Nebulizer Malfunction

Posted by Arlo @equanimous, Dec 12, 2023

I have a Pari LC Sprint nebulizer that I purchased earlier this year. I've changed my neb cup as recommended after 6 months. I neb with 7% saline on a daily basis and clean parts after every use by rinsing them thoroughly and soaking them in a solution of hot water and Dawn. I also use microwave sterilizer bags every few days and soak parts in a 1:1 solution of water to white vinegar once a week.
However, I noticed, over the past couple weeks, that the mist in my neb was delayed and took a long time to get up to the level it had been originally.
I called Pari and the tech informed me that saline tends to clog the neb cup and the only way to correct it is to boil the parts for 5 minutes. She said sterilizer bags, vinegar and soaking are not enough. And, here I thought I was being so diligent!
I figured I'd share this in case anyone else has this problem. Lesson learned. I will now boil my parts! The tech said doing so every 2 to 3 days should work.

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@equanimous - What you tell me makes me glad I am a dinosaur when it comes to these kinds of things - my reasoning was to not have to deal with another device, I like simple.
Another word of caution - ask me how I know! Don't boil or microwave the space device for your inhalers! Unless it is the original metal Vortex design, the little bladders are destroyed by the heat. Even my replacement AeroChamber now says not to - even though it worked for 2 years on the original.
Sue

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Yes, thanks, Sue. I recently purchased a Monaghan Medical Aerochamber Plus Z STAT Anti-Static Valved Holding Chamber with a flow signal whistle. I never used a spacer before and this is pretty good. They recommend soaking it for 15 minutes in soapy water, agitating it gently and rinsing or placing in dishwasher. Thanks for the words of caution. Live and learn!!

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Hi, Arlo @equanimous , are you remembering to change the tubing once a month? I have an Ombra and went many months without changing. After I finally got around to changing the tubing and the filter, I noticed an increase in air pressure. I guess the tubing does get compromised even though it looked perfectly fine! Hate throwing all that plastic in the trash.

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@scoop

Hi, Arlo @equanimous , are you remembering to change the tubing once a month? I have an Ombra and went many months without changing. After I finally got around to changing the tubing and the filter, I noticed an increase in air pressure. I guess the tubing does get compromised even though it looked perfectly fine! Hate throwing all that plastic in the trash.

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Hi Scoop, I bought a 5 pack of tubing and am changing it regularly, although, I agree, it looks fine to me. I also run the compressor after I complete my nebbing to let the air help to dry the tubing. It is an excellent point about changing the filter which I have not done. I bought my compressor in May so it is due for replacement. Thanks for the nudge! Will purchase one asap!

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UPDATE:
I tried my nebulizer after having boiled all parts last night. It is STILL malfunctioning. The mist is delayed and this morning was it was virtually non existent. I dug my Pari portable nebulizer out (I've never used it before) to see what would happen. The neb cup is performing perfecly and the device started misting immediately, just like my other Pari used to do. My hubby checked the compressor and it appears that the output is very weak. (I also checked the compressor filter and it is fine). It's time to call Pari again and I sure hope they will stand behind their product. It is so frustrating since I only purchased my LC sprint this past May.

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@equanimous

UPDATE:
I tried my nebulizer after having boiled all parts last night. It is STILL malfunctioning. The mist is delayed and this morning was it was virtually non existent. I dug my Pari portable nebulizer out (I've never used it before) to see what would happen. The neb cup is performing perfecly and the device started misting immediately, just like my other Pari used to do. My hubby checked the compressor and it appears that the output is very weak. (I also checked the compressor filter and it is fine). It's time to call Pari again and I sure hope they will stand behind their product. It is so frustrating since I only purchased my LC sprint this past May.

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I experienced the same issue. My first Vios compressor began having less output by month 5. I was not familiar enough with it then to realize. I always ran it for 5 minutes after treatment to dry out the tubing. I checked the filter, and it looked fine; however, I replaced it anyway, and the airflow did improve, although not as in the beginning of use. I even thought it might be the nebulizer cup, so I got another. That did not help. I finally got another PARI compressor, and it worked well. Then, again after 5 months, flow reduced. At the 6 month mark, it was producing little flow. I got another one while also notifying the company. They sent me a box with another one (without nebulizing cup but with tubing) and had me ship them the defective one and the same box with a postage paid return label. They make a stronger compressor that has a five year warranty, and I will get that next time. Maybe this one is not meant for twice daily, every day extended use?

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Thank you for your comment. Yours sounds exactly like my story. Pari is sending me a new compressor with a shipping order to send mine back as wello. So I appreciate the great customer service. Meanwhile, I am using the Pari travel nebulizer until the new compressor arrives which works well. I will research the one with the 5 year warranty.
Does anyone have suggestions as to another nebulizer that is more of a work horse?

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I got the Pari Trek S in May and have been using it with the Pari Sprint nebulizer cups twice a day both at home and when traveling with no problems.
Anna

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@equanimous

Thank you for your comment. Yours sounds exactly like my story. Pari is sending me a new compressor with a shipping order to send mine back as wello. So I appreciate the great customer service. Meanwhile, I am using the Pari travel nebulizer until the new compressor arrives which works well. I will research the one with the 5 year warranty.
Does anyone have suggestions as to another nebulizer that is more of a work horse?

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The Ombra made by Monaghan I like. I've had it for almost a year and use twice a day with no issues so far. Buying it from Saverite Medical was great because no prescription necessary. You can use the Aerobika inline with the AeroEclipse nebulizer or the PARI Sprint nebulizer. I think it works only with those two, something about the pressure.
https://www.saveritemedical.com/products/ombra-120v-table-top-nebulizer-compressor-system

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@equanimous

Thank you for your comment. Yours sounds exactly like my story. Pari is sending me a new compressor with a shipping order to send mine back as wello. So I appreciate the great customer service. Meanwhile, I am using the Pari travel nebulizer until the new compressor arrives which works well. I will research the one with the 5 year warranty.
Does anyone have suggestions as to another nebulizer that is more of a work horse?

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The Pari Vios does tend to have issues if used twice a day. The ProNeb Max by Pari is more powerful and is meant for twice a day use. It nebulizes fast. Too fast for my liking so I use it once a day and the Vios the other time.

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