasis. Nebulizers, and all other devices like the Aerobika, need to be cleaned daily with soap and water, and disinfected weekly with boiling water, steam, or alcohol depending upon recommendations.

As for "travel nebulizer" there are two types
- compressor nebulizers (traditional type) which are more compact and lightweight than a tabletop model, and include a battery pack - usually rechargeable. These still include a neb cup and tubing, and may have the added advantage of being able to be run and/or charged in your auto.
- handheld nebulizers which use a mesh to break up the droplets and you breath directly through a mouthpiece.

Each has its own advantages, but the handheld ones you see on Amazon of $30 - 60 are NOT for daily use with meds plus saline solution - these are intended for occasional users of albuterol or an inhaled antibiotic during an brief illness or infection.

I will let others comment here, but my go-to for travel and everyday use is the DeVilbiss Traveler with battery pack, charger and 12v cord. I am on my third one, but only because my kids keep stealing them from me. It is quiet, reliable and long-lasting. It is a fast as the fastest tabletop nebulizer, and 7% saline doesn't cause it to clog. corrode or quit working. It runs 15-20 uses between charges, and costs a little over $100.

What kind of a nebulizer are you currently using?
Sue

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Thank you both for your travel nebulizer recommendations. I was skeptical about how it cleans itself and didn’t check details. We’re going to Argentina where there’s 220 current so unsure if I have an adapter and converter that it won’t burn out

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@scoop

Another travel nebulizer is the PARI Trek, which I purchased for a recent trip. I was surprised how quiet it was. It did the job, although I think it took a few more minutes than my tabletop Ombra. The Trek is small, light and an optional lithium rechargeable battery is available for on the go nebbing. Sounds a lot like the DeVilbiss Traveler.

It's on sale right now (with no prescription necessary, just a photo of a nebulizer med) at Direct Home Medical.
https://www.directhomemedical.com/47F35-LCS-paritreks-compressor-nebulizer-power-kit.html
I, too, have never heard of a self cleaning nebulizer!

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Does sound too good to be true. Besides the electric current potential issue we were told not to use tap water so cleaning could be an issue would just use hotel/bottled water I guess
Thank you all for chiming in!

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@mb53

Does sound too good to be true. Besides the electric current potential issue we were told not to use tap water so cleaning could be an issue would just use hotel/bottled water I guess
Thank you all for chiming in!

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You might consider contacting PARI or other manufacturer to inquire about power requirements/adaptability in South America. Since PARI is a European company I bet they've been asked this before now.

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@scoop

You might consider contacting PARI or other manufacturer to inquire about power requirements/adaptability in South America. Since PARI is a European company I bet they've been asked this before now.

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Will do! Thank you!

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@scoop

Another travel nebulizer is the PARI Trek, which I purchased for a recent trip. I was surprised how quiet it was. It did the job, although I think it took a few more minutes than my tabletop Ombra. The Trek is small, light and an optional lithium rechargeable battery is available for on the go nebbing. Sounds a lot like the DeVilbiss Traveler.

It's on sale right now (with no prescription necessary, just a photo of a nebulizer med) at Direct Home Medical.
https://www.directhomemedical.com/47F35-LCS-paritreks-compressor-nebulizer-power-kit.html
I, too, have never heard of a self cleaning nebulizer!

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Thank you I talked to someone at the Pari company today and they said the unit adjusts to 110 voltage. However I noticed the batteries are lithium which I believe is still not allowed on planes. Think I’ll just get the plug in and may get a converter on top of adapter. It also comes with a cigarette lighter charger ( old type and lots of rental cars don’t have them anyways) thank you all!

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@mb53

Thank you both for your travel nebulizer recommendations. I was skeptical about how it cleans itself and didn’t check details. We’re going to Argentina where there’s 220 current so unsure if I have an adapter and converter that it won’t burn out

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I’ve used the devilbiss travel nebulizer in Uruguay and Europe with just the outlet adapter.

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@mb53

Thank you I talked to someone at the Pari company today and they said the unit adjusts to 110 voltage. However I noticed the batteries are lithium which I believe is still not allowed on planes. Think I’ll just get the plug in and may get a converter on top of adapter. It also comes with a cigarette lighter charger ( old type and lots of rental cars don’t have them anyways) thank you all!

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Lithium batteries are allowed in carry-on luggage but not on checked luggage. I had zero problems carrying on the travel Trek with lithium battery and associated medicines.

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@scoop

Lithium batteries are allowed in carry-on luggage but not on checked luggage. I had zero problems carrying on the travel Trek with lithium battery and associated medicines.

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Oh! I’ll check on that just about to order thank you!

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