What is the best portable nebulizer?
I am almost at Stage 4 COPD, but believe it or not, still active despite gasping just walking to the mailbox. My wife and I would like to do some more traveling while I am still relatively healthy. I have a couple little Pari Neb Trekkers, but the batteries do not last for more than one maybe two treatments. Are there any recommendations for portable nebulizers? My doctor said that the mesh ones do not deliver the medication deep enough, that one should get a nebulizer with good compression to get that medicine deep in the lungs. Thanks in advance!
Hi Jay, and thanks for your post. I like your idea of getting out there and doing some traveling with your wife. We have members right here, within the community, who have made similar types of trips/travel. They have been successful by preparing in advance and I am sure you will be too.
I was curious - since the doctor said what he did (about mesh nebulizers), did he provide you with a suitable recommendation of his own? That might be a good place for you to start.
As well, we have a number of articles, published right here on COPD.net, which deal with types of nebulizers and, traveling with a COPD diagnosis.
If you are interested, here are some articles about nebulizers. First, this one on the types of nebulizers: https://copd.net/clinical/nebulizer-types. And next, this one which focuses on the nebulizer market: https://copd.net/clinical/nebulizer-market.
Should you want to read even more, here are several articles which address traveling and vacation. First this one, on vacation: https://copd.net/living/vacation-planning. And next, this one on the essentials for travel: https://copd.net/living/travel-essentials.
I do hope you find the information is helpful in a practical way.
If there is anything further we can assist you with, please let me or any other moderator / team member know. You are always welcome here!
All the best,
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)Thank you, Leon, for your quick reply! We haven't been abroad in over ten years and my lungs were considerably better back then, so I need one that's really dependable. (The Pari products seemed to be better made back then. I have had to return some in subsequent years usually the home/desk top models.) The other consideration is that the outlets overseas are different and sometimes the current as well.
I appreciate the links. Tried to find some info. on site, but must have been looking in the wrong place. I will certainly check them out. Thanks, jayIt's my pleasure, Jay, glad to have been able to help! If you take some time, I am sure you will be able to find a portable unit that is reliable and serves your needs well. The portable nebulizers have become quite common nowadays and are reliable and affordable as well.
I also know there are adapters available, should you need them, for the European electrical outlets. However, most of the modern hotels should have what you need on hand. It may be an idea to check before you travel with each place you plan to stay. That way, there will be no surprises. And, it there are (surprises), you'll have an adapter all ready to go!
Besides using your own physician as a resource, you may want to check with any of the reliable equipment suppliers in your local area. By working with them, you will be able to gauge which products will be best for your trip.
Keep us posted as to how your research is going - if there is something we can do to help, we will!!
Warmly,
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)
