1. < MAC & Bronchiectasis

Nebulizer

Posted by ccdb @ccdb, Dec 30, 2023

Hi all,

I am relatively new to this forum but have learned a lot.

I would like to know what is a good nebulizer that I can purchase without a prescription. The nebulizer my pulmonologist ordered (A Drive, I think) is so loud I can not hear myself think. I am currently using a nebulizer that I ordered online from Amazon, nebulizing 7% saline prescribed by my pulmonologist. I'm getting good results. However, I would like the name of a good nebulizer and compressor that does not require a prescription. I've also had a mesh nebulizer that I loved, but it will NOT nebulizer 7% saline.

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scoop | @scoop | Dec 30, 2023

Well, there's the compressor and then the nebulizer. If you purchase them from either SaveRiteMedical.com or MedicaleShop.com , no prescription necessary. Nebology.com is a PARI company and only sells PARI products; they require prescriptions. There are others as well and most of them require prescriptions.

Presently, I use the Ombra compressor with AeroEclipse or Pari Sprint nebulizers with the Aerobika (oscillating positive expiratory pressure device). I alternate but tend towards the Sprint since it's a bit faster than AeroEclipse. I neb levalbuterol and then 7% saline. Then I use the autogenic drainage app to assist with clearance.

Curious why your mesh nebulizer would not work with 7% saline?

REPLY
1 reply
ccdb | @ccdb | Dec 30, 2023
In reply to @scoop "Well, there's the compressor and then the nebulizer. If you purchase them from either SaveRiteMedical.com or..." + (show)
@scoop

Well, there's the compressor and then the nebulizer. If you purchase them from either SaveRiteMedical.com or MedicaleShop.com , no prescription necessary. Nebology.com is a PARI company and only sells PARI products; they require prescriptions. There are others as well and most of them require prescriptions.

Presently, I use the Ombra compressor with AeroEclipse or Pari Sprint nebulizers with the Aerobika (oscillating positive expiratory pressure device). I alternate but tend towards the Sprint since it's a bit faster than AeroEclipse. I neb levalbuterol and then 7% saline. Then I use the autogenic drainage app to assist with clearance.

Curious why your mesh nebulizer would not work with 7% saline?

Jump to this post

Thank you for your suggestions and input. I have no idea why my mesh nebulizer would not work with 7% saline. I found another mesh nebulizer. I emailed the company to ask and verify that their mesh nebulizer would effectively nebulize 7%. They guaranteed me that it would with no problems. After two minutes it cutoff and would not cutback on.

I emailed the company two or three times. They never responded. I disputed the charge with my credit card company and mailed the mesh nebulizer back to the company. I prefer mesh because, typically they are faster and certainly more quiet.

Approximately how long does the nebulizing, using the Aerobika, which I also have, then airway clearance take you and sterilizing the equipment? I find that it’s a long and tiring process, although it’s productive and, I know necessary.

Again, I appreciate you responding and the recommendations.

REPLY
3 replies
Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Dec 30, 2023
In reply to @ccdb "Thank you for your suggestions and input. I have no idea why my mesh nebulizer would..." + (show)
@ccdb

Thank you for your suggestions and input. I have no idea why my mesh nebulizer would not work with 7% saline. I found another mesh nebulizer. I emailed the company to ask and verify that their mesh nebulizer would effectively nebulize 7%. They guaranteed me that it would with no problems. After two minutes it cutoff and would not cutback on.

I emailed the company two or three times. They never responded. I disputed the charge with my credit card company and mailed the mesh nebulizer back to the company. I prefer mesh because, typically they are faster and certainly more quiet.

Approximately how long does the nebulizing, using the Aerobika, which I also have, then airway clearance take you and sterilizing the equipment? I find that it’s a long and tiring process, although it’s productive and, I know necessary.

Again, I appreciate you responding and the recommendations.

Jump to this post

Salt crystalizes on the mesh and blocks it. Once blocked, it cuts out. The only one that didn't do this was the InnospireGo by Philips, and it is no longer manufactured.
So for 7% saline I use a small compressor nebulizer - not as fast, but reliable. My current one is by DeVilbiss Traveler with a battery pack. It is available online without an Rx for around $120.
Most portable and mesh nebulizers are not covered by my insurance or Medicare - the exception is if you use an inhaled antibiotic that requires a specific machine.
Sue

REPLY
irenea8 | @irenea8 | Dec 31, 2023

Mesh are not supposed to be compatible with saline. I have one made by Omron that claims to be usable with saline. I have not used it yet to verify. Since it works with batteries I keep it as a back up. But you need to use the compressor nebulizers as Sue mentioned.

