Frequently Asked Questions
We're here to provide answers and help you better understand our products.
If you have other questions about this product that are not answered here or for more information please contact us at information@microvapordevices.com
Pocket Neb FAQ
X-HALE Aerosol Filtered Mask FAQ
Dosing and Treatment
Return to ListHow much medication does the Pocket Neb hold?
The Pocket Neb can hold up to 6 ml of medication.
What medications can I use in the Pocket Neb?
Common medications that can be used in the Pocket Neb are albuterol, ipratropium bromide, a mixture of both of these drugs commonly called Duo-Neb, and budesonide. In addition the unit can deliver normal saline. Your doctor will instruct you.
How long does a treatment take?
The average delivery rate is 0.35 ml to 0.40 ml per minute so a 3 ml treatment should take between 7 and 9 minutes. However, it should be remembered that the Pocket Neb delivers approximately 98% of the medication in the medication cup unlike a compressor/nebulizer that can have as much a 1 ml remaining in the nebulizer when the unit begins to sputter. If aerosol delivery appears to be slow, turn the unit off and then back on again to allow the unit to reset to the optimum operating frequency.
Should I use a mouthpiece or a mask to take a treatment?
This is a personal preference. However, using a mouthpiece is a more direct way to inhale the medication.
If I'm using this for a child what size mask should I use?
The mask adapter is universal so you can use a neonatal, pediatric or adult mask depending on the size of your child.
Is it better to take a treatment on continuous or on demand mode?
This is another personal preference. Some people want to take their treatment in the shortest time possible so they will prefer the continuous mode while others may not be under a time constraint and will use the demand mode.
What if I feel better after using the Pocket Neb for only a few minutes? Can I stop taking my treatment?
You should follow your doctor's recommendations when taking medications. However, if you are feeling better in a shorter period of time with the unit you should discuss this with your doctor to see if you can reduce your medication volume.
Battery and Charging
Return to ListHow many treatments can I get from a full battery charge?
A fully charged will operate the Pocket Neb for 90 minutes resulting in 9 treatments on a fully charged battery.
How long does it take to charge the battery?
A fully depleted battery will take 6 hours to charge.
Can I put the battery on the charger even if it's not depleted?
It is always best to deplete the battery before charging.
How will I know the battery is depleted?
The low battery light will blink when the battery is near depletion. You will have less than 10 minutes when the low battery light blinks until the battery is completely depleted.
Can I use a different charger to charge the battery?
We recommend that you only use the charger supplied with the unit. However, if you do use a different charger it must have the same specifications as the charger supplied with the Pocket Neb otherwise you may damage the unit and void the warranty.
If I plug the charger into the handset and the blinking red charge light does not come on, is the battery still charging?
No. The blinking red light indicates that the battery is charging, which only occurs when the battery has been depleted. If the Pocket Neb is plugged into the charger and the batteries are completely charged, the blinking red light will not be seen because the unit is not in charge mode.
Parts and Maintenance
Return to ListHow often do I need to clean the medication cup?
If possible you should operate the unit with distilled water after each use. If that is not possible then you should operate the unit with distilled water at the end of each day that it has been used.
How long do I run the unit with distilled water?
You only need to operate the unit with distilled water for about 15 to 30 seconds to clean the mesh. After that remove the medication cup from the unit and discard any remaining distilled water and air dry the medication cup.
Can I clean the mesh with anything other than distilled water?
Yes, you can clean the mesh with a mixture of 1 part vinegar to 3 parts distilled water. The mesh is sensitive, so make sure not to touch the mesh with anything, such as a cotton swab or cloth.
My Pocket Neb sometimes drips medication from the mouthpiece. Is this normal?
Yes. Because the aerosol is so dense, some of the aerosol can collect on the inside of the mouthpiece during treatment. This can cause a small amount of liquid to drip from the mouthpiece, which is referred to as "rainout." To eliminate rainout, tilt the unit slightly forward during treatment as described in the instruction manual. This will allow the aerosol to leave the mouthpiece with little or no rainout.
If I have a problem with the unit who do I call?
You can call 844-563-8518 to request a replacement unit under the terms of the warranty.
How often should the Medication Cup be replaced?
The instruction manual states to replace the medication cup after 45 days of use. Following the cleaning instructions for the medication cup may extend the life of the medication cup. Replace the medication cup when it fails to operate properly.
I connected my medication cup to the handset, but nothing happened when I pressed the Start/Stop button. What should I do?
There are two possible answers:
First, be sure that the contacts on the handset and medication cup are clean. Using a cotton swab (Q-Tip) dipped in alcohol (or a 1 part vinegar and 3 parts water solution), wipe the metal contacts on both the medication cup and the handset. Dirty contacts will cause a bad connection between the medication cup and handset causing the unit not to work.
Second, be sure that the medication cup is attached properly to the handset. To do this be sure that you hear a "click" when you attach the medication cup to the handset.
If I lose a part of the unit can I buy replacement parts?
Yes, we offer replacement medication cups, mouthpiece and mask adapters, chargers and travel pouches.
Can I order the parts directly from MVD?
Yes, you can order them off the web site or from the dealer you purchased the unit from.
What does the warranty cover?
The warranty covers Pocket Neb handset and charger for one year. The medication cup is not covered under the warranty.
Where can I get more information on the Pocket Neb?
You can download the user manual from the web site for additional information or send your question to: information@microvapordevices.com
X-HALE Filtered Aerosol Mask
Return to ListWhat type of nebulizers can be used with the X-HALE mask?
The X-HALE mask requires a vertical style nebulizer commonly used in hospitals. The cap of the nebulizer fits into the bottom hole of the X-HALE mask. The MVD Pocket Neb can also be used with the X-HALE mask providing the closed mask adaptor is used during treatments.
Why do we need a closed mask adaptor?
The closed mask adaptor is necessary when using the X-HALE mask with the Pocket Neb vibrating mesh nebulizer so exhalation cannot escape from the mask adaptor. The current mask adaptor has entrainment holes to allow air to be entrained for general aerosol delivery.
How long can the mask be used?
The mask is single patient use and is disposable. The hospital will determine how long a mask can be used before replacement. The mask can be cleaned by wiping the inside with alcohol wipes.
How can a patient tell if the mask is sealed around the face?
When the mask is in place the patient should not feel any exhalation from the sides of the mask. To assure a tight fit, pressing on the front of the mask against the face will close the sides of the mask.
Can children use this mask?
The mask was designed for adults—however, depending on the size of the child the mask may be used. That will be determined by the caregiver.
Can the straps be tied off in the front after the mask is fitted?
Yes, the straps can be tied off once the mask is fitted to the face. This will help secure the mask and seal during the treatment.
Now that the COVID-19 virus is somewhat under control, why will hospitals want to use a filtered mask?
MVD believes that the COVID-19 virus shows a need to consider filtering any exhalation during aerosol treatments. Medicare guidelines for payment of aerosol treatments state that a medical professional must be in attendance during aerosol treatments to assure that the treatment is done correctly. This rule exposes the caregiver to any and all exhaled bioaerosols. Moving forward, the X-HALE mask should be considered best practice in the hospital or physician’s office considering the lessons learned from COVID-19.