Using hypertonic saline at home information sheet

 

Contact

Respiratory Function Unit

Phone: (02) 7825 2295 or (02) 7825 2297

Location: Respiratory Function Lab, level 2, behind Outpatients department, The Children's Hospital at Westmead 

Introduction

For children who have been prescribed Hypertonic Saline (either 3% or 6%) to use at home to treat their respiratory illness, the following information describes the preparation and administration of the medication. 

It’s important to understand how to use this treatment correctly and safely. This information should only be used following education by a healthcare professional. Any questions should be directed to your child’s treating team. 

The Flaem nebuliser is available with either a mask or a mouthpiece. Your healthcare professional will select the most appropriate interface for your child.

About the nebuliser

How to administer hypertonic saline

Note: The hypertonic saline will be in a vial or sachet depending on the percentage needed. Follow the steps for the percentage you are given below. 

Remove hypertonic saline from the vial (3%)


Hypertonic saline vial

Open the vial of hypertonic saline by tearing the top carefully, empty all 4mls.

Remove hypertonic saline from the sachet (6%)


Hypertonic saline sachet and syringe
  • Open the sachet by tearing the top carefully
  • Use a 5ml syringe to draw up 4mls of Hypertonic Saline from the sachet
  • Place the remainder in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

Add the hypertonic saline to the bowl


Hypertonic saline bowl
  • Twist the lid anti-clockwise to open and instill the nebuliser medication (hypertonic saline)
  • Twist lid clockwise to close
  • Press down the selector on top of the lid so the valve system is closed.

Connect mouthpiece, tube and pump


Nebuliser and mouthpiece
  • Connect the mouthpiece or mask to the front of the nebuliser
  • Connect tube to the Flaem RF7 nebuliser and to the pump
  • Turn on power
  • Use nebuliser until solution is finished (or up to ten minutes)
Flaem nebuliser
Flaem nebuliser
Flaem nebuliser

Important

All of the above set-ups have an expiratory valve in the mask, mouthpiece or elbow. This MUST NOT be blocked. Your health care professional will show you the correct set up for the release valve.

Disassembly

Remove mask or mouthpiece

  • Remove mask or mouthpiece.
  • Twist anti-clockwise to release inner part

Remove nozzle and selector switch

 

  • Remove nozzle from upper part by pulling down on the nozzle.
  • Remove selector switch by pushing the MAX side down and lifting it out.

Cleaning and reassembling the machine

Re-attach the selector switch

Re-attach the selector switch to the upper part by lining up with the grooves. Make sure the selector switch has the valve side down.

Re-fit the nozzle

Re-fit the nozzle to the upper part by lining up with the grooves.

Twist the lid

Twist lid clockwise to lock into place and attach appropriate interface.

Cleaning

  1. Disassemble and wash Flaem RF7, interface and syringe in warm soapy water after every use
  2. Rinse well 
  3. Air dry in pieces