This information leaflet is a guide to help you get the best use of your nebuliser system.
Nebulisers are a powerful drug delivery system, and you should only use the dose that the doctors have prescribed for you.
If you take more than the recommended dose, the side effects will be more noticeable for example tremor or heart palpitations.
If you are feeling more breathless and your usual dose is not giving you relief this is a warning sign telling you that you should get in touch with your GP.
Do not under any circumstances use anybody else’s machine unless your doctors have advised you.
The Nebuliser System
There are two names used to describe the nebuliser system:
- The nebuliser
- The compressor
The nebuliser— this is usually referred to as the mouth/mask tubing and pot (chamber) where a liquid drug is turned into a fine mist.
The compressor— needs to be on a clean hard surface when using it. Compressors all look different, but they all have an electric point, an on/off switch and an outlet point where the nebuliser system is attached. If you are not sure this will be shown to you before you take the machine away with you.
Most compressors are now connected to the electricity mains, but there are portable compressors, which can be charged by battery or by the cigarette lighter in the car.
The Nebuliser
These need to be changed either once a year (pale blue coloured pot) or every one month (navy blue coloured pot). Ask when you are given the set when they need to be replaced and how to fit them together. You will be shown how to put the drug into the nebuliser. When you turn on the compressor you will see a fine mist escaping from the mask or mouthpiece.
The mouthpiece is placed into your mouth (not too far inside) where it is comfortable. You must breathe normally through your mouth with an occasional deep breath if possible. Using the mouthpiece has shown to deliver the drug into the lower part of the airways better than the mask, it also reduces irritability of the eyes and face.
However, some patients cannot use this method.
With the mask breath normally either through your nose or mouth. Approximately five to eight minutes after starting the nebuliser the sound will change into a spitting sound. Tap the nebuliser chamber. This shakes down the liquid to the bottom. When the spitting happens again you now know that this dose has finished, you will notice a small amount of solution is always left at the bottom of the pot – this is normal.
Keeping the compressor and nebuliser clean
If your delivery system becomes dirty it may not work properly. It is your responsibility to ensure that the compressor is returned in the condition that it was loaned to you. If not you may be asked to return it in a more appropriate condition.
Generally, after every use, separate your nebuliser into three parts. Leaving the air tubing connected to the compressor turn on the compressor for 2-3 seconds to dry out moisture within the tubing – NEVER immerse the tubing in water. Wash the rest in warm soapy water, rinse and leave to dry naturally. Turn off the compressor, to clean the compressor use a moist cloth.
The compressor needs to be serviced once a year. A replacement compressor will be given to you while this is being done.
Additional cleaning instructions for long term masks (pale blue coloured pot).
Once per week, boil the nebuliser chamber in water with 2-3 drops of liquid detergent for 6-10 minutes.
Travelling or going on Holiday
Make sure you have enough medicine to cover you for the time you are away
Check with your doctor to see if you need to take any extra emergency medicines
Make sure your insurance will cover your equipment and any other complications you may have while away
Make sure you have an adapter (and alternative plugs) to run your compressor on a different voltage if you are visiting another country.
Nebuliser Exchange
It is vitally important that our nebulisers are exchanged every 12 months to ensure they remain in optimum working order.
No appointment is necessary.
The routine exchange of nebulisers takes place on Tuesday mornings between 9am – 12 noon on Ward 9. You do not need to book in at main reception. You should proceed straight to Ward 9 where you will be attended to.
In case of emergencies, an exchange can be made also on Ward 9 between 9am – 4.45pm each weekday.
Ward 9
Ward 9
Queen Elizabeth Hospital
Sheriff Hill
Gateshead
NE9 6SX
