1. What is a jet nebulizer?

A jet nebulizer is a device used to deliver medication to people in forms of a liquid mist to the airways. It is commonly used in treating cystic fibrosis, asthma, and other respiratory diseases.

A jet nebulizer uses an air or gas stream to change liquids into small aerosol particles of the size that can be inhaled into the lower respiratory tract. PARI^® jet nebulizers are also breath enhanced.

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PARI LC^® Star Reusable Nebulizer
Smaller Particles for Those Who Need It

The PARI LC^® STAR utilizes breath-enhanced technology. Compared to other nebulizers, PARI LC^® STAR produces smaller sized aerosol particles to target the deepest part of the lungs. It is well suited for aerosol delivery with certain medications, or for those patients with smaller airways due to age or advanced disease state.

PARI LC^® D Disposable Nebulizer
For Office Visits and Short Term Needs

When fast treatments are required for short term use such as the physician´s office or emergency room, the PARI LC^® D Disposable nebulizer delivers. Using the same jet technology as the PARI LC^® PLUS, the PARI LC^® D is designed for disposable, single patient use for office and hospital visits, and other short term needs.

3. What is the advantage of a breath enhanced nebulizer?

The advantage of a breath enhanced nebulizer is in its design. Breath enhanced nebulizers promote a greater release of aerosol during inhalation and less waste during exhalation. Compared to other conventional nebulizers such as a T-shaped, the PARI LC^® PLUS is designed in a way that prevents the loss of aerosolized medication to the ambient air, and instead, keeps drawing it through the nebulizer. As a result, aerosol delivery is more efficient and more medication is available for the patient to inhale. Breath enhanced nebulizers deliver aerosol faster than conventional nebulizers.

The entire PARI LC^® family is breath enhanced.

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4. Do all the PARI^® nebulizers require a compressor?

You must use a compressor as the means of delivering the airflow to the nebulizer, unless you are connecting to an oxygen tank, or air wall source commonly used in the clinic or hospital setting. 

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5. The 2 PARI® Compressors

PRONEB® Ultra II Compressor The PRONEB® Ultra II compressor at 3 lbs, is one of thesmallest andlightest compressors available. A Powerful motor means treatment times of 5 – 7 min (depending on Nebulizer cup). Included is the option of the LC® PLUS or the new LC®Sprint Reusable Nebulizers for fast aerosol treatments, optimal particle size and minimal medication waste. The modern design features a built-in nebulizer holder, an integrated handle and an easy-change filter that lasts up to 500 hours.

PARI Trek® S Compact Compressor The PARI TREK® S Compact Compressor is innovative with its small size and power of a tabletop unit. With the optional DC adaptor and rechargeable battery the PARI TREK® S converts to a portable compressor. The portability of PARI's TREK® S gives you the freedom to take treatments whenever and wherever you want to go. The PARI TREK® S is PARI´s smallest compressor weighing less than a pound, and is one of the quietest compressors available.

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6. How often do I change the filter on my PARI^® compressor?

All PARI compressors include a long lasting filter designed to last up to 500 hours of use. As a general rule, it is a good idea to replace your compressor filter when you replace your PARI Reusable Nebulizer. It is also a good idea to have an extra filter on hand as a spare just in case your filter is misplaced or damaged, or dirty.

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7. Why is no mist coming out of my cup/nebulizer?

If no mist is coming from the Neb Cup you should first make sure that you are using a PARI Reusable Nebulizer.  Refer to your instructions for use if not sure.  Once you are sure that you have a PARI LC® Reusable Nebulizer, boil the cup (except for tubing and mask) for 10 minutes. Refer to your instructions for use for further cleaning / disinfecting procedures.

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8. How often should I replace my nebulizer?

Your PARI^® reusable jet nebulizer is designed to last up to 6 months. More viscous medications like some antibiotics or improper cleaning may shorten this lifespan. To maintain optimal nebulizer performance it is important to thoroughly clean and disinfect the nebulizer according to the manufacturer´s instructions. PARI´s reusable nebulizers can be cleaned with warm water and liquid dish soap or cleaned in a dishwasher. For effective infection control, it is also important to disinfect the nebulizer regularly.

Medicare will approve replacements every 6 months and it may be wise to have a spare nebulizer in case of malfunction.

A nebulizer may cease to function optimally for several reasons:

     Failure to keep it clean. Some medications when dry, may crystallize in the smallest holes in the nebulizer. This is especially true of antibiotics such as TOBI^®, and when using “off label” uses of other antibiotics such as Tazicef.

     Breakage during rough or misuse. The point where the tubing connects to the nebulizer is especially vulnerable to breakage. When disconnecting the tubing, be sure to pull gently; never yank.

     Improper assembly. When putting together your nebulizer after cleaning and disinfecting, be sure to align all pieces properly.

     Problem with the compressor filter. Just as it is vital to keep your nebulizer in clean and working order, you must make sure your compressor’s filter is clean. Remember, when the filter is gray, it’s time to change it. Failure to change the filter as needed can result in longer treatment times resulting from decreased air flow.

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9. Which nebulizer is the proper one for the medication I am taking?

The package insert of each nebulized drug will list the approved nebulizer to use. This is available from your Pharmacist and your CF Center.

PARI^® LC nebulizers are approved for the administration of:

Pulmozyme^®
Pulmicort Respules^®
TOBI^®
DuoNeb^®
AccuNeb^®
Xopenex^®
Brovana^®*
Performist^®*

^* Check with your CF Center or CF physician for COPD indications.

PARI LC^® Plus nebulizers are approved for the administration of:
TOBI^®
Colymycin (sterile colistimethate sodium, USP)
Albuterol^®
Pulmozyme^®
Pulmicort (budesonide)
Brovana^®*
Performist^®

^* Check with your CF Center or CF physician for COPD indications.

PARI LC^® Star nebulizers are approved for the administration of:
Colymycin^®
Albuterol^®
Pulmozyme^®
Pulmicort ^®

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10. What is the best way to clean and disinfect my PARI Nebulizer?

Cleaning: After every treatment, thoroughly rinse the nebulizer to remove medication. Hand-wash with warm water and dish soap. Rinse thoroughly. OR... Wash in the dishwasher using a dishwasher basket on the top rack.

Disinfecting: (done after cleaning) every 2nd treatment day, mix a solution of 1 part distilled white vinegar and 3 parts warm tap water in a clean bowl. Soak the nebulizer parts (except the tubing and mask) for 60 minutes. Rinse thoroughly. OR... Mix a solution using Control III® Nebulizer Disinfectant and soak for 10 minutes. Rinse thoroughly. OR... Boil the nebulizer parts for 10 minutes.

**For further nebulizer cleaning instructions from Cystic Fibrosis Foundation click here (PDF file, 849 kb).

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11. How do I clean the nebulizer's tubing?

Never run water through the tubing that attaches to your nebulizer. If your tubing appears to be dirty, it’s best to throw the tubing and the nebulizer away to prevent contamination or infection.

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12. There is moisture in my nebulizer's tubing, what shoud I do?

Occasionally moisture will appear in the nebulizer tubing. This may be the result of condensation occurring as the heat of your compressor motor warms a portion of the tubing. Inadvertent exposure to moisture during cleaning can also result in water in the tubing.

To remove moisture from the tubing, first, disconnect the nebulizer. Leaving the tubing attached to the compressor unit, allow the compressor to run air through it until. Make sure that the tubing is hanging down (e.g., dangling over the edge of your bathroom counter) so that gravity will allow the moisture to drain out.

Wipe away any excess moisture on the outside of the tubing using a lint-free cloth.

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