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Nebulizer or compressor or tubing issues!??

M

MCGrad2006

Guest
For the past few days/weeks even maybe, my nebs have been acting strange.  I use the Pari LC and the meds take a long time to get started.  Like if I shake it for a while it will start to pump and show the 'smoke' that it nornal when the meds are working.  So I thought it was the nebulizer causing the issues.  I use the same cup for Albuterol, Dnase, HyperSal and Tobi (when I am on it...which I currently am).  I tried disinfecting the nebulizer with the baby bottle sterilizer...it didn't work any better really.  I still had trouble getting the med to start up.  But once the meds get started they are ok.  
But then I started to think maybe it was my compressor, like it feels like there is less pressure coming through the tube.  I also had tried some different nebulizers with the same compressor and tubing and still had issues.  I use a Pari Proneb Ultra II and did have some problems with it a little over a year ago.  It just stopped pumping air through at all!  I was able to get a new one, so the one I use is only a year old.  Could it need a new filter?  How would I go about getting just a new filter, if that could be the problem??  It does somewhat feel as though there is less pressure coming through the tubing, but I can't be sure of that.
Please, if you have any advice, let me know!  As you all know we can't go without our nebs...and I do not have a backup machine at this time.  
 
 
M

MCGrad2006

Guest
For the past few days/weeks even maybe, my nebs have been acting strange. I use the Pari LC and the meds take a long time to get started. Like if I shake it for a while it will start to pump and show the 'smoke' that it nornal when the meds are working. So I thought it was the nebulizer causing the issues. I use the same cup for Albuterol, Dnase, HyperSal and Tobi (when I am on it...which I currently am). I tried disinfecting the nebulizer with the baby bottle sterilizer...it didn't work any better really. I still had trouble getting the med to start up. But once the meds get started they are ok.
But then I started to think maybe it was my compressor, like it feels like there is less pressure coming through the tube. I also had tried some different nebulizers with the same compressor and tubing and still had issues. I use a Pari Proneb Ultra II and did have some problems with it a little over a year ago. It just stopped pumping air through at all! I was able to get a new one, so the one I use is only a year old. Could it need a new filter? How would I go about getting just a new filter, if that could be the problem?? It does somewhat feel as though there is less pressure coming through the tubing, but I can't be sure of that.
Please, if you have any advice, let me know! As you all know we can't go without our nebs...and I do not have a backup machine at this time.
 
M

MCGrad2006

Guest
<p>For the past few days/weeks even maybe, my nebs have been acting strange. I use the Pari LC and the meds take a long time to get started. Like if I shake it for a while it will start to pump and show the 'smoke' that it nornal when the meds are working. So I thought it was the nebulizer causing the issues. I use the same cup for Albuterol, Dnase, HyperSal and Tobi (when I am on it...which I currently am). I tried disinfecting the nebulizer with the baby bottle sterilizer...it didn't work any better really. I still had trouble getting the med to start up. But once the meds get started they are ok.
<p>But then I started to think maybe it was my compressor, like it feels like there is less pressure coming through the tube. I also had tried some different nebulizers with the same compressor and tubing and still had issues. I use a Pari Proneb Ultra II and did have some problems with it a little over a year ago. It just stopped pumping air through at all! I was able to get a new one, so the one I use is only a year old. Could it need a new filter? How would I go about getting just a new filter, if that could be the problem?? It does somewhat feel as though there is less pressure coming through the tubing, but I can't be sure of that.
<p>Please, if you have any advice, let me know! As you all know we can't go without our nebs...and I do not have a backup machine at this time.
<p>
 
T

theLostMiler

New member
That sounds like what happened with me and my pari ultra II compressors... it wasn't that they weren't cycling air, but it was just not enough pressure to nebulize the medicine... and eventually it would look like it was doing it correctly but my time was like tripled to get the medicine done.

I was always really bad about checking the filters... in the manual it always says stuff about dark gray filter, mine never got gray, they always stayed white... I did change my filter though when this happened and for me, the machine was just too far gone.

Are you on o2 by chance? Cause when both my Pari ultra II and TREK decided they had worked too hard and I was waiting for replacements I ended up using my o2 tanks for a few days at 6-8 L (the treatments go fast just like in the hospital, but you go through tanks like mad obviously). A concentrator doesnt put out at enough psi so that can't be used only the tanks.

Otherwise, it does sound like you need to use that 5 year warranty and get your new one, which will be the VIOS.

After that whole debacle though, i actually ordered the invacare mobilaire compressor 50 psi and now I have both a brand new Pari TREK and brand new VIOS in the closet. The invacare has a removable washable filter and you can see it so its easier to remember to clean it imo.

And filters I believe you can just buy online, my machines always came with one extra one, and that was the one I used to change my filter with too.
 
