Any experts on PSI settings for nebulizer compressor??

[ehtansky21]

We just received our new precision medical 50 PSI compressor. I read somewhere that 25 PSI is a good PSI to use. But our respiratory therapist told us to just stick with 8 PSI. We go to the University of Minnesota CF clinic, and they want CFers to be nebbing something the whole time they are vesting. So it seemed like that was her reasoning for the 8 PSI. I am wondering though, if there is a specific PSI that gets the solution deeper in their lungs, thus being more effective. I understand the whole nebbing the whole time they are vesting, so we could just have them neb sterile saline if needed. blessings, missa

 

[calebf]

8 PSI?? Nebs would take forever... I have the same nebulizer. I set it to 35-45 PSI. It has cut treatment times in half and I feel like it gets deeper in comparison to the portable Pari neb I used to use. My only caution is that nebbing Tobi will DESTROY the compression of this neb in a matter of weeks. The dust from Tobi builds up on the compressor's cylinder and breaks the seal. I had to replace the piston head within two months of buying my PM50 (only cost $60 and was relatively easy to replace on my own). Tobi seems to do the same to most nebs but this one deteriorates much more quickly - my theory is that it's the sheer volume of air and thus volume of dust being pulled into the neb. Good luck!

 

[ehtansky21]

Thank You calebf for your reply. That was exactly what I wanted to hear. With kids, they can't always tell you if something seems to be working better or not. So I am glad to know that you feel a difference for the better. As a side note, the medical supply place sent us 14 foot and 21 foot tubing so that we can put the compressor at a distance from where you are actually nebbing. I am not sure if it would make a difference with the Tobi, but it would prevent the mist from at least settling on the compressor and clogging it up. blessings, Missa