Advanced Care Program: Respiratory

ULTRASONIC NEBULIZER

PURPOSE: Aerosol therapy is used to moisten the air or oxygen breathed by a patient and to thin out secretions to aid in their removal. An aerosol is the suspension of particles of liquid or solid in a gas. An ultrasonic nebulizer can deliver large amounts of aerosol and should only be used under medical supervision. These instructions are for the DeVilbiss® Ultra-Neb® Large-Volume Ultrasonic Nebulizer.

TYPES: There are many types, sizes, and brands of aerosol generating devices. Ultrasonic nebulizers are devices that use high frequency electrical signals to nebulize water into very small particles. A special electrode creates the mist and a blower motor is used to force the mist through large-bore tubing.

ACCESSORIES: Aerosol delivery devices generate a lot of moisture and this can only be accommodated with large bore tubing. This tubing, which is about one inch in diameter, is corrugated to help control any condensation or rained out water from reaching the patient. Water traps are sometimes used in the middle of the large bore tubing to collect this condensated water.

Ultrasonic nebulizers must have a supply of sterile distilled water to create the aerosol mist. This supply of water can be filled manually, be contained in a prefilled cup, or with a continuous filling system.

USE: Always wash your hands prior to assembling or working with ultrasonic nebulizers and their accessories. Fill the nebulizer chamber with water. A float at the bottom of the chamber will activate the “check chamber” light on the control panel when water level becomes too low to prevent internal damage the unit. Place the disposable cup (or prefilled cup) into the nebulizer chamber and fill with sterile distilled water. Push the clear disposable lid onto disposable cup. DO NOT allow prefilled disposable nebulizers to run dry. If using pre-filled chambers, insert the radio frequency (RF) reflector ring to protect the chamber bottom. Turn the unit on and adjust output with the output knob on the control panel, and the air control valve. During operation, the aerosol hose must be positioned so that it is directed upward from the nebulizer chamber so condensation can drain back into the nebulizer chamber.

DO NOT use oxygen as the mist carrying gas if a prefilled cup is used. Always turn the power off before removing the nebulizer chamber. Failure to comply may damage the unit. The user must always follow and abide by all manufacturer’s operating and safety instructions.

MAINTENANCE: Clean the air filter weekly. It can be washed or vacuumed. Be sure to rinse the filter after washing and make sure it is dry before replacing. The primary concern when dealing with aerosol therapy is keeping the equipment clean and disinfected. The equipment must be changed or cleaned and disinfected every 24 hours. The tubing and nebulizer chamber need to be cleaned DAILY.

CLEANING

Your ultrasonic nebulizer parts should be cleaned daily:
1. Unplug the ultrasonic nebulizer.
2. Turn off any added oxygen source.
3. Disassemble the nebulizer chamber. Prefilled cups must be thrown away.
4. Wash in tubing and nebulizer chamber in hot, detergent water.
    Do not use bar soap.
5. Rinse well with hot water and allow to air dry.
6. Reassemble the unit.

More Respiratory Topics
Ultrasonic Nebulizer
Aerosol Therapy (Jet Nebulizer)