Apria Healthcare Small Volume Nebulizer User manual

Small Volume Nebulizer
PATIENT/CAREGIVER INSTRUCTIONS

Follow all warnings and instruction labels on
medical devices.
To obtain a copy of the manufacturer’s product manual,
visit us at apria.com

SMALL VOLUME NEBULIZER 1
Table of Contents
Your Prescription ............................1
Components of Your Small Volume
Nebulizer....................................1
Nebulizer Cup Assembly ..................... 2
Operating Your Nebulizer................... 2
Taking Your Treatment ...................... 3
After Your Treatment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Cleaning Procedure ........................ 4
After Each Treatment.................... 4
After the Last Treatment Each Day....... 5
Twice Weekly Cleaning and Disinfection.. 5
Filter Change............................ 5
Physical Problems .......................... 5
Handwashing Technique ................... 6
Safety Precautions.......................... 6
Common Problems and Solutions .......... 8
Feedback on Our Services .................. 8
Your Prescription
Nebulizers are used to turn liquid medication
into a mist so that it can be inhaled. Nebulizer
therapy uses a prescribed drug. Never
increase your frequency of treatments or
volume of medication without the specic
approval of your physician. Please note that
the information provided here is meant to
supplement the information provided by your
physician, not to replace it. If your physician
changes the frequency of treatment or
medication volume, notify Apria Healthcare
of this change in your prescription.
For more information on your illness or
condition, the drugs used to treat them and
product information, please visit our web site
at apria.com.
Components of Your Small
Volume Nebulizer
Although nebulizer equipment may vary
in appearance, most models contain the
components shown below. Note: Your
nebulizer or nebulizer cup may not look
exactly like the ones shown below.
©2015 Apria Healthcare Group Inc. Apria Healthcare with its accompanying logo is a registered trademark of Apria Healthcare Group Inc.
Typical small volume nebulizers
Compressor
Face Mask
Air Tubing
T-Piece
Nebulizer
Cup
Mouthpiece
Compressor Mouthpiece
Air Tubing
Nebulizer
Cup

2APRIA HEALTHCARE PATIENT/CAREGIVER INSTRUCTIONS
Nebulizer Cup Assembly
Step 1: Select a comfortable area in your
home where the unit can be placed on a at
stable surface and treatments can be taken
without interruption.
Step 2: Wash your hands as instructed on
page 6.
Step 3: Place the medication in
the nebulizer cup.
NOTE: Discard any medications
or solutions that have:
• Changed colors
• Formed crystals
• Developed a strange odor
• Gone beyond the expiration date
Ask your pharmacist how long
your medication can be used. Most
medications are dated and have a
specic expiration date. Ask your
pharmacist to instruct you on your
medication usage. Please note that any
information or instructions provided here
are meant to supplement, not replace,
any special instructions provided by your
physician or pharmacist.
Step 4: Assemble your nebulizer cup
according to the instructions provided by
the manufacturer. (Two common models are
pictured below.)
Step 5: If a mask is going to be used
to administer the treatment, follow the
manufacturer’s directions for attaching the
mask to the nebulizer cup.
Operating Your Nebulizer
Compressor
Step 1: Connect the nebulizer cup to the
tubing. Be careful not to spill any of your
medication from the nebulizer cup.
Step 2: Attach tubing to compressor.
Step 3: Insert the power plug into a nearby
power outlet.
Note: Most common small volume nebulizers
use “2-prong” power plugs and do not require
a 3-prong, grounded AC power outlet.
Unit dose
medication
Typical mask assembly
T-piece
Lid
Nebulizer
Cup
Mouthpiece
Mouthpiece congurations
Mouthpiece
Nebulizer Cup

