TGG,

I don't know about efficacy by brand, model or size (which is an excellent question) but I do know that you should invest in a portable battery operated nebulizer to use in case of power failure or loss. Trust me on this one! :-)

I use a bulky plug-in home model I wouldn't recommend as it's a pain in the butt to tote around. I'm hoping to save enough to likewise buy a good battery operated model to use in power failures or when I have to travel.

I'm sure others on this site will have informative posts on this subject.

My MD has written an Rx for a nebulizer. But he had no information to answer my questions (as posed above). And so far I've not found any asthmatics who have the answers either. Thanks, Orson, for recommending a portable unit. That is an excellent consideration, as I would be using a nebulizer in place of fast-acting inhalers.

My insurance (BCBS Blue Options) covers some of the cost of a huge plug-in home model, and despite the fact that I've explained that I need a portable one because I can't use the HFA inhalers, they are still only willing to pay for part of the home model and won't consider paying for a portable one. Gee! Why am I paying for insurance in the first place?!

There are so many portable neb's out there, it will make your head spin! And many different prices as well. I'm confused!

Anyone use a portable neb? If so, do you like it? Please post make and model, whether you would recommend it or buy it again, and any pro's or con's. Thanks guys. Please help me!

TGG

TGG-

When I got my nebulizer I paid $200 out of pocket, Aetna wouldn't cover any of it. Right now on another Aetna plan it costs $70 for each medication. At that point it's no longer a cop-pay, it's a decutible - and for every single drug. So I don't know what the point of paying for insurance is.

The nebulizer I got is an "Inspiration" plug-in model with a handle - supposedly portale but bulky and heavy. It is also useless in power failures.

I, too, would be interested in what everyone else is using and how much it cost them.

i don't personally have a neb but i know people who do. Omron microair is supposed to be good as its portable. Theres a thread on www.asthma.org.uk about which is the best neb to get. You might find more information there.

I would also say a portible neb would be great. I have a bulky plug in one for at home and its pretty much a pain. I mean its nice for when I'm at home, but for when I am traveling, it sucks.

I have the omron Micro Air and the replacement filters are $30 and Now I have the Pari trek I like it and the treatments take less than 10 mins. It is very portable and easy to clean and comes with battery pack, ac adapter and an adapter for the cigarrette lighter in the car.

A portable nebuliser is a great idea. I didn't think I would need one but since I'm going on vacation in May I need to reconsider. It's sad that insurance won't cover it. I'm in HMO and I'm sure they won't cover it either. But if the cost isn't too prohibitive it certainly would give me peace of mind. I'm definitely going to explore this option.

Just thought i would add my tuppence worth. I use a portaneb- think that is the make. thats what it says ont he box. it is reaslly good as it is like the size of a sandwich maker. its not a compressor neb though whihc is its draw back but usful for when i go away. I have a omron compressorneb whihc i use especially when my astham is bad as it gets the meds in quicker. for a porabel battery neb i ahve an aeroneb go. it is really good as it can run off batteries or a mains power. i dont knwo where i would be without my neb. i love them.
olive

I too am shopping for a new nebulizer. I can't tell you which one is best, but do not buy the Best Med Polygreen Portable Ultrasonic! I have the KN-9210 and it sucks! Firstly even though it is very small and portable, and has a rechargeable battery and car charger, it has no hands free option, and overheats so quickly the damn thing shuts off all the time. I've actually put it in the fridge for 1 or 2 minutes so I can finish a treatment. Secondly, I have only been using it for a little over a year and it has started to rust. Also it requires frequent refilling of water to make it run in addition to your meds. To keep it running more smoothly I have started using distilled water in it on the advice of an electrical engineer; I don't know why but it works but it is an added expense. I will admit it can give a treatment quickly when it functions properly. Since I'm having a bad exacerbation right now I'm stuck with. But if you're looking at this one, look elsewhere! I hope this helps.

I have a portable neb that works great! I can take it on airplanes, in the car, or i can use it at home. It does need to be charged, but is overall really useful. Not quite sure of the brand, but I know that they are out there~

Hi Tgg,
I've been using nebulizers for 36 years and many different brands. The 3 things that make a difference to me is easy to clean, quiet and very portable. Beyond this, they seem to all work the same in my experience.

I own 5 models and prefer the 2 lightest models. They are small and easy to move around. There are some that can be used with a battery option too.

If you travel much or drive long enough periods, it may be helpful to have an ac converter in your car.

Hope this helps.

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It's an animal.