Omron Microair U100

[twinkly29]

I have a Phillips Innospire Go as my main portable neb. Back in September I had to take that on my boat holiday on The Broads because boat power would recharge that but probably not run my motor machine (as my brother calls my mains neb!) Then the power was being odd so, to avoid issues, my mum got me a Microair U100 because they're battery powered. I was a bit dubious because when I had the previous model of Omron portables, it stopped working because the liquid etc would mess up the contact points. Anyway, this was great when required. It's been used 2-3 times every few weeks since the end of September - and the other day started turning off mid use. Not batteries definitely the mesh and contacts being swamped even though it's dried out after each use etc. So it's gone back.

Does anyone else struggle with the Omron portables or is it just me?! I know some people love them so maybe I'm just unlucky.

Thankfully normally I use my Innospire Go when not in the house otherwise I'd be panic buying!

[Lysistrata Administrator Community Ambassador]

I was recommended the U100 and I like how quick, light and quiet it is but YES I also have problems! It doesn't seem to finish the liquid - you tilt to get it to the mesh but it doesn't actually go through, just sloshes around and then falls back so I can't get the last bits - seems wasteful.

My med container broke just a tiny piece of plastic so it wouldn't close, and that really messed it up. Omron to their credit replaced that for free and sent it back with new batteries and new mesh cap (not asked for) so it is better but still getting that problem, despite them saying it processes all the liquid.

I also find that they say it can be used at any angle...except upright apparently as it keeps stopping if I don't lean back. I am only using salb and clean it with hot water every time (or as soon as I get home if I need more than one eg at work where hard to clean fully.) Have also bought distilled water and neb with that after to clean the mesh.

I bought a Beurer IH55 as a 'back-up' portable. It's a bit more bulky and takes longer than the Omron portable but seems to at least use all the liquid - however it's just started constantly switching itself off mid-flow gahhh. I also had to buy my own case for it as despite being 'portable' it came in this huge case. For me 'portable' has to mean not only battery operated but able to fit in my big handbag everyday, for if someone decides to try out the perfume testers at a shop, or paint without warning etc.

[twinkly29 in reply to Lysistrata]

Yes to all that! It has finished the liquid in mine but doesn't always work or work for long upright as you say. Grrr. The lady at Argos was lovely as it's past its month refund thing and technically the guarantee is with Omron. Except the book says to go to retailer. But she immediately said "well you need something like this to work don't you?!" And went to check with manager they'd do an instant refund. Glad it's not just me but also sorry you've had problems too!

[Echoblue]

My Omron Micro Air has been great for travelling and when I am out and about. Eats up the batteries but I can live with that not to have to carry a large heavy nebuliser with me. Being so small and silent has meant I can be as discrete as possible. I wouldn’t use it on a day by day basis as it isn’t the most powerful, but definitely serves the purpose for me for the emergency usage 👍🏻

[twinkly29 in reply to Echoblue]

I liked it for all those reasons. Was gutted when it started getting "flooded" - and annoyed!

[Echoblue in reply to twinkly29]

That is sad as mine has been on the go around 9 years or so now.

[CANINE12]

I've had mine for nearly 10 years, if it is tilted back the mesh gets overwhelmed. My solution to this problem is to use an angled mouthpiece that I got from the Royal Brompton hospital. I think you can get them online. Only using one nebule at a time also helps.

[dawnhaycock]

Please can anyone advise how you get the prescription for the fluid that goes into the nebuliser? My daughter had an asthma attack on Saturday evening and we had to call an ambulance. She soon settled after using the nebuliser and after reading this it made me think that in an emergency situation this would be invaluable. I asked the doctor today if we purchased a nebuliser if he could prescribe however he said they are not keen to do this as they like it under supervision. I'm interested when the doctor would see this as a agreeable situation. Can anyone advise?

[twinkly29 in reply to dawnhaycock]

Nebules aren't prescribed like that usually because, if someone needs a neb, they usually need to be monitored by medics - and there is the very real concern that asthmatics with access to a nebuliser will actually be considerably more unwell by the time they seek help which is dangerous.

Some asthmatics have nebs at home because their asthma is severe/difficult/brittle but it will have been a decision after a lot of consideration and made at high level.

[dawnhaycock in reply to twinkly29]

Thanks for that, my daughter has severe difficult to control asthma so I will ask her consultant. She sees him once a month for her mepo injection.