SMALL VOLUME NEBULIZER 3
However, if the equipment that has been
provided to you has a 3-prong power plug
and your home does not have 3-prong
power outlets, your Apria representative
will exchange your nebulizer for a unit that
utilizes the 2-prong plug.
Taking Your Treatment
Step 1: Position yourself comfortably in a
sitting position that will allow you to take a
deep breath.
Step 2: Turn compressor to“ON.”
Step 3: Check for steady mist.
Check to see that the nebulizer is creating
a steady mist. If not, recheck the tubing
attachment points at the nebulizer and the
compressor. If the nebulizer still does not
supply an adequate mist, use your spare
nebulizer cup and call Apria Healthcare for
a replacement.
Step 4: Place the mouthpiece between your
teeth and on top of your tongue and inhale
through your mouth. If you are using a mask,
secure the mask on your face and inhale with
your mouth open.
Step 5: Breathe normally through your
mouth unless directed otherwise by your
physician. Repeat this breathing pattern for
the entire treatment.
Step 6: Monitor for side eects. If you
experience any of the following, stop
your treatment:
• Increase in pulse by 20 beats per minute
• Palpitations (noticeable heart beat)
• Dizziness
• Shakiness
• Nausea
• Chest pain
• Uncontrollable coughing
Rest for ve to ten minutes. If the side eects
stop, continue with your treatment, but at
a slower pace. If physical problems persist,
consult your physician.
Step 7: Continue treatment until medication
is gone.
Periodically tap the side of your nebulizer cup
to cause any residual medication droplets to
go to the bottom of the cup where they can
be nebulized.
Two-prong power plug Three-prong (grounded)
power plug
Using the nebulizer

4APRIA HEALTHCARE PATIENT/CAREGIVER INSTRUCTIONS
If you need to cough or rest during the
treatment, turn the compressor o so you can
save your medication.
After Your Treatment
Step 1: Turn the compressor o.
Step 2: If needed, cough several times to
loosen and bring up any mucus.
Step 3: Clean the nebulizer unit using the
instructions below.
Step 4: Store medication as directed on the
label and refrigerate if required.
Cleaning Procedure
Cleaning and decontamination of
respiratory therapy equipment in the home
is of major concern. To prevent equipment
contamination, a simple but eective
cleaning procedure must be carried out on a
routine basis. Do all cleaning and disinfecting
in a clean environment. Avoid doing it after
vacuuming, under an open window, or in
dusty, dirty or smoky areas.
After Each Treatment
Step 1: Wash your hands as instructed on
page 6.
Step 2: Remove the mask/mouthpiece, hose/
tubing and nebulizer cup.
Step 3: Disassemble the nebulizer cup and
empty it.
Step 4: Rinse under a strong stream of
warm water. Note: It is not necessary to wash
the tubing.
Step 5: Shake o excess water.
Step 6: Place nebulizer parts on a paper
towel to air dry. Cover with another paper
towel to keep dust free.
Step 7: Once dry, reassemble for the
next treatment.
After the Last Treatment Each Day
Step 1: Wash your hands as instructed on
page 6.
Step 2: Remove the mask/mouthpiece,
tubing and nebulizer cup.
Rinse nebulizer parts
Put paper towels above and below the nebulizer parts
and allow to air dry

SMALL VOLUME NEBULIZER 5
Step 3: Disassemble the nebulizer cup and
empty it.
Step 4: Wash disassembled parts in mild
liquid detergent and warm water.
Note:
It is not necessary to wash the tubing.
Step 5: Rinse all the parts.
Step 6: Shake o excess water.
Step 7: Air dry parts between folds of paper
towels or on a clean hand towel.
Step 8: Reassemble for use.
Twice Weekly Cleaning and
Disinfection
Step 1: Wash your hands as instructed on
page 6.
Step 2: Wash disassembled parts in mild
liquid detergent and warm water.
Note:
It is not necessary to wash the tubing.
Step 3: Rinse thoroughly.
Step 4: Soak the parts for 30 minutes in a
solution of one part white vinegar and one
part water for disinfecting.
Step 5: After soaking, rinse and shake o the
excess water.
Step 6: If the equipment is not going to be
used immediately, air dry between folds of
paper towels or a clean hand towel. When
thoroughly dry, store in a resealable plastic
bag until ready for use.
To keep your nebulizer compressor dust free,
cover it with a clean towel when not in use.
Do not store the nebulizer on the oor.
Filter Change
The lter should be changed according to the
manufacturer’s recommendation. Please refer
to the manufacturer’s manual for instruction
and required frequency of change.
Physical Problems
If you experience any of the following
problems, call your physician:
• Fever or chills
• Increased wheezing
• Increased mucus production
• Mucus becomes thicker
• Change in mucus color
• Headaches
• Loss of appetite
• Increased shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Increased cough
• Swelling in your ankles or around
your eyes
• Weight gain overnight
Wash disassembled nebulizer parts
after the last treatment each day

