Frequently Asked Questions

HAYGAIN HAY STEAMERS

How much does HAYGAIN cost to run?

The running costs are minimal and you will use considerably less water compared to soaking. The HG1000 and HG600 use just 2.9Kw electricity per hour, whilst the HG-GO uses even less at 1.5Kw. 

Electricity costs vary between utility companies but typically are between 7-18p per kW hour.
In order to work out exactly how much it costs you, find out from one of your electricity bills how many pence per Kw hour your rate is and then multiply that number by either 2.9 or 1.5 depending on which model in the range you have and this will give you the electricity cost per cycle.
For example if you are using an HG1000 and paying 10 pence per Kw hour it will cost 29p per cycle.

How long does it take to process the hay?

This can vary according to how densely packed the hay is, the ambient and water temperature and voltage supply so the thermometer on the lid is there to act as a guide. With the exception of the HG-GO, when you first set up your HAYGAIN you will need to time how long it takes to reach the green zone (required temperature) within the thermometer. From then on you can use a timer set for the appropriate time.
On average cycle times from start for each model are:

                                
Does the outside of the container get hot?

No. All of the HAYGAIN range are made from composite materials with highly efficient thermal properties so although the inside of the container can reach over 100 degrees C the outside is barely warm to touch. Therefore HAYGAIN hay steamers are environmentally friendly and energy saving. 

Once steamed, how long before you feed the hay and how long does it last?
 
The hay is very hot when you first take it out and should be handled with care but it cools very quickly once in the air and can be fed immediately. It is best fed while it is warm and steamy and it would appear most horses prefer it like this but otherwise should be used within 24 hours.

What is the difference between soaking and steaming?

Soaking hay will dampen the spores down and make them swell so they are less likely to be inhaled. With steaming the combination of the heat and the moisture actually kills the spores so the risk is completely eliminated.

Will my horse like it?

The hay comes out of the HAYGAIN like life has been breathed back into it! It is warm and sweet smelling, most horses LOVE it and  find it more palatable than dry or soaked hay. Field trials have shown it is effective at encouraging fussy eaters and even recovering post-op horses in veterinary clinics.
 
How much water will be used?

The hay will absorb and therefore hydrate bringing it back towards its original moisture content, approximately 15+% of its original weight but the hay is neither soggy or heavy. A residue of on average a tea-cup amount of water (condensed steam) remains from each steam cycle. 

What are the advantages of steaming a whole bale in the HAYGAIN HG1000?

The HG1000 accommodates a fully strung bale of hay. By being able to put the bale in complete, you are drastically reducing the amount of spores released into the atmosphere prior to steaming protecting both the handler and nearby horses. It is effortless, quick and efficient to use.

What is the company background?

The Propress group have been in business for almost 30 years and are a worldwide leader in high quality, professional steam appliances. We have supplied international and high street names for years from Armani, Marks and Spencers and Oxfam to Hilton hotels and Royal Palaces, as well as hundreds and thousands of regular customers. Our back up and after sales service is unparalleled.

What makes HAYGAIN different?

HAYGAIN's international organisation of renown and substance.
HAYGAIN's patented, proven method using a steam distribution manifold.
HAYGAIN's durability and built to last quality resulting in value for money.
HAYGAIN's scientific thinking and ongoing indepth scientific research.
HAYGAIN's friendly, qualified advice, after sales support and service.

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What drugs can be nebulised with your equine nebuliser device?

Examples of drugs that have been successfully nebulised using the Flexineb are:

     Antibiotics such as Cobactan® and Excenel®
     Corticosteroids such as Pulmocort®, Dexamethasone and Flixotide™
     Bronchodilators such as Atrovent® and Ventolin™
     Mucolytics such as Parvolex® and Saline solution
     Saline solution with a few drops of Olbas oil or Eucalyptus oil will also nebulise

Please note the viscosity of the drug will affect the nebulisation rate of the drug.

To overcome this some drugs can be diluted with saline solution to increase the nebulisation rate.

Can I use a Metered Dose Inhaler with the Flexineb™?

Yes, remove the nebuliser and rotate the clear aerosol chamber to the horizontal position. Insert the supplied Metered Dose Inhaler Adaptor into the top of the aerosol chamber. The Metered Dose Inhaler can then be inserted and actuated into the aerosol chamber. Please click here to download our User Manual for more information.

Where can I find information on the benefits of nebulisation / aerosol therapy?

Aerosol therapy offers the benefit of directly targeting the affected area of the respiratory tract rather than going indirectly to the site by delivering the drug orally or by injection.

For more scientific information please register on our Members area and this will give you access to information on the benefits of Aerosol Therapy.

