Portable nebulizer

[LuvOrlando]

I just came back from the Pulmonologist and the Dr gave me an OK for a portable Nebulizer for the kids. I would like one that is small enough to fit in my purse or a backpack that could also function on batteries if an outlet isn't available. Can anyone out there recommend one through their own experience?

 

[Poppinsme]

Howdy!
I'm a Respiratory Therapist. RRT.
May I recommend:

Omron NE-U22 MICROAIR NEBULIZER
The Absolute BEST Portable Nebulizer Available!!!

And I have asthma.

 

[dalt01]

Howdy!
I'm a Respiratory Therapist. RRT.
May I recommend:

Omron NE-U22 MICROAIR NEBULIZER
The Absolute BEST Portable Nebulizer Available!!!

And I have asthma.

no more cups and tubes???????????i gotta get me one of those..........whats the price point?

 

[Poppinsme]

http://www.nextag.com/omron-ne_-_u22-microair-nebulizer/search-html

$185 on up.

 

[LuvOrlando]

Thank you for the response. Since you actually use one i have a few questions if you don't mind me asking. Why do you say it's the best one out there? Is it more powerful? How do you clean it? Can I buy multiple reservoirs so if I'm out I can use a home sterilized compartment for each vial I administer? Also, how many hours of operation can it hold in actual practice? Does it run on regular batteries or a rechargeable one and if it's rechargeable can it work with a car outlet?

At the moment i am looking at a Respironics Microelite because that's what the woman at Apriva recommended but it's plainly more awkward than the one you are recommending.

As long as it's powerful enough to do a good job and can be charged easily I'd be content. I sure wish Consumer Reports had a site for durable medical equipment. I don't like being at the mercy of whoever is doing the selling.

 

[lisau]

We have used this Omron model for over five years. It is extremely durable,fits in my purse,has been used everywhere from a stroller in DisneyWorld to the baseball fields. It's been dropped many times and still works great-almost silent but plenty powerful. We use it with both xopenenx and pulmacort and just clean after each use. We typically just use regular AA batteries but we have also used the rechargable AA's as well.

 

[RNMOM]

I also have had the Omron since 05 and love it. It uses batteries and it is supposed to last 40 treatments if I remember right. It is quick and silent. There is a small mask for children you can get if you want. I paid about $280 back then. If all of us swear by this including a RT it has to be pretty good.

 

[N&B'smom]

Is this something that is covered even partially by insurance???

 

[LuvOrlando]

From what I understand the portable devices are deliberately coded differently from a nebulizer by insurance companies so they are hard to get for Asthmatics. Someone with Cystic Fibrosis would have no trouble. However, because my son is so hard to control and can need his nebulizer every 4 hours around the clock the Dr may be able to have the Insurance Company make an exception. It's no guarantee though but I don't care, I'd gladly pay the cost if it means keeping my son closer to his medicines, sometimes it's best to go outside the system.

The weird part about nebulizers though is that while they cost a few hundred dollars they can keep as Asthmatic (or anyone with a breathing problem) out of the ER and hospital. Isn't the durable equipment more cost effective than expensive hospital stays? I don't get the reasoning behind the policy.

The only people I know who have Nebulizers are those with private insurance. Every single diagnosed Asthmatic I know on CHiP here in PA is denied an at home Nebulizer so the poor kids end up in the ER all the time. These parents need an advocate but most never even get to see a Specialist who would set them straight. It's so sad To me there are 2 things I refuse to leave singly in the hands of other people, Education and Healthcare because both are based on nothing more than an opinion, an educated one is good but a nit-wit with a diploma can do immeasurable damage. A diploma doesn't necessarily indicate the presence of intelligence. Sometimes a professional can be a huge advantage and sometimes a huge hindrance but a Mom who is an advocate for her child is always a good thing.

 

[LuvOrlando]

I took everyone's advice and ordered the Omron yesterday from a newly opened local Mom & Pop business because the big ones will only order what they carry, like Car dealers. The owner was so nice, he ordered the equipment from his vendor that same day so I could get it ASAP. I'm so hopeful that this is going to improve things for my son

 

[LuvOrlando]

I finally got the micro nebulizer in Friday, it took a long while because no-one seemed to carry it. If anyone has any questions just ask. Thanks again for the recommendations.