What does a nebuliser do?

Nebuliser compressor systems are used to give a large drug dose in a simple effective way, directly into the lungs.

Nebulisers should only be used on the advice of a nurse or doctor.

Hand held inhalers and spacers have been shown to be just as effective as a nebuliser in controlling routine symptoms.

These machines are useful when patients are unwell, for example with a chest infection and unable to use their usual handheld inhalers, or for patients with bronchiectasis or cystic fibrosis who require nebulised antibiotics.

Are there any side effects?

The higher doses of medication delivered can cause some side effects, such as tremors, palpitations, muscle cramps and a dry mouth. Always refer to the drug information leaflet for side-effects for your medicines.

Using the nebuliser

The nebuliser you have been loaned is designed to deliver a fine aerosol mist from a liquid medication, which has been prescribed by your doctor or specialist respiratory nurse, to treat your respiratory condition.

The system consists of three main parts:

• The compressor: A small portable air pump, which supplies the power for your nebuliser, and works off the mains supply.
• The nebuliser: This is usually referred to as the pot or chamber, where a liquid drug is turned into a fine mist.
• The facemask or mouthpiece: Allows you to breathe the mist in easily. Masks are recommended for small children and mouthpieces for adults.

If you are using ipratropium (contained in atrovent or combivent) or antibiotics, a mouthpiece should be used to avoid causing problems with your eyes, for example dryness, and/or aggravating glaucoma or cataracts. Please discuss this with your healthcare professional if you are unsure.

Instructions for use

• Place the compressor on a firm surface.
• Place the prescribed amount of medicine into the nebuliser chamber.
• Connect the nebuliser to the tubing and attach it to the machine.
• Attach the mouthpiece or mask to the chamber and switch on the machine.
• If using the mouthpiece seal your lips around it and breathe through your mouth, not your nose.
• If using a mask place it over your mouth and nose.
• Do not talk while using the nebuliser.
• Keep the nebuliser upright while using it.
• When you no longer see a mist, which will be after 10 to 15 minutes, the treatment is finished.
• After finishing your nebulised drug, make sure that you rinse your mouth out and wipe your face to remove any residual droplets.

Keeping the compressor and nebuliser clean

If your nebuliser is dirty, it may not work properly. The nebuliser mask set needs to be changed every 90 days (light blue coloured pot) and can be replaced by contacting your Specialist Respiratory Team. Change the mask set sooner if you have an infection.

If you have purchased your own nebuliser compressor, you will need to supply your own consumables as these will not be replaced by the team.

After every use, separate your nebuliser into three parts. Leave the air tubing connected to the compressor and turn it on for two to three seconds to dry out moisture within the tubing. Never immerse the tubing in water.

Separate the chamber pot into three parts and wash it in hot soapy water, rinse and leave to dry naturally.

This needs to be done after every use to reduce the risk of infection.

Use a damp cloth to clean the compressor and the mask.

What should I do if the nebuliser is not working properly?

It is important to remember that a nebuliser delivers high doses of the same medicine which is in your inhalers. In an emergency, you can use your blue inhaler and spacer by increasing the numbers of puffs you usually take. Your nurse or doctor can explain this to you.

If you think your machine has broken please contact the patient helpline at NRS. Contact details can be found in the client information leaflet issued with the equipment.