@article {Lester1840, author = {Mary Lester and Dabney Eidson and Shaina Blair and Sue Gray and Pamela Sapp and Frank J Zupancic and Bruce C Marshall and Ariel Berlinski}, title = {Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Nebulizer and Compressor Accessibility Survey}, volume = {66}, number = {12}, pages = {1840--1847}, year = {2021}, doi = {10.4187/respcare.09197}, publisher = {Respiratory Care}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Although guidelines for inhaled therapies for individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) are available, recommendations for compressors/nebulizers to optimize care are lacking. The CF Foundation (CFF) convened a multidisciplinary task force to assess the use, durability, accessibility, and cost burden of compressors/nebulizers.METHODS: Online surveys were developed and distributed to 287 CFF programs and adults with CF and parents of children with CF (adults with CF/parents).RESULTS: Health care providers from 38 states completed the survey (59\% response rate). Respiratory therapists were mostly responsible to coordinate ordering nebulizers and compressors. Durable medical equipment companies were the most common source of acquisition of compressors (71.8\%) and nebulizers (45.9\%). A majority of health care providers did not feel the compressors were durable (51.1\%) or that they could get enough nebulizers to their patients (69.2\%). Barriers to procure compressors were reported. The survey was completed by 734 adults with CF/parents from 48 states. Most adults with CF/parents rated their compressor as durable (65.8\%); however, 85.5\% of respondents reported some user-experience problem(s). {\textquotedblleft}Hoses popping off{\textquotedblright} and {\textquotedblleft}increased nebulization time{\textquotedblright} were most commonly reported. Almost 20\% of respondents did not have access to a compressor at some point in the previous year. Most adults with CF/parents did not change compressor filters per manufacturer{\textquoteright}s recommendation (40\% never). Adults with CF/parents reported performing a median of 4 inhaled treatments per day. Median use of nebulizers was 6 months. Most adults with CF/parents thought they had enough nebulizers (53.7\%). Individuals with CF doing more inhaled treatments reported more compressor malfunctions. The median out-of-pocket expense was $75{\textendash}99 and $50{\textendash}74 for compressors and nebulizers, respectively.CONCLUSIONS: Although the perceptions of health care providers and adults with CF/parents differed to a certain extent, the surveys uncovered several significant issues that may compromise quality of care. Improvement in access to devices and education are needed.}, issn = {0020-1324}, URL = {https://rc.rcjournal.com/content/66/12/1840}, eprint = {https://rc.rcjournal.com/content/66/12/1840.full.pdf}, journal = {Respiratory Care} }