Has anyone used a portable nebulizer for travel?

Posted by kgggg @kgggg, May 3 12:56pm

Has anyone purchased the mesh portable nebulizer for travel? Any good? Or any other suggestions?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Lung Health Support Group.

@sueinmn

Hello, I am curious about what you mean by "self-cleaning mode." Can you describe it? Does it sanitize and/or sterilize the device it after use, or just keep the mesh clear?
For those if us with bronchiectasis and/or MAC, we are at high risk of infection, so daily sanitizing and weekly sterilizing are very important. I have bypassed most of the lower-cost mesh nebulizers because there were no instructions on sterilizing.
Sue

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Yes, you’re correct. The self cleaning mode just keeps the mesh clear. Mine didn’t have instructions for sterilizing either.

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@britelite

Yes, you’re correct. The self cleaning mode just keeps the mesh clear. Mine didn’t have instructions for sterilizing either.

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Does lack of sterilization concern you?

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@colleenyoung

Hi @kgggg, I moved your question about traveling with a nebulizer to this existing discussion:
- Has anyone used a portable nebulizer for travel?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/nebulizer-for-travel/
You may also be interested in related discussions about traveling with lung conditions, such as:
- What are your recommendations for travel nebulizer?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/travel-nebulizer/
- Tips for travelling with MAC
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/tips-for-travel-1/
- Need Advice for Traveling Internationally
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/need-advice-for-traveling-internationally/
See all related discussions using search https://connect.mayoclinic.org/search/discussions/?search=travel%20nebulizer

What travel tips would you offer as you prepare for you bon voyage?

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@sueinmn

Does lack of sterilization concern you?

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Definitely. Is it a problem to keep it sterile

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@sueinmn

The Innospire Go portable mesh nebulizer I'd no longer manufactured. Phillips had issues with it leaking after a too-short time that it was unable to resolve, so I dropped the product.

As of today, there are one or two very high-priced mesh nebulizer available - one must be bought from Europe.

The ones on Amazon have not proven worthy for daily use, and especially not use with saline solutions. The screens soon clog with salt crystals and are too fragile to brush. Others are not made to be sterilized.

For travel I use an Innova portable compressor with hose and tubing, plus a charger. My current one is over 2 years old and going strong. It's predecessor was borrowed by my daughter, and just had to be replaced this Spring after over 4 years. The entire package weighs well under 2 pounds and is great for travel. The battery lasts over 2 weeks of daily use, and recharges in a few hours.
Sue

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Hi, Sue. Would you be able to share a link to the portable compressor you use? I can't seem to find it in a search. Thanks.

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@wsbme74

Hi, Sue. Would you be able to share a link to the portable compressor you use? I can't seem to find it in a search. Thanks.

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Hi, the one I have settled on, after years of experimentation, is the De Vilbiss Traveler with a rechargeable battery. I owned it before my InnospireGo, and have been using it again since that died (after less than 2 years.)
I am actually on my 3rd Traveler as my kids love this machine too - they "borrow" it when they travel, and never seem to remember where it belongs. My daughter had to replace the original one this past winter after about 6 years of fairly regular use by her and her 2 little boys.
When I travel, I use disposable neb cups, wash them every day and throw them away after about a week so I don't have to bother about sterilizing. I get over a dozen nebs on a charge, and it can be charged in the wall or in a car. Suitable for use with foreign current adapters too.
With battery, supplies & charger it packs in a case about 5x7x4 inches (?) and weighs less than 2 pounds
Sue

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@sueinmn

Hi, the one I have settled on, after years of experimentation, is the De Vilbiss Traveler with a rechargeable battery. I owned it before my InnospireGo, and have been using it again since that died (after less than 2 years.)
I am actually on my 3rd Traveler as my kids love this machine too - they "borrow" it when they travel, and never seem to remember where it belongs. My daughter had to replace the original one this past winter after about 6 years of fairly regular use by her and her 2 little boys.
When I travel, I use disposable neb cups, wash them every day and throw them away after about a week so I don't have to bother about sterilizing. I get over a dozen nebs on a charge, and it can be charged in the wall or in a car. Suitable for use with foreign current adapters too.
With battery, supplies & charger it packs in a case about 5x7x4 inches (?) and weighs less than 2 pounds
Sue

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Wonderful - your a wealth of info. Stay well

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@sueinmn

Innova - not able to look at the model right now, but a small compressor model with a powerful rechargeable battery. Under $150 complete. I like it because the battery lasts 2 weeks twice a day between charges, and I have a car charger too. Am on #2 because my kids keep stealing them!

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Thanks for the info. That is really what I should have since I hav been carrying my regular size for travel. Will investigate.

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@sueinmn

Hi, the one I have settled on, after years of experimentation, is the De Vilbiss Traveler with a rechargeable battery. I owned it before my InnospireGo, and have been using it again since that died (after less than 2 years.)
I am actually on my 3rd Traveler as my kids love this machine too - they "borrow" it when they travel, and never seem to remember where it belongs. My daughter had to replace the original one this past winter after about 6 years of fairly regular use by her and her 2 little boys.
When I travel, I use disposable neb cups, wash them every day and throw them away after about a week so I don't have to bother about sterilizing. I get over a dozen nebs on a charge, and it can be charged in the wall or in a car. Suitable for use with foreign current adapters too.
With battery, supplies & charger it packs in a case about 5x7x4 inches (?) and weighs less than 2 pounds
Sue

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Thanks so this info! I have the Pari TrekS but don't feel it holds the charge for long. I have a trip to the UK in late summer so your recommendation is great to have. Thanks!

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