What is a nebulizer and what is it for?

Nebulizers are divided into:

compressor;
ultrasonic;
mesh nebulizers.

Compressor nebulizers

produce a medicinal cloud due to the action of the compressor. Typically, compressor nebulizers have a larger size and weight compared to ultrasonic ones. One of the main disadvantages is considered to be the noise that the compressor makes during operation. At the same time, the advantage of compressor nebulizers is the ability to use almost all types of medicines.

Ultrasonic nebulizers

have a compact size, light weight and almost silent operation of the ultrasonic unit. A significant disadvantage is that a wide range of medications cannot be used in ultrasonic inhalers: the use of antibiotics and hormones is prohibited, since ultrasound destroys drug molecules. Their use in this case will not provide a therapeutic effect.

Mesh nebulizers.

This technology allows inhalations to be performed at any angle, for example, for a bedridden patient. Inhalers have the smallest size and weight. These devices are very convenient for people leading an active lifestyle. The nebulizer mesh easily fits even in a woman’s purse.

Nebulizer therapy has advantages over other types of inhalation therapy:

It can be used at any age, since the patient is not required to adjust his breathing to the operation of the device and at the same time perform any actions, for example, pressing the canister, holding the inhaler, etc., which is especially important in young children.
The absence of the need to take a strong breath allows the use of nebulizer therapy in cases of severe attacks of bronchial asthma, as well as in elderly patients.
Nebulizer therapy allows the use of drugs in effective doses without side effects.
This therapy provides a continuous and rapid supply of medication using a compressor.
It is the safest method of inhalation therapy, since it does not use, unlike metered-dose aerosol inhalers, propellants (solvents or carrier gases).
This is a modern and comfortable method of treating bronchopulmonary diseases in children and adults.

How nebulizers relieve flu and ARVI symptoms

Nebulizers help both children and adults breathe easier in a variety of painful conditions. This is especially true during allergy and flu season, when asthma symptoms may appear or worsen.

As the seasons change, the incidence of asthma increases due to the release of allergens and pollen into the air. Colds and flu often lead to worsening asthma symptoms and attacks.

Nebulizers can provide relief during flu illness, as well as help with severe colds, infections, bronchitis, and chronic conditions such as COPD.

Flu symptoms appear much more quickly, while cold symptoms may gradually develop over several days. Coughing, sore throat and sneezing are common symptoms of both illnesses, but the flu can also cause muscle pain, chills, fever, and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea.

So how does a nebulizer help?

Inhalation with a nebulizer reduces inflammation in the respiratory tract and makes breathing easier.

What diseases can be treated with a nebulizer?

The drug sprayed by an inhaler begins to act almost immediately, which makes it possible to use nebulizers, first of all, for the treatment of diseases that require immediate intervention - an attack of bronchial asthma, allergies.

Another group of diseases for which inhalations are simply necessary are chronic inflammatory processes of the respiratory tract, such as chronic rhinitis, chronic bronchitis, bronchial asthma, chronic broncho-obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis, etc.

But their scope of application is not limited to this. They are good for the treatment of acute respiratory diseases, laryngitis, rhinitis, pharyngitis, fungal infections of the upper respiratory tract, and the immune system.

Inhalers help with occupational diseases of singers, teachers, miners, and chemists.

Medicines for inhalation

Nebulizers turn liquid medicine into a mist that can be quickly inhaled using airflow. This quickly alleviates the patient's condition. Depending on the drug, nebulizers can help open the airways, reduce inflammation, and relieve congestion.

The following drugs are used for inhalation:

bronchodilators;
antibiotics;
saline solutions;
medicinal plant preparations.

Bronchodilators are often prescribed to help with respiratory conditions such as asthma or COPD because they open the airways and make breathing easier.

Antibiotics can be nebulized directly into the lungs in cases of severe respiratory infection.

Delivery of a sterile saline solution into the respiratory system can help open the airways, thinning secretions, which makes coughing and phlegm easier to produce.

There are several types of nebulizers for inhalation:

ultrasonic;
compressor;
steam.

What medications can be used in a nebulizer.

For nebulizer therapy, there are special solutions of drugs that are produced in bottles or plastic containers - nebulas.

For nebulizer therapy the following can be used:

mucolytics and mucoregulators (drugs to thin sputum and improve expectoration);
bronchodilators (drugs that dilate the bronchi).
glucocorticoids (hormonal drugs with multifaceted effects, primarily anti-inflammatory and decongestant);
cromones (antiallergic drugs, mast cell membrane stabilizers);
antibiotics;
alkaline and saline solutions: 0.9% saline solution.

Your attending physician should prescribe the drug and tell you about the rules for its use. He must also monitor the effectiveness of treatment.

Not recommended for use with nebulizers:

All solutions containing oils, suspensions and solutions containing suspended particles, including decoctions and infusions of herbs, prednisolone, dexamethasone, as well as solutions of aminophylline, papaverine, platiphylline, diphenhydramine and the like, as not having points of application on the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract ways.