6APRIA HEALTHCARE PATIENT/CAREGIVER INSTRUCTIONS
• Feeling dizzy or sleepy
• Any change in physical sensation after
taking a new medication
If you experience severe physical problems,
call 911 or your local emergency services.
If you experience any physical change, call
your physician.
If you are having trouble with your
equipment call Apria Healthcare.
Handwashing Technique
Thorough handwashing must be done prior to
all procedures. Contaminated, dirty hands are
one of the most common sources of infection.
1. Wet your hands thoroughly with
warm water.
2. Use soap.
3. Scrub hands for 20 seconds using a
rotary motion and friction. Wash:
• Back and palm of each hand
• Between all ngers
• Fingernails
Need a timer? Hum the “Happy
Birthday” song from beginning
to end twice.
4. Rinse your hands under the
running water.
5. Dry on clean towel or with a
paper towel.
For additional good health habits, visit our
Patient Education section on apria.com.
Safety Precautions
Never immerse the compressor unit
in water.
Never try to clean the compressor by placing
it in water. The electrical components will
be damaged and will create a shock to the
user the next time it is plugged into an
electrical outlet.
Never plug in the compressor unit if the
unit is wet or damp.
Moisture always increases the potential
of electrical shock.
Always keep an extra nebulizer cup
on hand.
It is possible, but not probable, that your
nebulizer could stop working correctly just as
you start using it. A spare nebulizer cup will
allow you to continue with your treatment,
should this occur.
Never use the compressor with an
extension cord.
Wash hands for 20 seconds

SMALL VOLUME NEBULIZER 7
Never plug the compressor into an
electrical outlet that is being used to
supply power to another major appliance.
Plug your compressor into an outlet that is
NOT being used to supply electricity to other
major appliances. If you need to use the same
outlet that is shared by other equipment,
make sure the other appliances are NOT
being used at the same time.
Never try to repair the compressor
yourself.
Your compressor is considered medical
equipment and should only be worked on by
a professional. If you are having trouble with
your equipment, call Apria Healthcare.
Make sure your home address can be
easily seen from the street during both day
and night.
If you are expecting a night delivery or visit,
turn on the porch light. Check to see that
your address numbers are easy to spot and
read from the street. This will allow all Apria
Healthcare and emergency services to locate
your residence easily.
Follow emergency and natural disaster
instructions.
In an emergency or natural disaster, follow
the internet, radio or television instructions
of your local authorities.
Warranty
If you have purchased your nebulizer
compressor, the unit is under manufacturer’s
warranty from the date you receive the unit.
Call Apria Healthcare if your equipment
needs service.
Never plug in unit if it is wet or damp
Never use unit with
an extension cord
Never plug into an outlet used by
another major appliance

APRIA HEALTHCARE PATIENT/CAREGIVER INSTRUCTIONS
8
Problem
Medication is not
making a mist
Compressor does
not turn on
Medication leaks out
of the nebulizer cup
Compressor unit does
not have enough flow
Common Problems and Their Solutions
Clean nebulizer cup and reassemble, or
discard and use a new medication cup.
Plug in.
Unscrew cap from nebulizer cup and
reassemble.
Replace and/or clean filter.
Nebulizer cup is not properly
assembled or is not clean
Unit is not plugged in
Nebulizer cup is
cross-threaded
Filter is dirty
Probable Cause Solution
Feedback on Our Services
Apria Healthcare is among America’s most
experienced and respected home respiratory
care providers, and our patient satisfaction
scores are consistently high. It is possible,
however, that you may have a concern and
we welcome feedback. To voice a concern,
you should take these steps:
1. Call the Apria Customer Service
Department at 1 [phone]
OR
2. Contact us by e-mail at:
P[email protected]
OR
3. Visit our web site at apria.com
Satisfaction Survey Process
Our goal is to ensure your satisfaction. You
will likely receive an Apria patient satisfaction
questionnaire and we hope that you will take
a few minutes to ll it out and return it to us.
The postage is prepaid by Apria Healthcare.

Take advantage of all the
Apria Pharmacy Network benets!
• A wide range of respiratory
medications delivered right
to your door, alleviating the
need to go to the pharmacy
• Convenient and easy to
use pre-mixed unit-dose
medications
• A monthly phone call from
Apria Pharmacy Network
to conrm medication supply
and arrange for reorder,
if needed
• A pharmacist on-call
24 hours a day to discuss
your medication questions
• Billing to Medicare and most
Medicaid and commercial
insurance companies
To learn more about Apria Pharmacy Network,
contact your local Apria Healthcare branch today,
or call [phone]
Are You Using a Nebulizer?
Apria Pharmacy Network can deliver your prescribed
respiratory medications right to your door

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RES-2000 Rev. 04/15©2015 Apria Healthcare Group Inc.