Recommendations for nebulizer machine

Posted by positivethinking @positivethinking, Dec 30, 2024

I have been using a Respironics Inspire for the past year for ipratropium and sodium chloride 7%. I think my machine is on its way out since it has gotten very loud. Any recommendations for a good nebulizer that can handle the sodium chloride and other medication would be appreciated. I’ve read that some people like the Ombra tabletop machine. Is this a good one for nebulizing the sodium chloride? I have read that with some machines the sodium chloride causes clogging. Thank you in advance

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

positivethinking | @positivethinking | Jan 7 9:41pm

In reply to @frankie160 "Hi @positivethinking, Now I understand and thank you for your information. I had two Phillips Respironics..." + (show)

Will do 👍

Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Jan 8 8:45am

What to consider when CHOOSING a nebulizer:
Most nebulizers are NOT designed for multiple uses every day, all year long. They are typically for asthma exacerbations, used a few times a week at most, and then only with albuterol or something like it and maybe an inhaled corticosteroid.

If you are going to be using yours every day, and for 7% saline as well, you have two choices - a "workhorse" machine with a powerful compressor - which may be large and/or louder, or a "convenient" machine - smaller, lighter, more portable. Call or visit a respiratory medical supply house and describe your use - they can recommend the best machine.

In my opinion, for daily use, one needs a compressor nebulizer. I have a Pari Vios I call my "big green machine" for everyday use. I have a smaller, quieter (but a little slower) DeVilbiss Traveler for convenience.

After Phillips stopped making their handheld mesh nebulizer, I tried a couple others - they definitely fall into the "light use" category and seemed to leak within 3 months. Or were not for 7% saline. Or could not be adequately disinfected.

Be sure, once you have chosen a nebulizer, to read the book and learn how to USE and MAINTAIN it.
For example, many of the small ones say not to use for over 30 minutes at a time - If you need to neb two or more solutions at a time, it might not work for you, except on an occasional basis.

Many compressor nebulizers have replaceable filters on the air intake. These need to be replaced based on usage, so for twice a day, two solution, every day use this means replacing every month or two. If you don't replace the filters, you will tax the compressor, leading to slower nebbing and early death. Any vents meant to help cool the compressor need to be kept clean and free of dust for the same reason. (Lack of those vents is the reason small compressors have time limits - to prevent overheating.)

Mesh nebulizers have screens to disperse the droplets. They are prone to clogging from some meds and 7% saline. Clean them according to the manufacturer's directions, and if they say "not for 7% saline" in their description, believe them.

The bottom line? The big compressor that lasted 5 - 10 or more years when you were nebbing periodically for asthma or bronchitis will likely last 2 - 3 years under heavy use. And the small convenient portable, if used according to directions and maintained, will last a year or two. If you decide to go with a mesh nebulizer, at best I only ever got about 18 months out of a Phillips before it leaked. The others (cheaper ones) never more than 3-4 months.

Just one more line in the budget for those with the need to neb daily - and Medicare and most insurance will only replace them every 5 years, and with a model of their choosing.

Does anyone else have advice to add?