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Choosing a nebulizer for your inhaled medications can be a daunting task. In addition to the cost of the unit, there are several other things you need to consider such as portability (including weight, noise level and whether it can run on batteries), the type of medication your doctor has prescribed, the warranty period and who will be using the machine. In addition, there are many different models and options available, which further add to the confusion.
The first thing most people take into consideration is the cost of the machine, which can range from as low as $39.95 for compressor-driven table-top units (such as the SportNeb Express), all the way up to $199.95 for the Aeroneb GO. The inexpensive tabletop units are basic machines that while a bit noisy and heavy serve their purpose quite well. They have been available in their present form for many years and are considered the workhorse of the industry. Most come with a 3 to 5-year warranty, and can be ideal when portability is not a major issue. If the user is a small child or an adult who is home most of the time and if power outages are not a major concern, these "no-frills" powerhouses might be the ideal answer.
If you travel frequently, or need to take your nebulizer to the office or school, consider a smaller lighter version of the compressor-driven technology such as the Pari Trek S with Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery, or the EVO TranSport with rechargeable battery. While slightly more expensive, these machines are considerably smaller, lighter than the basic units described above. They can operate on battery power as well as wall power, and even have automotive adapters so they can be used in a car or boat. (Please note that on some models, batteries and auto adapters are options that must be ordered separately.)
In addition, some inhaled medications require the use of a "jet nebulizer" cup for proper delivery. Read the Patient Information bulletin packaged with your medication,or check with your doctor or pharmacist to see if the inhaled medication prescribed for you has this requirement. If so, these two units both qualify as "jet nebs" and will perform very well for you. If you still have questions, please feel free to call us at (800) 838-8367, and we will be happy to guide you to the right piece of equipment.
Those of you who require the ultimate in portability should consider the Pari Trek S or the Aeroneb GO. Both units are very small and lightweight. The Aeroneb GO provides virtually silent operation and can operate on battery power or AC wall power. The Aeroneb GO is supplied with both, a wall controller and a battery controller, and because it can operate on three AA batteries (included), there is no automotive adapter available. The Pari Trek S package includes the AC wall adapter, Auto (DC) Adapter and a Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery pack.
Because of their portability the Pari Trek S and the TranSport are important items to consider if you are in an area that is prone to power outages, or if you live in tornado or hurricane areas.
The bottom line? While cost is always a consideration, be sure to look at the entire picture so that your medical equipment works with your needs and lifestyle. One more important consideration is warranty service. No matter where you decide to buy, be sure to ask the supplier how warranty claims are handled. We find that many mail order or Internet supply companies do not handle warranty claims for their customers. We want you to know that we honor the manufacturer`s warranties for all the products we sell, and if you buy products from HealthConnection, we will handle any warranty claims with the manufacturers on your behalf.
If you have questions about any of the products we offer, we encourage you to call us at (800) 838-8367. We are here to take your calls from 8:00am to 5:00pm eastern time, Monday through Friday.
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