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FAQs

Answers to your Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I know when to replace my PARI Reusable Nebulizer?

PARI Reusable Nebulizers are designed to last 6 months from first use with proper cleaning. PARI’s Timestrip provides patients an easy reminder to replace their PARI reusable nebulizer at the 6 month mark and is included with all PARI nebulizers and compressor systems.

Advantages of Replacing your Nebulizer Cup:

  • Consistent medication delivery to the lungs
  • Fast and efficient treatments
  • Bacterial contamination can be reduced*

*Lester, Mary K. Nebulizer Use and maintenance by Cystic Fibrosis Patients; A Survey Study, Respiratory Care 2004;49(12) 1504-1508.

MEDICARE guidelines (U.S.) allow for a replacement reusable nebulizer every 6 months. It is important to keep extra nebulizer on hand at all times.

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2. What is the best way to clean and disinfect my PARI Reusable Nebulizer?

Cleaning

  • After every treatment thoroughly rinse the nebulizer to remove medication.
  • Hand-wash with warm water and dish soap, then rinse thoroughly
  • Alternatively, wash in the dishwasher using a dishwasher basket on the top rack.

Disinfecting

  • Clean nebulizer as indicated above.
  • For low level disinfection every other 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, then rinse thoroughly.
    • Alternatively, mix a solution using Control III® Nebulizer Disinfectant and follow manufacturer’s instructions. Rinse thoroughly.
  • Alternatively, nebulizer parts (except mask and tubing) may be disinfected by boiling in a clean pot of water for 10 minutes.
  • Hospitals and clinics can sterilize the PARI Reusable Nebulizer parts (except mask and tubing) by autoclaving (a maximum of 277° F or 136° C), follow autoclave manufacturer’s instructions.

Please refer to the Instructions For Use for more information.
*CONTROL III® is a registered trademark of Maril Products, Inc.

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3. What attachment or mask should I use to deliver aerosols to babies and young children?

Patients and Caregivers have a few options for delivery of aerosol to young children. PARI BABY™ masks were designed especially for younger patients ages 3 and under. PARI BABY™ masks includes an elbow piece and a soft, tight fitting silicone mask that fits comfortably over the nose and mouth of the patient. This allows the caregiver to give a treatment in almost any position, such as lying down in a crib or stroller, standing, or sitting on a lap.

Children ages 3 and up can use the safe and child-friendly Bubbles the Fish™ II pediatric mask that efficiently delivers medication to the lungs while reducing facial and ocular deposition.

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4. What medications can be used with PARI Nebulizers?

PARI reusable nebulizers can be used with all inhalation medications approved for use with jet nebulizers and prescribed by a physician. PARI reusable nebulizers are the most widely used nebulizers by pharmaceutical companies in clinical trials for new medications compared to any other brand. Specifically, PARI nebulizers were used in the following clinical trials to prove safety and efficacy:

Pulmozyme® (Genentech), Pulmicort Respules® (AstraZeneca), TOBI® (Novartis), PerforomistTM, DuoNeb®, and AccuNeb® (Dey), and Brovana® and Xopenex® (Sunovion) 

If you have questions, please consult your physician.

*All registered marks and trademarks belong to their respective companies.

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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. Your compressor air filter is bright white when new. With use, the filter will slowly turn grey, indicating the need for replacement. The filter must be replaced immediately if it gets wet or becomes clogged. A good rule to follow is to replace your filter every 6 months – at the same time as your PARI reusable nebulizer.

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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.

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7. My nebulizer cup is not producing mist, what should I do?

If your nebulizer cup is not producing mist, first make sure that you are using a PARI Reusable Nebulizer. Refer to your instructions for use if you are not sure. Once you have confirmed that you have a PARI Reusable Nebulizer, boil the cup (except for tubing and mask) for 10 minutes. Refer to your instructions for use for further cleaning/disinfecting procedures.

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8. My treatments are taking longer than they did before, is this expected?

PARI nebulizers are known for consistent medication delivery and short treatment times. If your treatments are taking longer than they used to, first properly clean and disinfect your nebulizer according to the instructions for use. If your nebulizer nozzle is clogged, please replace immediately.

It is also important for you to replace your nebulizer cup every 6 months for fast and consistent treatments. If it has been longer than 6 months since you last received a new PARI reusable nebulizer, contact your physician, pharmacy, or medical equipment company to order a new one.

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9. What is the difference between a Nebulizer and a Compressor?

The Compressor creates an airflow which travels to your nebulizer through tubing. The Nebulizer is your actual medicine cup. This is what turns your medication into a mist or aerosol.  For more information, please refer to the Understanding your Nebulizer Compressor System reference sheet.

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10. When using Bubbles the Fish II™ pediatric mask, should I leave my nebulizer cap on or off?

For the most effective medication delivery, PARI recommends that you keep your nebulizer cap on for the LC® Plus and LC® Star reusable nebulizers, and in the closed position for the LC® Sprint reusable nebulizer.

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11. How do I clean my VORTEX® Holding Chamber?

  • Soak parts and mask for 15 minutes in luke warm water with liquid detergent.
  • Alternatively, place Vortex® parts in top shelf of dishwasher. Hand wash mask separately.

Refer to the PARI VORTEX® Instructions for Use for more information.

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