About Nebulizer
A nebulizer is a machine that delivers a fine, steady mist of medicine through a mouthpiece or mask. Patient sit with the machine and breathe in the medicine through a connected mouthpiece or Nebulizer Mask. This allows the medicine to enter the lungs directly.
3 Main Types of Nebulizers
Most nebulizers work by using air compressors to create the mist containing the medicine. A different kind, called an ultrasonic nebulizer, uses sound vibrations. Nebulizers come in 3 main types:
- Jet Nebulizer – Compressed air turns the medicine into a mist (tiny particles of medicine that float in the air).
- Mesh Nebulizer – Medicine is passed through a tiny mesh to create a fine mist.
- Ultrasonic Nebulizer – High frequency vibrations turn medicine into a mist. The droplets tend to be a bit larger. This kind of nebulizer is quieter, but costs more.
A nebulizer can be a smaller portable device or a plug-in tabletop machine you use at home. You will need a prescription from your health care provider to get a nebulizer, if necessary.
How to use the Nebulizer
Here are General steps for how to use and clean a nebulizer. Always read and follow the instructions that come with your nebulizer. If you don’t use your nebulizer correctly, you won’t get the medicine you need.
- 1. Wash hands well.
- 2. Connect the nebulizer machine, tubing, medicine cup, and mouthpiece or mask correctly as shown in your instructions.
- 3. Put the prescribed amount of medicine into the nebulizer cup.
- 4. Place the mouthpiece in your mouth and close your lips around it to form a tight seal. If your child uses a mask, make sure it fits snugly against the child’s face and covers their nose and mouth.
- 5. Turn on the nebulizer machine. You should see a light mist coming from the back of the tube opposite the mouthpiece or from the mask.
- 6. Take normal breaths through the mouth until the medicine cup is empty or the mist stops. This takes about 10 minutes.
- 7. Take the mouthpiece out of your mouth (or remove your child’s mask) and turn off the machine.
- 8. If the medicine is an inhaled corticosteroid, rinse your (or your child’s) mouth with water and spit it out. Rinsing helps to prevent an infection in the mouth. If using a mask, also wash your child’s face.
How to Clean and Store the Nebulizer
You will need to clean your nebulizer to prevent bacteria from growing in it, since bacteria can cause a lung infection. It takes some time to clean your nebulizer and keep it working properly. Be sure to unplug the machine before cleaning it.
After each treatment
- Wash hands well.
- Wash the medicine cup and mouthpiece or mask with warm water and mild soap. Do not wash the tubing.
- Rinse well and shake off excess water. Air dry parts on a paper towel.
Once or Twice a week:
- Disinfect nebulizer parts to help kill any germs. Follow the instructions that come with your device.
- Do not wash or boil the tubing.
- Air dry parts on a paper towel.
Between uses:
- Store nebulizer parts in a dry, clean plastic storage bag. If the nebulizer is used by more than one person, keep each person’s medicine cup, mouthpiece or mask, and tubing in a separate, labeled bag to prevent the spread of germs.
- Wipe surface with a clean, damp cloth as needed. Cover nebulizer machine with a clean, dry cloth and store as stated in the instructions.
- Change or Replace medicine cup, mouthpiece, mask, tubing, filter, and other parts as stated in the instructions or when they appear worn or damaged.
ALWAYS REMEMBER!
If you have asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or another chronic lung disease, it is important to:
- Take your medicine as prescribed.
- Use the proper technique to deliver the medicine to your lungs.
Ask your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional (such as nurse practitioner, physician assistant, nurse, respiratory therapist, or asthma educator) to show you how to use and clean your nebulizer. Review your technique at each follow-up visit.