How to choose an inhaler

First of all, you must decide what type of nebulizer you need. Then make a choice in favor of one manufacturer or another, and select the model according to the most optimal technical characteristics.

What parameters should you pay attention to first?

Particle size. The depth of penetration and the effectiveness of treatment depend on the size of the particles. The smallest ones (0.5-2 microns) easily penetrate the lower parts of the respiratory system - the pulmonary alveoli, the larger ones (3-5 microns) linger in the bronchi and trachea, the larger ones (8-10 microns) treat the nasopharynx.
Spray speed. The larger it is, the faster the inhalation session will go. This is true for small fidgety children. Ultrasonic and mesh inhalers have the highest speed.
Volume of the medicinal reservoir. It must be large enough to hold the dose for one inhalation.
Continuous operation time. Many models require rest after a session, so if you need a nebulizer for frequent use, then pay attention to more powerful models.
Noise. This option is relevant for families with small children, who may be frightened by unusual sounds and flatly refuse the procedure. The noisiest ones are compressor ones.
Masks and attachments. A nebulizer is a universal device for the whole family; it can be used for both babies and adults. Therefore, the kit must include masks of different sizes, as well as a mouthpiece for mouth breathing and a nasal cannula.

The best steam inhalers

The steam inhaler heats the medicinal solution, and the patient breathes in the resulting steam. For treatment in such devices, herbal infusions and essential oils are used.

Takio YH1502 - a simple and inexpensive inhaler-sauna

4.9

★★★★★

editorial assessment

89%

buyers recommend this product

The device is positioned as an inhaler and a facial sauna. The device itself operates from the network. The volume of the medication reservoir here is relatively small - 40 ml, but this device is easy to use and convenient to store.

When assembled, the device weighs only 100 g. The wide nozzle is suitable for simultaneous inhalation of the throat and nose. The kit does not include a mask for infants, but this is explained by the high temperature of the steam - small children are contraindicated from using such inhalers.

Advantages:

Compact dimensions;
Fast heating;
Easy to use and minimal number of parts;
Affordable price.

Flaws:

Small reservoir for medicinal composition;
There is no removable chamber in the evaporator.

Takio YH1502 is suitable for the treatment of colds and nasopharyngeal diseases in adults and adolescents.

Bremed BD7100 – the ideal device for aromatherapy

4.8

★★★★★

editorial assessment

88%

buyers recommend this product

The compact (205x220x190 mm) steam inhaler weighs 560 g and is designed for continuous operation for up to 20 minutes. It comes with: a nose piece, a wide sauna mouth and an aromatherapy cup.

Despite all its simplicity, the device turned out to be very functional. With its help, you can treat colds, scent and humidify indoor air, and steam your facial skin for cosmetic purposes.

Advantages:

Small dimensions;
Strong and dense plastic;
Easy to care for;
Expanded equipment.

Flaws:

A bit expensive for a steam appliance.

Bremed is a truly multifunctional inhaler for the whole family. These are rare among steam models.

The best inhaler spacers

The operating principle of such devices is quite simple: the medicine from a regular pharmaceutical bottle enters the spacer chamber, where it is converted into an aerosol. A system of valves inside the inhaler nozzle keeps the cold steam in the chamber until the patient takes a breath.

Pari Vortex – for all ages

4.9

★★★★★

editorial assessment

89%

buyers recommend this product

This universal spacer has a special antistatic chamber that facilitates accurate dosing of the drug and does not allow it to settle on the walls of the device. When you inhale, the silicone blades located here begin to move. They create an additional vortex flow, accelerating the movement of aerosol particles through the respiratory tract.

The inhaler is sold in three modifications: with a mask for infants, for children 2-4 years old and with a universal mouthpiece.

Advantages:

Transparent mouthpiece through which the operation of the valve is visible;
Possibility of sterilization and disinfection of the device;
Elastic nozzle compatible with dispensers of various aerosols;
Affordable price.

Flaws:

Difficult assembly/disassembly.

Vortex will help with bronchial asthma and other respiratory diseases. With its help, it is convenient to give aerosol preparations even to newborn children who cannot control their inhalation.

Main types of devices

An inhaler is a device that is designed to introduce drugs into the human body in the form of an aerosol.
That is, with the help of an inhalation device, the medicine is converted into a fine suspension, which enters various parts of the respiratory tract. Today there are many different portable and stationary inhalers and nebulizers that are used at home. Depending on the mechanism of action, inhalation devices are divided into 4 large groups:

Steam inhaler. The device heats the medicinal infusion to a certain temperature, as a result of which the elixir turns into steam, which a person breathes. The device acts only on the upper parts of the respiratory tract.
Compressor nebulizer. The principle of operation of the device is the action of a piston compressor, which drives air flow through a narrow hole. Under pressure, drugs disintegrate into small particles and thereby penetrate even into the lower parts of the respiratory system.
Ultrasonic nebulizer. With the help of high-frequency waves, the medicine begins to disintegrate into tiny particles that pass into the lower parts of the respiratory tract. Such devices are more effective than previous models, but some products are destroyed by ultrasound.
Mesh nebulizers. The most modern type of inhalation devices. The device works by splitting the medicine into small particles using a vibrating membrane and a mesh with tiny divisions. The main disadvantage of mesh inhalers is their high cost.