T

theLostMiler

New member
That sounds like what happened with me and my pari ultra II compressors... it wasn't that they weren't cycling air, but it was just not enough pressure to nebulize the medicine... and eventually it would look like it was doing it correctly but my time was like tripled to get the medicine done.

I was always really bad about checking the filters... in the manual it always says stuff about dark gray filter, mine never got gray, they always stayed white... I did change my filter though when this happened and for me, the machine was just too far gone.

Are you on o2 by chance? Cause when both my Pari ultra II and TREK decided they had worked too hard and I was waiting for replacements I ended up using my o2 tanks for a few days at 6-8 L (the treatments go fast just like in the hospital, but you go through tanks like mad obviously). A concentrator doesnt put out at enough psi so that can't be used only the tanks.

Otherwise, it does sound like you need to use that 5 year warranty and get your new one, which will be the VIOS.

After that whole debacle though, i actually ordered the invacare mobilaire compressor 50 psi and now I have both a brand new Pari TREK and brand new VIOS in the closet. The invacare has a removable washable filter and you can see it so its easier to remember to clean it imo.

And filters I believe you can just buy online, my machines always came with one extra one, and that was the one I used to change my filter with too.
 
T

theLostMiler

New member
That sounds like what happened with me and my pari ultra II compressors... it wasn't that they weren't cycling air, but it was just not enough pressure to nebulize the medicine... and eventually it would look like it was doing it correctly but my time was like tripled to get the medicine done.
<br />
<br />I was always really bad about checking the filters... in the manual it always says stuff about dark gray filter, mine never got gray, they always stayed white... I did change my filter though when this happened and for me, the machine was just too far gone.
<br />
<br />Are you on o2 by chance? Cause when both my Pari ultra II and TREK decided they had worked too hard and I was waiting for replacements I ended up using my o2 tanks for a few days at 6-8 L (the treatments go fast just like in the hospital, but you go through tanks like mad obviously). A concentrator doesnt put out at enough psi so that can't be used only the tanks.
<br />
<br />Otherwise, it does sound like you need to use that 5 year warranty and get your new one, which will be the VIOS.
<br />
<br />After that whole debacle though, i actually ordered the invacare mobilaire compressor 50 psi and now I have both a brand new Pari TREK and brand new VIOS in the closet. The invacare has a removable washable filter and you can see it so its easier to remember to clean it imo.
<br />
<br />And filters I believe you can just buy online, my machines always came with one extra one, and that was the one I used to change my filter with too.
 
C

cnsky54RRT

New member
Sounds like the compressor is tired to me. To check your filter, take it completely out, then try your neb again. If it works better, the filter is clogged. If it is still slow, the compressor is not working and needs replacing. And as mentioned above, oxygen at 8 liters will power the neb just fine but your tanks will dry out a bit faster.

Can your home care company provide small air-only tanks? Might be better to have some of those for nebs only so you don't have to burn up the O2. Good backup to iffy compressors.
 
C

cnsky54RRT

New member
Sounds like the compressor is tired to me. To check your filter, take it completely out, then try your neb again. If it works better, the filter is clogged. If it is still slow, the compressor is not working and needs replacing. And as mentioned above, oxygen at 8 liters will power the neb just fine but your tanks will dry out a bit faster.

Can your home care company provide small air-only tanks? Might be better to have some of those for nebs only so you don't have to burn up the O2. Good backup to iffy compressors.
 
C

cnsky54RRT

New member
Sounds like the compressor is tired to me. To check your filter, take it completely out, then try your neb again. If it works better, the filter is clogged. If it is still slow, the compressor is not working and needs replacing. And as mentioned above, oxygen at 8 liters will power the neb just fine but your tanks will dry out a bit faster.
<br />
<br />Can your home care company provide small air-only tanks? Might be better to have some of those for nebs only so you don't have to burn up the O2. Good backup to iffy compressors.
 
M

MCGrad2006

Guest
I got it working last, yay, after boiling the cups in hot water!  But it was the same thing...sluggish start up.  
I am going to call my doctor and see if they have any advice.  I have different insurance, so I may be able to get a different compressor.  But like you all said, I have the warranty to call back on, so MAYBE I can have both...so that at least next time this happens, I have back up.
Just another hassle that I do NOT need to deal with...Thanks guys!
 
 
M

MCGrad2006

Guest
I got it working last, yay, after boiling the cups in hot water! But it was the same thing...sluggish start up.
I am going to call my doctor and see if they have any advice. I have different insurance, so I may be able to get a different compressor. But like you all said, I have the warranty to call back on, so MAYBE I can have both...so that at least next time this happens, I have back up.
Just another hassle that I do NOT need to deal with...Thanks guys!
 
