Alternatives to e-flow

Question

Hello,

I am using the E-flow® to inhale hypertonic saline solution. Since the E-flow’s® aerosol generator wears out even when closely following the cleaning instructions (technically, one would need a new aerosol generator every two weeks), I would like to know what is the best alternative – regardless of the price – on the basis of ultrasound. Criteria: Speed and stable long-term efficiency. There is no problem with overdosage through more effective inhalation, since I plan on using the new device only for hypertonic saline solution.

PS From a layperson’s perspective, the market is quite limited.

I heard that the inhaler used in the context of gene therapy studies in Great Britain is particularly good. Is that true?

Kind regards.

Answer

Hello,

The answer is about an alternative mesh nebulizer not about a device using ultrasound, according to the experience of the single expert with the devices. We received the following answer from Achim Boldt (physiotherapist at Giesudsen University Hospital):

“The Aeroneb Go® by Aerogen is an alternative to the E-flow. It works by the same principle as the E-flow but has a horizontal membrane.

Below is a product description I have put together for the German CF patient association. [Translator’s note: information relevant only to Germany given in the original answer was left out of the translation.] The membrane has proven to be rather reliable, though it does have problems nebulizing colistin. However, nebulizing 6% saline solutions is no problem. Initial material problems seem to have been resolved since the device was revised.

I hope this information will help you for a start.

Kind regards,
Achim Boldt


AERONEB-GO® (Aerogen, Ireland)

The “Aeroneb Go”® is an electrically operated micro pump nebulizer. A dome-shaped vibratory membrane with ca. 1000 precision-made micro openings is stimulated with 100.000 vibrations per second. These make each opening work like a micro pump and produce aerosol drops of a consistent size. The drug is not heated up in the process!

Given the horizontal alignment of the membrane, no residual amount of the drug remains; though ca. 0.5-0.8 ml of liquid gather in a pit in the nebulizer body.

The “Aeroneb Go”® is a lightweight, mobile nebulizer and can be operated with power or batteries. It works virtually soundlessly. Aerosol generation happens by way of permanent neubulization and cannot be triggered. The nebulizer is suited for all age groups. However, the program does not feature a mask for babies and toddlers and has to be obtained through other manufacturers if needed.

Technical data:

Average particle size (MMAD):
3.6 um

Average nebulization rate:
0.4 ml/min

Duration of nebulization for 2ml:
ca. 5 min

Maximum filling capacity:
6 ml

Weight (with batteries and nebulizer):
Ca. 320 g

Power sources:
Adaptor (100-240 V)
3 AA batteries, 4.5 V total

Running time with a batteries:
3-5 h.”

Kind regards
Annette Pfalz for ECORN-CF

08.05.2012