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Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I know when to replace my PARI Reusable Nebulizer?
2. What is the best way to clean and disinfect my PARI Nebulizer?
3. What attachment or mask should I use to deliver aerosols to babies and young children?
4. What medications are approved with PARI Nebulizers?
5. How often do I change my filter on my PARI compressor?
6. When is a prescription required?
7. Why is no mist coming out of my cup/nebulizer?
8. What is the difference between a Nebulizer and a Compressor?
9. How do I clean my VORTEX® Holding Chamber?
1. How do I know when to replace my PARI Reusable Nebulizer?
PARI Reusable Nebulizers are designed to last up to a year with proper cleaning. However, more viscous medications (antibiotics) or improper cleaning may shorten this time frame.
MEDICARE guidelines (U.S.) allow for a replacement reusable nebulizer every 6 months. Many patients keep an extra nebulizer on hand at all times so that they may clean one and use the other. This also allows the patient the security of having spare parts when necessary.
2. 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.
3. What attachment or mask should I use to deliver aerosols to babies and young children?
PARI BABY™ product was designed to be used especially for younger patients under the age of 3. PARI BABY™ product includes an elbow piece and a soft, tight fitting silicone mask that fits comfortably over the nose and mouth of the patient and allows the caregiver to give a treatment in almost any position: lying down in a crib or stroller, standing, or sitting on a lap.
Blowby technique (aiming the aerosol at the patients mouth) has been shown to be very inefficient in studies* and is very difficult to do consistently.
*Drug Delivery from Jet Nebulizers. A. Clark. Archives of Disease in Childhood 1992; 67: 586-591. (Review of various technical factors that influence aerosol delivery by nebulizer including the inefficiency of blowby technique for babies and pediatric patients).
4. What medications are approved with PARI Nebulizers?
PARI products are listed in the package insert for many current medications including:
Pulmozyme® (Genentech), Pulmicort Respules® (AstraZeneca), TOBI® (Chiron), DuoNeb® (Dey), AccuNeb® (Dey), and Xopenex® (Sepracor)
If in doubt, please consult your physician.
5. How often do I change my 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.
6. When is a prescription required?
Due to US Federal Regulations and requirements, PARI does require a prescription for compressors, nebulizers, and other medical devices, prior to an order being billed and shipped in the US. Patient Connection will advise you if a prescription is needed. The prescription MUST come from your Medical Provider and can be faxed to 1.800.727.4112.
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.
8. What is the difference between a Nebulizer and a Compressor?
The Nebulizer is your actual medicine cup. This is the cup that you place your medication in and then connect it to the compressor. The compressor is the machine itself that provides the air pressure for you to take your treatment.
9. How do I clean my VORTEX® Holding Chamber?
Please refer to the PARI VORTEX®  Instructions for Use.
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