1. < MAC & Bronchiectasis

Looking for a decent portable nebulizer

Posted by raybo @raybo, Jan 19 9:20am

So many of these look the same with a different name and fizz out in short order. I’m taking a long trip soon and need one for those times you are not in your room. Suggestions?

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pacathy | @pacathy | Jan 28 4:36pm
In reply to @julienneh "Albuterol does not help me (they used it during pulmonary function tests and no difference). I..." + (show)
@julienneh

Albuterol does not help me (they used it during pulmonary function tests and no difference).
I use a 3% saline connected to my Aerobika, so I breathe in the saline hold for 3, then breathe out through the aerobika and generally cough up a lot of secretions, twice a day. I also use Dulear inhaler twice a day.
I found a CPAP disinfectant spray that I am going to ask my pulmonologist about. If I can't get very hot water in Africa, I hope this spray will work.
I have also thought of asking the kitchen for boiling water and I am bring a small thermos for that as well.

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I hope you have an amazing trip. I’ve found that people really try to help.

REPLY
maryjill | @maryjill | Jan 30 7:54am
In reply to @julienneh "Albuterol does not help me (they used it during pulmonary function tests and no difference). I..." + (show)
@julienneh

Albuterol does not help me (they used it during pulmonary function tests and no difference).
I use a 3% saline connected to my Aerobika, so I breathe in the saline hold for 3, then breathe out through the aerobika and generally cough up a lot of secretions, twice a day. I also use Dulear inhaler twice a day.
I found a CPAP disinfectant spray that I am going to ask my pulmonologist about. If I can't get very hot water in Africa, I hope this spray will work.
I have also thought of asking the kitchen for boiling water and I am bring a small thermos for that as well.

Jump to this post

Has anyone found a disinfectant wipe to disinfect aerobica?

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1 reply
Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Jan 30 12:16pm
In reply to @maryjill "Has anyone found a disinfectant wipe to disinfect aerobica?" + (show)
@maryjill

Has anyone found a disinfectant wipe to disinfect aerobica?

Jump to this post

With all the crevices in the Aerobika, a disinfectant wipe will not do the job.

You can steam it in the microwave, use a baby bottle sterilizer, boil in a pot of water or soak it in alcohol.

Also, Dr Joe Falkinham, guru of mycobacteria contamination, tested adherence of mycobacteria to the device:
https://cdn.prod-carehubs.net/n1/748e8fe697af5de8/uploads/2024/08/Falkinham-aerobika-study-1.jpg
I take this to mean that IF it does colonize, it happens slowly. So, I wash mine daily in hot soapy water, and only sterilize weekly.

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1 reply
maryjill | @maryjill | Jan 30 4:14pm
In reply to @sueinmn "With all the crevices in the Aerobika, a disinfectant wipe will not do the job. You..." + (show)
@sueinmn

With all the crevices in the Aerobika, a disinfectant wipe will not do the job.

You can steam it in the microwave, use a baby bottle sterilizer, boil in a pot of water or soak it in alcohol.

Also, Dr Joe Falkinham, guru of mycobacteria contamination, tested adherence of mycobacteria to the device:
https://cdn.prod-carehubs.net/n1/748e8fe697af5de8/uploads/2024/08/Falkinham-aerobika-study-1.jpg
I take this to mean that IF it does colonize, it happens slowly. So, I wash mine daily in hot soapy water, and only sterilize weekly.

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What do you do when you’re out of the country and have no access to the dishwasher or other means?

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3 replies
Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Jan 30 5:11pm
In reply to @maryjill "What do you do when you’re out of the country and have no access to the..." + (show)
@maryjill

What do you do when you’re out of the country and have no access to the dishwasher or other means?

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Soap and HOT water. Ask for it from the kitchen or restaurant if needed. Otherwise buy sterile water or 70-90% alcohol from the local pharmacy

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mmahlik | @mmahlik | Jan 31 9:30am
In reply to @maryjill "What do you do when you’re out of the country and have no access to the..." + (show)
@maryjill

What do you do when you’re out of the country and have no access to the dishwasher or other means?

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I have a collapsible bowl from a camping store and take a little container of dish soap. Any kitchen will give you boiled water. The alcohol is a good solution for sterilizing.

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lsm1936 | @lsm1936 | Jan 31 10:26am
In reply to @sueinmn "@raybo This is a conundrum many of us face, see my post: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/recommendations-for-nebulizer-machine/?pg=2#comment-1206592 As of January..." + (show)
@sueinmn

@raybo This is a conundrum many of us face, see my post:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/recommendations-for-nebulizer-machine/?pg=2#comment-1206592
As of January 2025, I don't have a recommendation for you. I will be travelling to Europe this summer and will need one, so I am hoping for some advice from others. I tried 3 "cheapies" - now lasted more than a few uses without leaking.

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I have one that will need a connector for Europe, tho. It is Fletcher's Medical Supply - 800-393-3538. Not sure of the cost as my doctor just gave me one!

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wandafanda | @wandafanda | Feb 1 3:42pm

I’ve been using the PariTrek for over a year when I travel. It works fine and has a nice little carrying case.

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1 reply
kagilb | @kagilb | Feb 2 2:05pm
In reply to @maryjill "What do you do when you’re out of the country and have no access to the..." + (show)
@maryjill

What do you do when you’re out of the country and have no access to the dishwasher or other means?

Jump to this post

If I can't find a microwave for a steam bag, I wash the aerobika and nebulizer (daily) in hot soapy water, rinse, put them in steam bag, pour boiling water over them and seal up the bag. Most hotels and cruise ships will give you an electric tea pot if you ask. I also have a collapsable electric coldren that boils water that you can drop the device pieces into.

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