Using An AeroEclipse® XL Reusable Nebulizer

Make an Appointment

This information was reviewed and approved by Cheryl Torres, RRT (10/1/2018).

Aeroeclipse 1Many medications are available as inhaled treatments. Inhaled methods deliver medication directly to the airway, which is particularly useful for respiratory problems. The patient and health care provider can choose from a variety of delivery systems for inhaling medication.

A nebulizer delivery system consists of a nebulizer (small plastic medication cup with a lid that drops into the cup and twists) and a source for compressed air. The air flow from the compressor to the nebulizer changes the medication solution to a mist. When inhaled correctly, the medication has a better chance to reach the small airways. This increases the medication's effectiveness.

 

Assembling the AeroEclipse Nebulizer and Air Compressor

  1. Place the compressor and nebulizer on a clean, flat, hard surface. The compressor should be placed where it can safely reach its power source and where you can reach the ON/OFF switch.

  2. Connect the air tubing from the compressor to the nebulizer base.

 

Preparing the Medication

  1. Wash your hands prior to preparing each treatment.

  2. Always use a clean nebulizer.

  3. Untwist and remove the medication cup from the nebulizer unit.

  4. Measure the correct dose of medication and other solutions prescribed by your health care provider.

  5. Put the medication and other solutions into the medication cup.

  6. Replace the top of the nebulizer. Gently twist the top to tighten.

  7. Ensure the nebulizer is kept in an upright position so your medicine doesn’t spill.

  8. If using a mouthpiece, attach the mouthpiece to the front of the nebulizer. The green exhalation valve on the mouthpiece should be pointing down.

  9. If using a mask, attach the mask with the elbow adaptor to the front of the nebulizer.

  10. Connect the tubing to the bottom of the nebulizer.

  11. Rotate the Mode Selector on the top on the nebulizer to the breath actuated position. The green button with be in the up position.

  12. If the mode selector is in the continuous position the green button will be in the down position. 

  13. Turn the compressor on and check the nebulizer for misting.

 

If the nebulizer is not misting

  1. Check all of the connections.

  2. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions.

 

Taking A Nebulized Treatment Using A Mouthpiece or a Mask

  1. Sit comfortably.  Position yourself in an upright, sitting position that will allow you to take a deep breath.

  2. If using a mouthpiece, put the mouthpiece in your mouth between your teeth and close your lips around it.  

  3. If using a mask, secure the mask on your/your child’s face and inhale with your mouth open.

  4. Gently breathe in and out slowly. As you breathe in the green button on top of the nebulizer will move to the down position. As you breathe out the green button will move to the up position.

  5. Hold the nebulizer in an upright position.  This prevents spilling and promotes nebulization.

  6. Assure deep breathing throughout the treatment.  This allows the medication time to deposit in the airway.

  7. Continue these steps until the onset of inconsistent nebulization, i.e., sputtering.

 

Care and Cleaning of Nebulizer Equipment After Each Use

Please follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning the nebulizer equipment.  Some suggested guidelines include the following:

  1. Rotate the mode selector to the breath activated position before cleaning (green button up).

  2. Take apart the nebulizer. Wash all parts (except tubing and mask) in liquid dish soap and water. Rinse with water.

Or

  1. Place the nebulizer parts (except tubing and mask) in a dishwasher basket and place on the top rack of the dishwasher.

  2. After washing the nebulizer shake off any excess water.

  3. Reattach the nebulizer pieces and tubing to the air compressor and turn on the compressor to dry the nebulizer quickly. Make sure the nebulizer is completely dry before storing the nebulizer.

 

Care and Cleaning of Nebulizer Equipment Every Other Treatment Day

Disinfect and sterilize your nebulizer also.

Boiling Water

  1. Wash your hands.

  2. Take the nebulizer apart.

  3. Put all the parts except the tubing and mask in boiling water for 10 minutes.

  4. After boiling the nebulizer shake off any excess water and allow to cool.

  5. Reattach the nebulizer pieces and tubing to the air compressor and turn on the compressor to dry the nebulizer quickly.  Make sure the nebulizer is completely dry before storing the nebulizer.

The tubing is replaced every two weeks because it is difficult to clean and dry properly.

 

Care of the Compressor

Check the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning and care of other compressor you are using.

Make an Appointment