Nebulizer cup differences - less time nebulizing noticed

Posted by Anita @avalr, Oct 8 8:50am

I'm new to nebulizing/recently diagnosed with Bronchiectasis and recently changed the nebulizer parts from the one that came with the compressor (provided by insurance) to replacement parts (also provided by insurance). The nebulizer cup is different from the original. It has a green "tent" that you put inside of the cup before pouring in your solution (I am nebulizing 7% hypertonic saline). I noticed that the time needed before the compressor "chokes"/runs out of saline is significantly less than with the original neb cup. With the original neb cup it took 21-22 minutes before running out. With the tented nebulizer cup it runs out in 13-14 minutes. The Respiratory Thearapist assured me that this was okay and the time difference doesn't matter. I'm not so sure though and would appreciate hearing about your experiences with different nebulizer cups. Thanks

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

scoop | @scoop | Oct 8 10:59am

Hi, My experience tells me that 22 minutes is too long to nebulize 4ml of saline. 14 minutes is closer to my experience but also on the high side. Maybe because the nebulizer you are using is breath activated, meaning it produces aerosol only when breathing in.

There is a lot of variation between compressors and nebulizer cups. Variables include flow rate, pressure, power efficiency and duty cycle. Like you I started out with an insurance provided compressor that came with a nebulizer cup. It was loud and after some time I wondered if there was something more efficient. After some research I purchased Monaghan's Ombra, which came with a Monaghan nebulizer cup. The compressor was more powerful and nebulizer cup let me use the aerobika at the same time while nebulizing. Nebulizing 4ml took about 7-8 minutes with the breath activation turned off. The idea with inhaling saline is to rehydrate the mucus since mucus in bronchiectasis patients is dehydrated.
https://www.monaghanmed.com/product/aeroeclipse-xl-r-ban-nebulizer/
If you prefer not to purchase a new compressor you could start off trying a new nebulizer cup. Whether or not a new cup like the Aeroeclipse or SprintLC plugs and plays with your current compressor is unknown. I believe it's around $15. You can view and purchase products without a prescription at saveritemedical.com .

After years of honing my routine, I splurged and purchased a Pari eFlow mesh nebulizer. (I've written extensively about it on this site as have others). It's pricey but oh so efficient. Now, I nebulize 4ml in under 5 minutes. This "extra" time allows me to spend valuable time on airway clearance itself.

Anita | @avalr | Oct 9 1:27pm

Thank you @scoop. I really appreciate you sharing your experience with nebulizers. Yup - the insurance provided nebulizer is very noisy. I was afraid that less time nebulizing also meant less saline into my lungs. Sounds like maybe that's not the case - it's more a matter of efficiency. I don't think the compressor I have has the feature where it produces mist only when you breathe in as I always see it smoking if there is saline. I am definitely going to look into the nebulizers you mentioned - thanks! As you know, those of us with bronchiectasis are in it for the "long haul" so investing in a device that helps with better quality of life is, well, better.