|  | Conditions Treatments | Asthma

How to Use a Breathing Machine

Breathing machines can be life savers if used correctly. When the patient doesn't use the machine correctly, she will not receive the full benefit. The major types of at-home breathing machines are nebulizers, C-PAPS and BiPAPs. Nebulizers treat asthma and bronchial infections, C-PAPS treat sleep apnea and BiPAPs treat COPD.

Instructions

  1. Nebulizer

    • 1

      Place the nebulizer on a flat surface and plug the power cord into a wall outlet. The air filter must be clean. If the air filter is dirty, rinse it with water and let it dry before using.

    • 2

      Plug the air tube into the nebulizer and put the medicine in the reservoir located in the tube. Some medicines come premixed and you can add them straight into the reservoir. Wth others, you will need to add saline solution. You can buy medical grade saline at most pharmacies. Never try to create your own saline.

    • 3

      Attach the mouthpiece or mask to the end of the medicine reservoir.

    • 4

      Place the mouthpiece or mask in place and turn the machine on. Take slow deep breaths. Keep the medicine reservoir in an upright position throughout the treatment.

    • 5

      Tap the medicine reservoir when it's almost empty so you will get the last drop of medicine in the air tube. The nebulizer will make a spitting noise when the medicine reservoir is empty.

    C-PAP

    • 6

      Open the humidifier section of the back of the machine. Fill the machine with distilled water. Place the humidifier back into the machine and set the moister range.

    • 7

      Attach the air tubes to the machine and plug the power cord into an outlet. Place the air filter into the unit. The white side goes in first.

    • 8

      Plug the air tubes into the mask and attach the mask to your face. Suction created by the mask will keep the mask on. If you have any air leaks, tighten the straps on the side of the mask.

    • 9

      Lie on your back or side and breathe normally.

    BiPAP

    • 10

      Set the machine to the correct pressures and settings. The doctor's prescription will state the exact settings, and the company providing the machine will typically set the settings and teach you how to use it.

    • 11

      Plug the air hoses into the machine and plug in the power cord for the machine.

    • 12

      Attach the facemask to the air hose. The facemask needs to fit tight with no air leaks.

    • 13

      Turn the machine on and breathe normally.

Asthma - Related Articles