Nebulizers are designed to provide quick relief from respiratory illnesses by delivering medication to the lungs in a mist form. They are found in certain cases to be more effective than metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) and used most commonly in the treatment of asthma, cystic fibrosis, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and other respiratory ailments.
A nebulizer system includes a nebulizer device or medicine cup, a compressor, tubing, mouthpiece and tubing connectors.
The nebulizer cup contains the liquid medication into which the compressor pumps air through the tubing to aerosolize the medicine. The medicine is then delivered as a fine mist through the mouthpiece or mask into the lungs of the user. The tubing is connected to the compressor and cup through tubing connectors.
Types of Nebulizers
We offer two types of nebulizer systems - a hand-held or portable nebulizer which can be carried around all the time, and a table top type which is the home nebulizer.
The hand-held nebulizer is small in size, runs on battery and provides convenient portability. It is small enough to easily fit into your bag or purse while you are on the go. Table top nebulizer is larger in size and works only after being placed on a table or stable surface and plugged into a wall.It is more versatile in nature.
A vast range of nebulizers are available in the market with each a little different from the other in terms of features, quality and pricing.
If you are regularly on the go then a portable nebulizer will give you peace knowing you have an emergency system in your bag. If not a frequent traveler and wishing to be economical, then you can opt for the table top nebulizer.
Pari Trek S Portable Nebulizer System is lightweight and apt for those with active lifestyles. Pulmo-Aide system from Devilbiss is a tabletop one with a built-in nebulizer holder and four-pole motor design.
Nebulizer selection will also depend on your choice in compression type. Your nebulizer could either be piston pump compressor (also known as jet/aerosol nebulizer) or ultrasonic nebulizer. Both types are clinically effective and available in portable and desktop versions. Difference lies in the features.
The piston pump compressor is a more common type and uses a piston-powered compressor to deliver air by vaporizing the liquid medicine droplets. It is noisy as compared to ultrasonic nebulizer but less expensive. This type is quite popular with medical facilities.
Ultrasonic nebulizers, also known as mesh nebulizers, are quiet and generally used more during the treatment of cystic fibrosis. They employ high frequency ultrasonic or sound waves to convert the liquid medication into a breathable mist. The delivery of medication is faster with the aerosol particles being tinier and consistent in size.
MicroAir Portable Nebulizer with Vibrating Mesh Technology from Omron Healthcare is said to be the smallest nebulizer but has powerful delivery. It nebulizes 25 mg in 2 minutes. It is meant for both pediatric and adult use as well as in the home, hospital and sub-acute care settings.
Pediatric Nebulizers
If you are buying a nebulizer system for pediatric use, there are different types of nebulizers for kids with unique designs for the little ones. These are modeled on cartoon characters and are fun to look at. Will keep children engaged during treatment.
Drive Medical is among makers of the best nebulizer machine for kids. Its Medquip Train Nebulizer has children entranced by the colors and lights. The Airial Penguin Nebulizer is equally child-friendly and attractivein its Penguin design.
Disposable or Reusable Nebulizers
Nebulizers can be disposable in nature or reusable. The disposable nebulizer is convenient for use during travel or overnight stay away from home and given to patients in clinics and hospitals. It can be used for around two weeks before being discarded. Reusable nebulizer is good for six months after which it should be replaced to ensure consistent and efficient medication to the lungs as well as lowering the risk of bacterial contamination.
Top and trusted names are behind all the respiratory products. You can shop from your favorite brand choosing from among Airial, Airlife, Sidestream, Hudson RCI, InnoSpire, John Bunn, VixOne and AeroEclipse.
It is important to know the product you are buying and its effectiveness so that you can put it to maximum use. Finding the best nebulizer for asthma or the best nebulizer machine for kids is vital. And buying the right product is key to a complete solution.
