Do Any Las Vegas Medical Supply Companies Rent Nebulizers?

I have COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), which requires me to have a nebulizer for treatment three to four times a day. We recently visited Las Vegas and carried my nebulizer with us. TSA required me to remove this equipment from my carry-on bag going through security check. Not a pleasant chore! Is there a pharmacy or outfit that rents/loans this type of medical equipment?

COPD is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and a nebulizer is a portable unit that uses an air compressor to turn liquid medicine into a mist; it also has a mouthpiece or mask as the inhaler. They're commonly used by asthma sufferers.

But sadly, the answer is an across-the-board “No,” based on our inquiries with several medical-supply companies.

Some will be happy to sell you a nebulizer (at $75 a pop or so), but rentals are non-existent. One company said that the nebulizers were simply too inexpensive to rent; they'd have to charge nearly the price of the machine new to make it worth their while. Another said that they didn't have the demand.

We’re sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but asthma sufferers visiting Las Vegas are behind the eight-ball where their nebulizers are concerned.

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Comments

Adam Dec-21-2017

Nebulizer

If you travel a good deal, it's probably worth it to get a second nebulizer. Often your insurance company will send one to you if it has been a couple of years since your last nebulizer prescription (and you will need to get your doctor to write you a prescription for one for purposes of insurance billing) It helps if you do this after you reach your annual deductible, so not to incur great expense when acquiring the unit.

If you travel a good deal, the easiest thing may be to ship one of your nebulizers ahead of time to your hotel. As long as the shipping cost for sending the unit to and from your destination is less than purchasing a new nebulizer and vials for the same every trip, that's your best bet for saving money.

The other advice would be to have the medical supply company print an Rx label regarding the spare nebulizer on the unit's box and see if you can get the TSA to honor the nebulizer as a prescribed item. Good luck!

Mark Elslager Dec-21-2017

Nebulizer - TSA

If you plan on traveling several times in the next 5 years, just get TSA Precheck pass.  If you do you will not be required to remove your nebulizer from it's case.  It will just go right through on the bag x-ray belt.  It cost $85 (for 5 yrs.) and requires you apply at an office near you.  I have a CPAP and it is a breeze and more sanitary. In addition you will not be required to remove your shoes or belt.  Happy flying!

O2bnVegas Dec-21-2017

medical equipment

If you can, put your nebulizer etc. in a separate tote or gym bag apart from your carry-on.  Put it in a separate bin to go through the scanner.  TSA may still examine it (even going through TSA pre-check), but at least you (they?) don't have to toss your suitcase belongings to get to it, have to re-arrange everything, etc.  Leave room for it in your carry-on if you want to pack it after you get through the scanner.

My husband had ortho surgery from elbow through hand/thumb, and had to wear a big honking splint (actually two splints, many pads and straps).  TSA made him take it off so they could examine it.  It was a hassle to get on just right at home before the trip, so it was a hassle to have to do that again at the airport, but what are ya' gonna' do?

Annie Dec-21-2017

Rented nebulizer safety

I wouldn't consider renting such a device that has been in recent  contact with the bodies and fluids and germs of who knows how many other people. Vegas famously practices lax regulation of its businesses, except gambling, of course. Even top hospitals, despite their best efforts spread infections, so you'd be taking an unreasonable risk, imo, in trusting that a Vegas rental company has practiced adequate sterilization procedures. So it's a good thing that rental nebulizers don't exist anyway.

Question of the Day - 21 December 2017

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