M

MCGrad2006

Guest
<p>I got it working last, yay, after boiling the cups in hot water! But it was the same thing...sluggish start up.
<p>I am going to call my doctor and see if they have any advice. I have different insurance, so I may be able to get a different compressor. But like you all said, I have the warranty to call back on, so MAYBE I can have both...so that at least next time this happens, I have back up.
<p>Just another hassle that I do NOT need to deal with...Thanks guys!
<p>
 
B

beleache

New member
Hey Caitlin,  
Yes it can be the compressor..  I would call your durable medical equipment co. & have them take a look at it.  Your ins. should cover a new compressor ..  If they dont I think you can get one at a lower cost on line. You should also be able to get a filter from the same place you get your comp.
 As far as neb cups/tubing/filters go..  I have about 4 neb cups per med.  I use a sterilized cup each day washing w/ warm soapy water in between, then I wash w/ warm soapy water before sterilizing..  I use the old boil on stove for 10 mins..  old habits die hard  lol  ..  As per DNJ I change tubing often , like at least once a month (supposed to be every 2-3 wks) that is what they prefer for Mycobacteriem Abcessus patients.  You are supposed to change your neb cups every 6 mos.  & same w/ the compressor filter.
 I buy several neb cups at a time & my clinic gives me extra's when they have them.. I hoped this helped.. Dont go w/o your nebs !! It's way to important.  If you have any questions let me know..
 Take care  <img src="i/expressions/heart.gif" border="0">  joni
 
B

beleache

New member
Hey Caitlin,
Yes it can be the compressor.. I would call your durable medical equipment co. & have them take a look at it. Your ins. should cover a new compressor .. If they dont I think you can get one at a lower cost on line.You should also be able to get a filter from the same place you get your comp.
As far as neb cups/tubing/filters go.. I have about 4 neb cups per med. I use a sterilized cup each day washing w/ warm soapy water in between, then I wash w/ warm soapy water before sterilizing.. I use the old boil on stove for 10 mins.. old habits die hard lol .. As per DNJ I change tubing often , like at least once a month (supposed to be every 2-3 wks) that is what they prefer for Mycobacteriem Abcessus patients. You are supposed to change your neb cups every 6 mos. & same w/ the compressor filter.
I buy several neb cups at a time & my clinic gives me extra's when they have them..I hoped this helped.. Dont go w/o your nebs !! It's way to important. If you have any questions let me know..
Take care <img src="i/expressions/heart.gif" border="0"> joni
 
B

beleache

New member
<p>Hey Caitlin,
<p>Yes it can be the compressor.. I would call your durable medical equipment co. & have them take a look at it. Your ins. should cover a new compressor .. If they dont I think you can get one at a lower cost on line.You should also be able to get a filter from the same place you get your comp.
<p>As far as neb cups/tubing/filters go.. I have about 4 neb cups per med. I use a sterilized cup each day washing w/ warm soapy water in between, then I wash w/ warm soapy water before sterilizing.. I use the old boil on stove for 10 mins.. old habits die hard lol .. As per DNJ I change tubing often , like at least once a month (supposed to be every 2-3 wks) that is what they prefer for Mycobacteriem Abcessus patients. You are supposed to change your neb cups every 6 mos. & same w/ the compressor filter.
<p>I buy several neb cups at a time & my clinic gives me extra's when they have them..I hoped this helped.. Dont go w/o your nebs !! It's way to important. If you have any questions let me know..
<p>Take care <img src="i/expressions/heart.gif" border="0"> joni
 
M

musclemania70

New member
Call Pari and they will replace the compressor for free they will ship it out overnight and include a UPS label to send back the defective one. In the meantime you can do research to find out if you can get a different compressor. The pari compressor ones are garbage and only last about 6-8 months. I have a different nebulizer for each med and sterilize after every single use so I know its not me. I've gotten about 4 new pari compressors in the last 2 years.
Since they send a new one out overnight for free, I never bother getting an RX for a new one.
the pari compressor product is horrible
 
M

musclemania70

New member
Call Pari and they will replace the compressor for free they will ship it out overnight and include a UPS label to send back the defective one. In the meantime you can do research to find out if you can get a different compressor. The pari compressor ones are garbage and only last about 6-8 months. I have a different nebulizer for each med and sterilize after every single use so I know its not me. I've gotten about 4 new pari compressors in the last 2 years.
Since they send a new one out overnight for free, I never bother getting an RX for a new one.
the pari compressor product is horrible
 
M

musclemania70

New member
<p>Call Pari and they will replace the compressor for free <br />they will ship it out overnight and include a UPS label to send back the defective one. <br /><br />In the meantime you can do research to find out if you can get a different compressor. <br /><br />The pari compressor ones are garbage and only last about 6-8 months. <br /><br />I have a different nebulizer for each med and sterilize after every single use so I know its not me. I've gotten about 4 new pari compressors in the last 2 years.
<p>Since they send a new one out overnight for free, I never bother getting an RX for a new one.
<p>the pari compressor product is horrible
 
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