1. < MAC & Bronchiectasis

Your input — is nebulizing only once a day okay?

Posted by cate123456 @cate123456, Nov 23, 2022

I nebulize every morning, and after 2-3 hours the mucus wants to come up and I do AWC. I always get the same amount approx 1/8 cup of clear mucus with 10-12 small light yellow plugs. When I also neb in the late afternoon or evening nothing comes up , but I cough at night which wakes me up and only a tiny bit of clear mucus comes up. It doesn't seem worth it to me to neb twice a day, as I don't clear any mucus , and it keeps me up at night coughing a bit even when I neb in late afternoon instead of evening. I have stable bronch and MAC, not on antibiotics.
Any opinions?

Does anyone else only nebulize once a day?

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irenea8 | @irenea8 | Nov 30, 2022
In reply to @sueinmn "Oh yes, they do. But there is another component that many do not know about as..." + (show)
@sueinmn

Oh yes, they do. But there is another component that many do not know about as well. There is a filter on the air intake that can become clogged and lessen the effectiveness of the machine. For daily use it need to be replaced every 3-6 months on compressor type nebulizers. This will extend the life.

The Pari Vios, what I call the "old green machine" will work up to 10 years if well maintained without a noticeable loss.

The small, impeller type nebulizers only last from 6 months to a year with twice daily use. My InnoSpire Go need the head replaced each year, the battery pack can last quite a bit longer.

Which nebulizer did you wear out?
Sue

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I have had my compressor Pari Vios Green become weak a couple of times but both times Pari replaced it for free only asking me to send back the old one. They said since I use it twice a day and for as long as 25 minutes each time I might try the Pari ProNeb Max instead. So I now use each of them once a day so they will not wear out so fast! Replacing the filters is important too!

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1 reply
mckee5 | @mckee5 | Nov 30, 2022
In reply to @irenea8 "According to my pulmonologist I have chronic Pseudomonas identified by mucoid strain in my sputum samples...." + (show)
@irenea8

According to my pulmonologist I have chronic Pseudomonas identified by mucoid strain in my sputum samples. That means I will never get rid of it (according to him). In my case they want to treat me ongoing to keep the Pseudomonas down at least if not get "rid of it". That treatment would include inhaled antibiotic for two weeks on and then off and Azithromycin 3 times a week. However I was unable to do either due to side effects (only tried both for VERY short time). I have other health issues unfortunately. For a more serious exacerbation they would give me Cipro or a number of IV antibiotics. Thus far I have actually never done any treatment for Pseudomonas which is not the norm. I nebulize with Saline and do some other things.

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While being treated for Pseudomonas are you also on the 3 antibiotic regimented for MAC?

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1 reply
irenea8 | @irenea8 | Nov 30, 2022
In reply to @mckee5 "While being treated for Pseudomonas are you also on the 3 antibiotic regimented for MAC?" + (show)
@mckee5

While being treated for Pseudomonas are you also on the 3 antibiotic regimented for MAC?

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I am not being treated for Pseudomonas as I was unable to tolerate the treatments. I do not have MAC as far as I know.

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crepass | @crepass | Nov 30, 2022
In reply to @totty "I read prescription required for Phillips InnoSpire. Is this covered by insurance or Medicare?" + (show)
@totty

I read prescription required for Phillips InnoSpire.
Is this covered by insurance or Medicare?

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My insurance only covered one kind of nebulzer. So i assumed they would not cover the innospire go. (Not on medicare yet)

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Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Nov 30, 2022
In reply to @totty "I read prescription required for Phillips InnoSpire. Is this covered by insurance or Medicare?" + (show)
@totty

I read prescription required for Phillips InnoSpire.
Is this covered by insurance or Medicare?

