Respiratory - Nebuliser equipment

You have been loaned an air compressor machine in order to deliver your nebulised drug therapy at home. This machine remains the property of Salford Royal Hospital. If you no longer require the equipment, then it must be returned to the respiratory care team via the Chest Clinic at Salford Royal Hospital

It is important that you keep the equipment in good working order for the correct delivery of the prescribed therapy.

This will involve cleaning the compressor machine, cleaning the nebuliser unit and changing the filter every 3 to 4 months. You will be contacted by the respiratory team when your machine is due for service - when the nebuliser unit and filters will be replaced, and new nebuliser masks/mouth pieces issued. The nebuliser compressor is normally recalled for service/swap around every 3 years.

When you are requested to bring the compressor machine in for service, we would kindly request that you bring the machine into the Chest clinic at Salford Royal Hospital where your replacement equipment will be waiting for collection.

The opening hours of Chest clinic are Monday to Thursday, 9am - 5pm and Friday 9am - 12 noon. If you are unable to collect the machine yourself then a relative or friend can do this on your behalf. Please note we are unable to arrange for equipment changes outside of these times.

If you do not hear from us, please contact the Nebuliser Service on 0161 206 4423. This is an answer phone service and you will be asked to provide your full name and a contact number. You will be contacted in due course.
 
If you move home or change your telephone number, please inform us.

Filters

Filters must be replaced every 3 to 4 months (dependent on use). Your health care professional will advise re this.

Consumables

Only use consumables (nebuliser mask or mouthpiece) provided by the nebuliser service.

You have been provided with:

☐    Masks that should be changed every month
☐    Masks that should be changed every 3 months
☐    Masks that should be changed every 12 months
☐    Mouthpiece that should be changed every month
☐    Mouthpiece that should be changed every 3 months

If your compressor machine breaks down don’t panic!

It is safe to use your blue reliever at doses higher than those normally prescribed, for example, up to 10 puffs, four times daily.

This can replace the doses you are accustomed to using via your nebuliser. Please refer to your self-management plan for further information.

Important note

If you have been prescribed any other inhaled drug therapies, it is essential that you continue this treatment alongside prescribed nebulised drugs, unless otherwise directed by your doctor or respiratory nurse.

If in doubt, contact your respiratory nurse for advice.

Care of your air compressor unit

Please ensure the 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.

Care of your nebuliser unit

• After each use there will be a tiny amount of liquid remaining in the bottom of the chamber
• This solution can block the air outlet holes, reducing the effective delivery of the therapy
• Bacteria could grow in the residual liquid, which can become a source of infection
• Empty the remaining solution from the bottom of the chamber and separate the nebuliser unit into four individual parts, as outlined in the diagram on the next page. After each use Rinse the chamber thoroughly in warm clean water and leave to dry naturally. At the end of each day
• Wash all parts in hand warm soapy water 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 can be inhaled during subsequent dose administration
• 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 is not working try checking that the mains lead is firmly in place and the switches are turned on.

If your compressor is working but the nebuliser unit is not producing a mist, try checking the tubing is fitted correctly and ensure you have a clean nebuliser unit attached.

You may want to try a new nebuliser unit to establish if the attached one is blocked.

If it takes longer than 10 minutes to complete administration of one full treatment, consider that the nebuliser unit, filter or air compressor may need replacing.

Contact us on the number above to arrange collection of replacement equipment. For further information or advice please contact the Nebuliser Service on 0161 206 4423 or email respiratory.nurses@nca.nhs.uk