Respiratory Equipment

💡TL;DR: If you use a pressurized metered‑dose inhaler (pMDI), a spacer (valved holding chamber) makes each puff safer and more effective by getting more medicine to your lungs and less to your throat. Most spacers are low-cost (often $10–$40 USD) or available on prescription in some countries;

💡TL;DR: Replace compressor nebulizer filters every 3–6 months (or every 1–2 months with daily use or dusty air). Never wash disposable filters; a clogged or wet filter can cut mist output and strain the motor. Filters are inexpensive and model-specific; always match your device’s manual. Prefer

💡TL;DR: You can buy saline solution for nebulizers at TruNeb.com, Amazon, and over the counter at pharmacies. Hypertonic saline can cause cough or wheeze; follow your clinician’s directions and ask if a bronchodilator pre-treatment makes sense. The safest rule: use a fresh sterile vial each time and

💡TL;DR: Bivona tracheostomy tubes are soft silicone tubes that keep the airway open and come in cuffed (TTS), uncuffed, foam-cuff, and adjustable-flange options. Silicone improves comfort and flexibility, and many models can be sterilized and reused up to 10 times per manufacturer guidance. A TTS cuff deflates tight to

What Is a Portable Oxygen Concentrator and Who Needs One? A portable oxygen concentrator (POC) is a small, battery-powered medical device that pulls in room air, concentrates the oxygen, and sends it to you through a nasal cannula. Unlike oxygen tanks, POCs don’t store oxygen. They make it on

💡TL;DR: Yes — you can bring an asthma inhaler on a plane in both carry-on and checked bags; TSA classifies inhalers as medically necessary and exempts them from the 3-1-1 liquids rule. For a smooth trip, keep it in your carry-on for quick access and temperature control, and bring a

💡TL;DR: Hot cars can reach 140–160°F (60–71°C), far above safe storage for inhalers. Pressurized MDIs can weaken or even burst around ~120°F (49°C); all inhaler types work best at 68–77°F (20–25°C). If an inhaler overheats, treat it as unreliable

💡TL;DR: No — do not leave inhalers in a cold car. Most inhalers are designed for room temperature 59–86°F (15–30°C); at ≤32°F (0°C) the spray can be weak or fail. If it was briefly above freezing, let it warm to room temperature and release

💡TL;DR: Clean pressurized metered‑dose inhalers once a week: remove the metal canister, rinse the plastic mouthpiece under warm water for 30–60 seconds, and air‑dry completely before reassembly. Dry powder inhalers should not be rinsed; wipe the mouthpiece dry and keep the device closed between uses. Soft‑