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Some companies require a prescription, others don't. Unfortunately, Medicare only covers the most basic of nebulizers, and just once every 3 (or 5) years. Most supplement policies follow that too. The exception is if you are prescribed a specific inhaled antibiotic that requires a handheld, impeller type nebulizer, some policies cover 80%.
This is considered Durable Medical Equipment and comes under Medicare Part B, not Pat D Drug Coverage.
Sue

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2 replies
Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Nov 30, 2022
In reply to @irenea8 "I have had my compressor Pari Vios Green become weak a couple of times but both..." + (show)
@irenea8

I have had my compressor Pari Vios Green become weak a couple of times but both times Pari replaced it for free only asking me to send back the old one. They said since I use it twice a day and for as long as 25 minutes each time I might try the Pari ProNeb Max instead. So I now use each of them once a day so they will not wear out so fast! Replacing the filters is important too!

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You were lucky, Irene - when I asked they told me "they don't run forever" and I had to buy my own. But it is my backup to my handheld, so this should last the rest of my life. (I also use it, with separate tubing, cup & mask for my grandson so they don't have to carry theirs back & forth.)
Sue

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totty | @totty | Nov 30, 2022
In reply to @sueinmn "Some companies require a prescription, others don't. Unfortunately, Medicare only covers the most basic of nebulizers,..." + (show)
@sueinmn

Some companies require a prescription, others don't. Unfortunately, Medicare only covers the most basic of nebulizers, and just once every 3 (or 5) years. Most supplement policies follow that too. The exception is if you are prescribed a specific inhaled antibiotic that requires a handheld, impeller type nebulizer, some policies cover 80%.
This is considered Durable Medical Equipment and comes under Medicare Part B, not Pat D Drug Coverage.
Sue

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Your knowledge amazes me!
I am so fortunate to have found this group! Thank you Sue!

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frankie160 | @frankie160 | Dec 8, 2022
In reply to @turnbacktheclock "Hi everyone, Any recommendations for a dependable and easy to clean/disinfect nebulizer? Also for an incentive..." + (show)
@turnbacktheclock

Hi everyone,
Any recommendations for a dependable and easy to clean/disinfect nebulizer?
Also for an incentive spirometer?
Thanks.
J

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Hi!
Cleaning up after nebulizing took some time to organize....but after a few days I developed a system that takes 4 minutes.
I use a bowel so all the attachments can be rinsed together.
The instructions say run the machine and rinse with a little clear water where the med goes for 30 seconds to flush the system and when you have completed a treatment soak the attachments in warm water with a little soap (using the bowel makes it easier for me) rinse thoroughly and place a piece of paper towel in the bowel to let everything dry well for the next use...
Good luck!
NYC New user of Nebulizer.

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susie333 | @susie333 | Dec 9, 2022
In reply to @sueinmn "Some companies require a prescription, others don't. Unfortunately, Medicare only covers the most basic of nebulizers,..." + (show)
@sueinmn

Some companies require a prescription, others don't. Unfortunately, Medicare only covers the most basic of nebulizers, and just once every 3 (or 5) years. Most supplement policies follow that too. The exception is if you are prescribed a specific inhaled antibiotic that requires a handheld, impeller type nebulizer, some policies cover 80%.
This is considered Durable Medical Equipment and comes under Medicare Part B, not Pat D Drug Coverage.
Sue

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I just discussed this with preferred home care yesterday (while ordering cpap supplies and more mini tanks of 02). my pcp provided the nebulizer machine as it was well over 5 yrs old (I had been using my dad's). I then asked about how do I get replcement supplies to use it! i was told my pcp needs to write an order for nebulizer kit supplies. thank goodness Medicare covers it all!

hi Sue, I remember u providing info and support when my daughter had covid last Christmas (she was in hosp and came home on 02). I'm thankful to say I survived covid over this past Thanksgiving. I had started the 02 about 2 weeks before (long story).

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ingie | @ingie | Jan 5, 2023

I neb twice a day and find it very helpful but when I’m finished I am exhausted and have to rest. I also use the vibration vest but the results are not as noticeable.

The most frustrating thing besides mucus is constant fatigue.

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