RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Crossover Evaluation of Compressors and Nebulizers Typically Used by Cystic Fibrosis Patients JF Respiratory Care FD American Association for Respiratory Care SP 294 OP 300 DO 10.4187/respcare.05892 VO 63 IS 3 A1 Awad, Samah M A1 Berlinski, Ariel YR 2018 UL http://rc.rcjournal.com/content/63/3/294.abstract AB BACKGROUND: Compressor/nebulizer units are used to deliver inhaled medications to patients with cystic fibrosis. Practitioners and parents frequently replace either the compressor or the nebulizer with a similar component from a different brand. We hypothesized that these changes could affect the compressor/nebulizer flow-pressure and aerosol characteristics.METHODS: The following compressors were studied: Pari Vios, Pulmo-Aide model 5650D, and Inspiration Elite model HS456. The following nebulizers were studied: Pari LC Plus, Viox, and SideStream Plus. Units that underwent intense use were tested. The recommended compressor/nebulizer combinations by the manufacturers were compared to all other combinations. In-line measurements of maximal flow and pressure were done for all combinations. A Next Generation Impactor was used to determine particle-size characteristics of albuterol (2.5 mg/3 mL). A breathing simulator programmed to deliver an adult breathing pattern was used. Albuterol concentration was measured with spectrophotometry at 276 nm. The following variables were studied: maximal flow and pressure generated by the compressor/nebulizer, mass median aerodynamic diameter, percentage of drug mass contained in particles < 5 μm, and inhaled mass in the respirable range.RESULTS: Replacing the nebulizer resulted in changes in the flow-pressure characteristics, particle size, and inhaled mass in the respirable range of the paired compressor/nebulizers. The changes were more pronounced when the nebulizer was replaced than when the compressor was changed.CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that, in general, replacing the nebulizer or compressor with a different brand changes the flow-pressure and aerosol characteristics. Practitioners should be cautious when changing compressor/nebulizer pairs unless they are aware of the resulting impact on the flow-pressure and aerosol characteristics.