My compressor: Mobilaire 50 PSI

I get a lot of questions about my compressor, so I thought I would share some answers to those questions...


What type of compressor do you use?


I use a Mobilaire 50psi compressor from Invacare


Where did you get it?


I purchased it from an online durable medical equipment store


Did you need a doctor's prescription?


No


Can you use LC Plus tubing or tubing from other nebulizers?


I only use AeroEclipse tubing, but in general, nebulizer tubing is pretty universal with only a couple of exceptions.


What PSI setting should I use for each drug?  


I've run by all settings with my CF pharmacist, and as I understand it, if the med is dose dependent (ie antibiotic), then the recommended PSI would be 25. The CFF website only lists TOBI at 25 psi as that is the most common inhaled antibiotic on the market. 


Does the setting matter?


Whether it really matters or not could be up for interpretation. Considering that the compressors we're used to have a much lower PSI, one has to wonder whether or not we've been getting really effective treatments this whole time. They obviously are doing something at a lower psi, but is it ideal? Who knows, but it makes you wonder. 


Will it affect the effectiveness of the drug if it is at a "wrong" setting?


I don't think you have to worry to much about setting a drug at the "wrong" setting. Just follow the loose guidelines stated above and I have a feeling that you'll be fine.


Will it really make my treatments go faster??


YES


How much time do your treatments take now?

Albuterol/Atrovent combo (double dose): 10-15 mins run at 30 psi

Hypersal: 15 mins run at 30 psi

Pulmozyme: 7-10 mins run at 30 psi

TOBI: 20 mins run at 25 psi

Is the compressor heavy?

Yes, heavier than any other compressor you're used to.

Is the compressor loud?

See answer above, just insert the word loud

Is this compressor expensive?

I've seen it sell anywhere from $250 to $400.

Would you recommend the Mobilaire to others?

Without a shadow of a doubt!

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Do you have any questions that I didn't cover here? Ask them below!

Today My Heart Breaks (and Burns)

There are many things to be thankful for on this Thankful Thursday, but here are some that come to mind:

I had a great dinner tonight. Not only was the food delicious, but it was cheap and I was able to enjoy it with Mandi and her parents. There is a sports bar near their house called Zipps. I haven't been to a Zipps very often, but after tonight, I may have to stop in more frequently. Every night starting at 8pm they offer specials. Tonight's specials that I took advantage of were 4 tacos for 4 dollars and mozzarella cheese sticks for 5 dollars. Mandi and I actually split the two. The cheese sticks were interesting in that they were wrapped in an egg roll type of a deal. To be honest, not the best ever, but I'm glad that I tried them. The tacos were pretty good though...now if only I could shake this heartburn!

I mentioned this on Facebook the other day, but let me say it again. I'm so thankful for the performance of my compressor lately. I mean, it's always done well, but it's been kicking butt the last couple of days. Weird thing is, I haven't done anything special to it for it to be performing better. One reason may be the fact that the tubes are staying on better than normal and I've been able to crank it to 30 psi. But again, why are the tubes staying on so well??

Lastly, what I'm not thankful for...Mandi and I are having problems. I don't know if it's the stress of the upcoming wedding or if it's that her (overbearing) parents are in town, but we seem to be fighting a lot lately. I don't want to set off any unneeded alarms, but I thought I would just mention it. It's not a "maybe we won't make it to the wedding?" kind of a thing as much as it is a "maybe we rushed into it?" kind of a thing. I don't know, maybe I'm just venting a little. Things just seem off you know? I mean, how do you really know if somebody is right for you?? Obviously it's not your guy's problem, but I certainly wanted to shed some light on it before she started spreading false rumors about me or something.

Oh, and by the way, it is April Fool's Day right??? :)

*And just so we're clear, Mandi is the love of my life and we are head over heels for each other and just counting down the days until she's walking towards me dressed in white :)

My Equipment

A lot of you have been asking me lately about what equipment I use in terms of a compressor, Vest and neb cleaner*. I thought I would re-post this just in case some of you were wondering but didn't want to bother asking.

My Vest:

The inCourage™ system offers state-of-the-art airway clearance therapy incorporating the most recent advances in high - frequency chest compression (HFCC) science. Demand is growing rapidly as physicians and patients alike express their preference for the advantages of theinCourage™ system. (http://www.respirtech.com/patients/respiratory-products/ICS1-overview.php)

My Compressor:

The durable MOBILAIRE 50 psi Compressor is ideal for use with medications that require more flow and pressure for proper nebulization. (http://www.invacare.com/cgi-bin/imhqprd/inv_catalog/prod_cat_detail.jsp?s=0&prodID=IRC607&catOID=-536885346)

My Portable Compressor:

The Invacare Stratos Portable Plus is a sleek, new portable compressor that will offer speed, ease-of-use and stylish design in one compact package. Small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, it will be ideal for those who desire mobility, expediency and efficiency in an aerosol delivery device. (http://www.invacare.com/cgi-bin/imhqprd/inv_catalog/prod_cat_detail.jsp?s=0&prodID=IRC1730&catOID=-536885346)

My Nebulizer Cleaner:

The Philips AVENT iQ24 Electronic Steam Sterilizer is the most sophisticated steam sterilizer you can buy and the easiest to use. It works quickly and continuously, keeping contents sterile until you need them, giving you more time to get on with your day. http://www.consumer.philips.com/consumer/en/us/consumer/cc/_categoryid_MCC_PREPARING_FOR_FEEDING_CA_US_CONSUMER/

*Oh, yeah, and I don't represent any of these companies nor do I benefit from them financially...my lungs do reap some benefits however!

Other links:

My Medications

My Supplements

My Pulmonary Function Test History