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Nebulizer/Compressor

Pulmo-Aide®

These units are used to deliver a solution type of medication in the form of a fine mist to your lungs via a mask or mouthpiece. They are frequently used in hospital but can also be used at home. They may be useful in an emergency to administer a bronchodilator form of medication or may be prescribed to use routinely with other inhaled medications. It is very important to get specific written instructions if you have to mix your own nebulized treatments using a syringe and an additive solution such as normal saline. If you have any doubts you should ask your doctor or healthcare provider to show you how to mix the treatments or ask if unit doses (pre-mixed nebules) are available for your medications. Different types of units are also available and may come with specific instructions.

How to Use Your Nebulized Treatments

1. Choose a convenient location to plug in your machine where you will be able to sit comfortably for 10 - 15 minutes for your treatments.
2. Prepare medication as directed or empty pre-mixed nebules in nebulizer (medication chamber). Do not mix different types of medications unless discussed with your doctor.
3. Assemble tubing, mask or mouth piece and connect tubing to the tubing port on your machine.
4. Sit in a comfortable position. Place mask over nose and mouth (or use mouthpiece for more effective delivery of medication).
5. Turn machine on by using the power switch.
6. Take slow deep breaths inhaling fine mist (holding your breath for 10 seconds if you can, then breathe out slowly). Continue until the medication chamber is empty.
7. Turn off machine.

How to Take Care of Your Equipment

Follow manufacturer's suggestions which comes with your machine.

The following are standard guidelines:

• We recommend you wash the nebulizer's medication chamber after each use or at least once a day with mild soapy water. Rinse well and air dry.
• The mask or mouthpiece and medication chamber should be soaked in one part vinegar to four parts of hot water for 30 minutes once per week. Rinse in hot tap water and leave to air dry.
• Change tubing, mask or mouthpiece and nebulizer (medication chamber) once a month.
• Change felt filter according to manufacturer's recommendations.

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Note:
If more than one puff is prescribed wait 1 minute and repeat steps 2 - 6. Replace cap.
If using CFC-Free inhaler Qvar™ (Belcomethasone diproprionate) it is not necessary to shake the inhaler before use