REPLY
1 reply
scoop | @scoop | Dec 31, 2023
In reply to @ccdb "Thank you for your suggestions and input. I have no idea why my mesh nebulizer would..." + (show)
@ccdb

Thank you for your suggestions and input. I have no idea why my mesh nebulizer would not work with 7% saline. I found another mesh nebulizer. I emailed the company to ask and verify that their mesh nebulizer would effectively nebulize 7%. They guaranteed me that it would with no problems. After two minutes it cutoff and would not cutback on.

I emailed the company two or three times. They never responded. I disputed the charge with my credit card company and mailed the mesh nebulizer back to the company. I prefer mesh because, typically they are faster and certainly more quiet.

Approximately how long does the nebulizing, using the Aerobika, which I also have, then airway clearance take you and sterilizing the equipment? I find that it’s a long and tiring process, although it’s productive and, I know necessary.

Again, I appreciate you responding and the recommendations.

Jump to this post

@ccdb Tiring, indeed. With the set up above, it takes about 5 mins to neb the levalbuterol, and approx 12 mins to neb the 7% saline with the Sprint LC nebulizer. The AeroEclipse takes a few minutes longer. For clearance, I use Autogenic drainage app (talked about elsewhere in this forum) for about 20 mins or so. Plus cleaning. Total time approx. 45-60 mins.

REPLY
AZ | @equanimous | Dec 31, 2023

This is the nebulizer I use. You do not need a Rx. Customer service is excellent and pricing on this site are worth considering. Good luck and happy new year!
https://www.healthproductsforyou.com/p-pari-vios-lc-sprint-deluxe-nebulizer-compressor.html

REPLY
harrynsc | @harrynsc | Jan 1 12:38pm
In reply to @ccdb "Thank you for your suggestions and input. I have no idea why my mesh nebulizer would..." + (show)
@ccdb

Thank you for your suggestions and input. I have no idea why my mesh nebulizer would not work with 7% saline. I found another mesh nebulizer. I emailed the company to ask and verify that their mesh nebulizer would effectively nebulize 7%. They guaranteed me that it would with no problems. After two minutes it cutoff and would not cutback on.

I emailed the company two or three times. They never responded. I disputed the charge with my credit card company and mailed the mesh nebulizer back to the company. I prefer mesh because, typically they are faster and certainly more quiet.

Approximately how long does the nebulizing, using the Aerobika, which I also have, then airway clearance take you and sterilizing the equipment? I find that it’s a long and tiring process, although it’s productive and, I know necessary.

Again, I appreciate you responding and the recommendations.

Jump to this post

I neb with abuterol for 15 min, wait 15 min and then 30 min with 7% saline.
Harry

REPLY
marthamac | @marthamac | Jan 1 5:37pm
In reply to @irenea8 "Mesh are not supposed to be compatible with saline. I have one made by Omron that..." + (show)
@irenea8

Mesh are not supposed to be compatible with saline. I have one made by Omron that claims to be usable with saline. I have not used it yet to verify. Since it works with batteries I keep it as a back up. But you need to use the compressor nebulizers as Sue mentioned.

Jump to this post

I use the mesh nebulizer from Omron with 7% saline and it works well. You can get a power cord for it, which I use at home. Only use the batteries when I’m away from a power outlet.

REPLY
ncalvan | @ncalvan | Jan 2 4:26pm

I have a medline nebulizer compressor I use with my aero eclipse. But I never get all my saline used up. There is always some left after 25 minutes. Am I doing something wrong? Would an Ombra one work better? Thanks

REPLY
1 reply
scoop | @scoop | Jan 2 4:45pm
In reply to @ncalvan "I have a medline nebulizer compressor I use with my aero eclipse. But I never get..." + (show)
@ncalvan

I have a medline nebulizer compressor I use with my aero eclipse. But I never get all my saline used up. There is always some left after 25 minutes. Am I doing something wrong? Would an Ombra one work better? Thanks

Jump to this post

A little bit of saline left behind is normal.

With my ombra compressor and aeroclipse or sprint nebulizer, there's always a little bit of saline left behind. A very little bit. The aeroclipse in breath actuated mode takes 30 mins and non-breath actuated takes around 20+mins. The Sprint does not have the breath activated option and it takes no longer than 15 mins. I use these in concert with the aerobika.

Somewhere I read that the ombra compressor has a certain pressure bar, which is needed for the nebulizers mentioned above, and maybe the aerobika.

I splurged on a PARI eRapid which takes 4 minutes to neb saline BUT it leaves 1ml behind. That's too much. I use it when I don't have time for the ombra/aeroclipse/aerobika trio or when I feel I need an extra session.

REPLY
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