Nebulizers are medical devices that turn liquid medication into a very fine mist that patients inhale into their lungs through a mask or mouthpiece. Many medications for respiratory conditions, such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, and COPD, must be administered through a nebulizer.
Several different types of nebulizers are available from medical equipment companies, and there are several factors you should consider before you choose a nebulizer for home use.
Tabletop Nebulizers
Tabletop nebulizers are the most common type of home nebulizer, and many people who use nebulized medications use a tabletop unit as their primary nebulizer. Tabletop nebulizers are generally the most durable type, and they come with longer warranties than other types of nebulizers, largely because they're designed for stationary use, so they aren't as likely to be damaged as a portable unit.
Tabletop nebulizers are a good choice for babies and young children who need nebulized medications because they need to sit still or be held during the treatment.
Portable Nebulizers
Portable nebulizers are popular among many patients with chronic conditions who need daily nebulized medications because they're easy to use at home or on the go. Some portable units aren't as powerful as tabletop nebulizers, however.
Many portable nebulizers run on battery power. Some have rechargeable batteries that can be easily recharged via USB, making them easy for people who travel often to charge them in vehicles, airports, and hotels.
Aerosol Nebulizers
Aerosol nebulizers are also called jet nebulizers or piston-pump compressor nebulizers. Most portable nebulizers use this kind of aerosol technology, which works by pushing air from a compressor powered by a piston through the liquid medication via tubing.
Aerosol nebulizers' biggest downside is that they can be very noisy, which can make them impractical for use at night, in quiet environments, and with very young patients. Nebulizers that use aerosol or piston-pump technology are typically the cheapest type, however.
Ultrasonic Nebulizers
Ultrasonic nebulizers use very high-frequency sound vibrations to turn liquid nebulizer medications into a fine mist that can be inhaled.
One benefit to ultrasonic nebulizers is that they are nearly silent when they're running, so they're great for babies and toddlers who might be afraid of a louder machine.
Ultrasonic nebulizers create smaller aerosol particles, so they're a good choice for people with more severe or chronic conditions that need frequent nebulizer treatments, such as COPD and cystic fibrosis.
Contact a medical supply company with any questions you have about which nebulizer to purchase.
