A small hand-held nebulizer, powered by an air compressor, has been prescribed by your doctor to deliver medications and moisture to your air passages. The medications and moisture help control your respiratory symptoms (such as wheezing) and help loosen secretions in your lungs.
What supplies do I need?
You will need the following supplies:
- Hand-held nebulizer
- Air compressor
- Mouthpiece or face mask
- Clean measuring devices (enough for each solution used in your treatment)
- Eyedropper or syringe to measure your medications
Where should the nebulizer be used?
The nebulizer should be used in a well-lighted area. Select a comfortable place in your home where you can take your treatment without being interrupted. Sit in a comfortable, straight-backed chair when taking your treatment.
Place the compressor on a sturdy surface that will support its weight, such as a table or desk. Plug the compressor’s cord into a properly grounded (3-pronged) outlet.
Treatment Procedure
1. Wash your hands with soap and water, and dry them with a clean towel.
2. Measure your medication.
Always use clean measuring devices (eyedroppers or syringes).
Use a separate measuring device for each solution used in your treatment.
Measure your medications exactly as you have been instructed.
Wash your hands after measuring each solution used in your treatment.
3. Remove the top part of the nebulizer cup (as shown below).
4. Place your medication in the bottom of the nebulizer cup (as shown below).
5. Attach the top portion of the nebulizer cup, and connect the mouthpiece or face mask to the cup.
6. Connect the tubing to the nebulizer and compressor.
7. Turn on the compressor with the on/off switch.
8. Once you turn on the compressor, you should see a light mist (as shown below).
9. If you are using a mouthpiece, place it in your mouth and seal your lips tightly around it (as shown below).
10. If you are using a face mask, position it comfortably and securely on your face (as shown below).
11. Inhale slowly and deeply. Hold your breath in for a count of five, and exhale slowly.
12. Continue to inhale slowly and deeply (described in step 11) for about 5 to 10 minutes or until your medication is gone.
13. If you become dizzy or shaky, or feel an increased heart rate, stop your treatment and rest for about 5 minutes. Then continue your treatment, but try to breathe more slowly. If these symptoms continue, call your health care provider.
14. Turn off the compressor and unplug it.
15. Take several deep breaths and cough. Continue coughing and try to clear any secretions you may have in your lungs. Cough the secretions into a tissue and dispose of it properly.
16. Wash your hands with soap and water and dry them with a clean towel.
Cleaning and disinfecting
Always clean the equipment in a smoke-free and dust-free location, away from open windows. Clean the equipment after house-cleaning (especially after vacuuming and dusting).
Make sure the compressor is turned off and is unplugged.
After each treatment:
- Take apart the nebulizer cup and mouthpiece or mask. Rinse these parts with warm tap water. NOTE: There is no need to clean the tubing that connects the nebulizer to the air compressor.
- Shake off the excess water and place the parts on a clean, dry towel.
- Allow the parts to air dry thoroughly.
After your last treatment of the day:
- Take apart the nebulizer cup and mouthpiece or mask. Wash these parts with warm soapy water using a mild detergent.
- Rinse all parts with warm water.
- Shake off the excess water and place the parts on a clean, dry towel.
- Allow the parts to air dry thoroughly.
Every third day after washing the equipment:
- Mix a solution of one part vinegar and three parts water in a clean bowl.
- Soak the nebulizer cup and mouthpiece or mask in the solution for 20 minutes.
- Rinse the parts well with warm tap water.
- Shake off the excess water and place the parts on a clean, dry towel.
- Allow the parts to air dry thoroughly.
Equipment storage
Compressor
- Cover your air compressor with a clean towel.
- Keep the compressor on a sturdy surface that will support its weight. Do not store the compressor on the floor.
- Check your compressor’s filter once a month. Replace it if it’s dirty: unscrew the filter cap, remove the old filter and replace it with a new one.
- Always keep an extra filter in case you need it. Your health care provider can supply the filters for you.
Nebulizer
Reassemble the clean nebulizer parts and store them in a small bag between treatments.
Always keep an extra nebulizer in case you need it.
Medication storage
- Store all of your medications in a cool, dry place.
- Check your medications often. Make sure they have not changed color or formed crystals.
- If you notice any changes in the appearance of the medications (color change or formed crystals), throw them out. Ask your health care provider to refill your prescription.
For More Information
If you have any questions or concerns, please call us at 216.444.8282. We will be happy to answer your questions.