What is a Home Nebulizer?

A home nebulizer is a device that converts a liquid medicine into a mist for the purposes of inhalation while a patient is at home. They are used to alleviate the symptoms of asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia or other conditions that affect the lungs. There are several types of nebulizers, categorized according to how they convert the liquid into the mist.

Jet and piezoelectric are the two most common types of nebulizers. The jet nebulizers use a compressed stream of oxygen or air to travel through the liquid and produce a mist. This type of nebulizer is easy to operate and has low initial operating costs. It could be considered the best home nebulizer in situations where occasional use or a fixed location is the primary need.

Drawbacks include vibration, noise and therapeutic efficiency. The compressor is usually housed within the main body of the unit which accounts for its noise and vibration. It normally operates at a noise level that is the same as two people conversing. Some patients may find this distressing, especially if the home nebulizer must be used frequently. The compressor’s vibration may add to the noise level depending on the surface the machine is placed on.

Another possible concern is therapeutic efficiency. This is defined by how deeply the medication from the nebulizer can be taken into the lungs. In order to reach the smaller airways, the droplets must be smaller than 0.0002 inches (5 micrometers). Jet nebulizers may have difficulty achieving this, resulting in the medication not being absorbed deeply enough into the lungs. This type of home nebulizer usually requires a connection to a household electrical supply, so it is not considered portable.

Piezoelectric or ultrasonic home nebulizers overcome these obstacles by employing a different mechanism for mist production. By using a crystal or a mesh that vibrates at ultrasonic frequencies, the liquid is vaporized into smaller droplets than is possible with jet nebulizers. Additionally, because of the frequencies being used, this kind of nebulizer produces very little noise. This type of device also requires less power to operate, which means it can be battery operated and can be much smaller in size. These features make it an ideal portable nebulizer.

Nebulizers may be covered under insurance and can be purchased or leased. Other supplies needed may include hoses or tubing, mouthpieces, masks and filters. If one is looking to obtain a nebulizer for a family member, his or her activity level should be considered in order to determine whether a portable nebulizer is needed. Information from a healthcare provider or medical supply company will be helpful in choosing the most appropriate nebulizer.