Respiratory - Nebulised Hypertonic Saline (Pulmoclear)

You have been loaned an air compressor machine to deliver your nebulised drug therapy at home. This machine remains the property of Salford Royal Hospital. If you no longer need the machine then it must be returned to the Chest Clinic at the hospital.

The number of machines is limited; therefore, it is important that all machines are tracked to make sure that they are being used and properly looked after. We want to make sure that they do not sit on a shelf in your home when they could be used by someone else that needs it.

If you move home or change your telephone number, please let us know by calling the nebuliser service on 0161 206 4423. It is important that you keep the equipment in good working order so that it can deliver the drug properly. This will involve cleaning the machine, cleaning the nebuliser unit, and changing the filter every four months.

Your nebuliser compressor should be replaced every 3 years. Please contact the Nebuliser Service on 0161 206 4423 to arrange this. Should you experience any problems with your compressor before this time or should it stop working, please contact the Nebuliser Service on 0161 206 4423 to arrange a replacement.

The opening hours of Chest Clinic are Monday to Thursday, 9.00am - 5.00pm and Friday 9.00am to 12 midday for nebuliser exchange. If you are unable to collect the machine yourself then a relative or friend can do this on your behalf.

Important note

If you have been prescribed both nebulised bronchodilators (such as salbutamol, Ipratropium) and Pulmoclear, it is safe to take both medications using the same air compressor machine.  Nonetheless it is essential that you use a separate nebuliser unit with a mouthpiece for Pulmoclear. Keep the Pulmoclear pot separate so that you can easily tell the difference. Pulmoclear does not replace any of your other prescribed therapies and as such should be used in addition to all other medications.

Care of your air compressor machine

Please make sure the air compressor is kept clean. Regularly wipe it down with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Do not spray detergents or any other product onto the compressor machine.  Don’t smoke in the same room as the machine as it will turn yellow and start to smell. The machine is used for someone else when you swap it and they do not want that.

Care of your nebuliser unit

After each use there will be a small amount of liquid remaining in the bottom of the chamber. The salt in this liquid can block the air jet holes which can reduce the amount of drug getting into the lungs. Bugs could grow in the liquid, which can cause infection. It is very important to empty the leftover solution from the pot and separate the nebuliser unit into four individual parts, as outlined in the diagram, so that it can be cleaned.

Cleaning Instructions

Wash all parts in warm soapy water (washing up liquid) and then rinse thoroughly in clean warm water. Lay on a clean surface to dry naturally. Do not dry with a towel or kitchen roll as these can leave fibres on the equipment that you can breathe in next time you use it. Do not wash the plastic tubing in water. If you notice any moisture in the tubing, disconnect the nebuliser unit. Turn on the machine which will send a blast of air through the tubing and clear any moisture.

Trouble shooting

If your air compressor machine is not working, try checking that the mains lead is firmly in place and the switches are turned on. If your machine is working but the nebuliser unit is not misting then try checking the tubing is fitted properly and that the pot has been cleaned so the holes are not blocked. Check all the parts are put together as shown in the picture above. You may want to try a new nebuliser unit to see if the one you’re using is blocked. Don’t worry about missing it for a few days if there is a problem with your equipment. Contact the team as soon as possible and we will sort out your equipment or provide advice by phone.

For further advice please contact:

Nebuliser Service on 0161 206 4423 or email: respiratory.nurses@nca.nhs.uk