What is different about Flexineb versus other equine nebulisers on the market?

The Flexineb is portable, easy to use, easy to clean and disinfect, it's silent, fast and doesn't waste drug. The distance between the nebuliser and the horse’s respiratory tract is short. It’s also well tolerated by the horse.

Do you have a brochure I can read that tells me information about it?

Yes, please click here to download our brochure.

What is the warranty on the parts?

Information on product Warranty can be found in the User Manual. Please click here to download the brochure.

Are spare parts easy to get?

Yes, spare parts can be ordered directly from Nortev.

Have you got support from veterinarians?

Yes, Flexineb was designed with extensive input and support from equine veterinarians in Ireland, the UK, France, Germany, Australia, Canada and USA.

Can the device nebulise Eucalyptus or Olbas oil?

Yes, saline solution with a few drops of Eucalyptus or Olbas oil will nebulise successfully

What operating time will I get from a fully charged battery?

Approximately 3 to 4 hours depending on the condition of the battery

How long does it take to charge the battery?

Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours to fully charge a discharged battery

Can I disinfect the product?

Mask: The mask and its components can be disinfected using the likes of Equisept®, Virkon® or Steri-7™ without having any adverse effect on the materials.

Nebuliser: We recommend cleaning the nebuliser with clean warm water.

How do I clean the product?

Wash the Mask in clean warm water and washing up liquid and rinse off with clean water. For a more thorough cleaning dismantle the Mask components and wash them individually.

To clean the Nebuliser put a few drops of washing up liquid and clean warm water in the medication cup, close the Cap and shake it. Gently squeeze the Cap to push warm water through the mesh. Rinse out afterwards with clean warm water and shake dry. It is essential that the water is clean otherwise it may clog the mesh.

Why has the nebuliser slowed down?

It may be for different reasons so please check the following:

Some drugs are more viscous than others and take longer to nebulise, check our Documentation page for information on expected delivery time for different drugs.

The mesh may be clogged with residues of drug or other contaminants.

Wash out the medication cup as described under “How do I clean the product?”

Charge the battery and check the LED status as outlined in the User Manual page 9.

Refer to the troubleshooting section (page 12) of the User Manual.

If the nebuliser does not recover it may need replacing.

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STERI-7 FAQS

As the use of Steri-7™ has spread from care homes to clinics to dental surgeries and beyond, we have received a number of queries about the product and how and where it should be used.
 

Which major bacteria does Steri-7™ kill?

Steri-7™ is a broad spectrum biocide that has been proven to kill Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA), SA, E.Coli (0157H), Salmonella enteritidis and Legionella pneumophila.
 

Which major viruses does Steri-7™ kill?

Steri-7™ has already been proven to kill the SARS virus and to prevent further contamination for 7 days. It will soon be undergoing clinical trials to test its effectiveness against Rotavirus, Avian Bird Flu, HIV, Hepatitis C and Influenza.
 

What is the advantage of using Steri-7™ instead of a disinfectant?

Disinfectants may kill some bacteria, but they are only designed to work while wet. Once the solution has dried (often in minutes) it has no effect on new bacteria attacking the surface. This means recolonisation can begin. Steri-7™, by contrast, is just as effective when dry as it is when wet. So it not only kills bacteria when applied, but goes on killing them for 7 days.
 

How is Steri-7™ applied?

Steri-7™ can be sprayed onto a surface using our 500ml trigger spray bottle, then wiped over with a clean, damp cloth. For the cleaning of walls and floors, Steri-7 LAF (Large Area Formula) is a low-foaming cleaner designed for dilution with water. 
 

Can Steri-7™ be used with cleaning machines?

Yes. Steri-7™ is low foaming, which makes it ideal for use with cleaning machines such as scrubber dryers.


Can Steri-7™ be sprayed onto fabrics, glass and ceramics?

Yes. Steri-7™ can be safely applied to curtains, cloth seats, headrests, sinks, toilets and mirrors.
 

Does Steri-7™ really work for 7 days?

It does. Clinical tests by MGS Laboratories prove that Steri-7™ remains 100% active for at least 7 days, preventing any treated surface from bacterial contamination or recolonisation.
 

Can Steri-7™ be used in food preparation areas?

Yes. Steri-7™ is ethanol-free and non-scented, so it can be used on food preparation surfaces and food trays.
 

Who can use Steri-7™? Anyone who needs a powerful, long lasting and safe cleaner. Clinics, nursing homes and dental practices are already using Steri-7™ and its use extends to veterinary surgeries, kindergartens, airlines, prisons, pubs and restaurants.

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