Experts advise purchasing the device after consulting a doctor. The fact is that inhalation procedures also have contraindications. In addition, some medications lose their medicinal qualities after contact with nebulizers. And finally, the doctor will recommend a specific device that will best suit the patient’s needs.

Service maintenance

Along with the nebulizer from most manufacturers, the user receives a service book. It describes the conditions of warranty service and repair. They vary for each manufacturer, but most often they look like this:

The warranty is provided for two years from the date of purchase;
the device loses its warranty if: non-recommended medications were poured into the nebulizer;
there are scratches and chips on the body;
the power cord is damaged;

To obtain warranty repairs, you need to contact one of the service centers indicated in the book or on the manufacturer’s official website.

Purchasing replacement parts

Inhaler attachments are considered consumables and need to be replaced every six months. Finding parts for nebulizers from major manufacturers (B.Well, Little Doctor, Omron) is not difficult - they are usually in stock in almost every pharmacy. The cost of a package of several nozzles usually does not exceed 300 rubles.

An ultrasonic nebulizer may also require a replacement medication cup. Its cost usually ranges from 150 to 400 rubles.

The best inhalers for children

Children's inhalers are essentially no different from devices for treating adults. Most often, manufacturers offer children the same compressor and ultrasonic devices, only they are as quiet as possible and in funny housings that distract the little patient during therapy.

Little Doctor LD-212C - an effective and reliable model

4.9

★★★★★

editorial assessment

89%

buyers recommend this product

See review▶

A bright compressor nebulizer with cheerful pictures on the body is in fact a serious and functional device. Since babies do not know how to do the procedures correctly, this inhaler was slightly modified, and now it is activated by inhalation. As a result, the child receives the entire dose of the drug prescribed to him, and the medicine does not evaporate in vain.

The LD-212C is capable of working continuously for 20 minutes, after which it must be given a half hour to “rest”. The solution reservoir holds 10 ml. The device comes with various nozzles, sprayers, masks, a storage case, etc.

Advantages:

Small size;
Activation on inspiration;
Long feed tubes;
Strong and durable body;
Easy to care for.

Flaws:

Not the quietest unit (55 dB);
Short power cord.

Little Doctor 212C is suitable for the treatment of all types of respiratory tract diseases in children of different ages, and most importantly, it is compatible with most medications.

Rossmax NI60 – device with VA technology

4.8

★★★★★

editorial assessment

88%

buyers recommend this product

See review▶

Another compressor device with an adjustable valve allows you to independently adjust the speed of spraying medications without changing the size of the aerosol particles (which is about 3 microns). It is made in the shape of a funny dog and weighs only 334 grams, that is, it is quite suitable as a portable inhaler.

The body of the toy nebulizer itself is very strong, but the nebulizer chamber is flimsy and requires careful handling. Only 5 ml of medicinal solution is placed in the drug container, but one refill is enough for kids.

Advantages:

Durable body with a nice design;
Light weight;
Adjustable supply of medicinal mist;
Fine spray;
Bag for storing complete attachments;
Low cost about 1000 rubles.

Flaws:

A bit noisy;
There is no mask for infants.

The inhaler dog can be used to treat children and adolescents. Only for older children is it better to increase the aerosol supply speed.

Omron NE-U17-E – quiet, “long-lasting” inhaler

4.7

★★★★★

editorial assessment

87%

buyers recommend this product

See review▶

Externally, this ultrasonic model has nothing in common with most “toy” inhalers, but it is widely used in medical institutions where small patients are treated. The reason is that the nebulizer can work without interruption for 3 days and at the same time is characterized by quiet operation (45 dB).

The device is equipped with a function for adjusting the air flow and spray speed (11 and 10 adjustment levels are provided, respectively). In addition, there is a 30-minute timer and a backlit display that shows the treatment time, as well as alerts about the status of the inhaler itself.

Advantages:

Quiet long-term operation without interruptions;
Wide range of customization options;
Protection against switching on due to incorrect assembly;
Large tank for medicines (150 ml);
Suitable for oxygen inhalation.

Flaws:

Bulky and heavy, like all stationary models;
High consumption of medications.

Omron U17 is a real all-rounder, but it is still a stationary device that belongs in a physiotherapy room. However, for large families it will be a lifesaver during the cold season.