Nebulizer device

How to use a nebulizer: A nebulizer is a small machine that turns liquid medicine into a mist that can be easily inhaled. You sit with the machine and breathe in the medicine through a connected mouthpiece or facemask. This allows the medicine to enter the lungs directly.

Nebulizers may be used for people with lung disease, including:

• Asthma
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Cystic fibrosis
• Bronchiectasis

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 three main types:

• Jet- Compressed air turns the medicine into a mist (tiny particles of medicine that float in the air).
• Mesh- Medicine is passed through a tiny mesh to create a fine mist.
• Ultrasonic- 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. Check with your health plan to see if it will cover the cost of the device. Most plans will cover it.

Setting Up and Using a Nebulizer

Use your nebulizer according to the manufacturer's instructions.

The basic steps to set up and use your nebulizer are as follows:

• Wash your hands.
• Connect the hose to an air compressor.
• Fill the medicine cup with your medicine. To avoid spills, close the medicine cup tightly and always hold the mouthpiece straight up and down.
• Attach the other end of the hose to the mouthpiece and medicine cup.
• Turn on the nebulizer machine.
• Place the mouthpiece in your mouth. Keep your lips firmly around the mouthpiece so that all of the medicine goes into your lungs. If using a facemask, place it over the mouth and nose. Small children usually do better if they wear a mask.
• Breathe through your mouth until all the medicine is used. This takes 5 to 20 minutes, depending on the device and medicine used. If needed, use a nose clip so that you breathe only through your mouth.
• Turn off the machine when done.
• Wash the medicine cup and mouthpiece with water and air dry until your next treatment.

Taking Care of Your 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 use:

• Wash the medicine cup and mouthpiece with warm running water.
• Let them air dry on clean paper towels.
• Later, hook up the nebulizer and run air through the machine for 20 seconds to make sure all of the parts are dry.
• Take apart and store the machine in a covered area until the next use.

Once per day, you may add a mild dish soap to the cleaning routine above.

Once or twice each week:

• You may add a soaking step to the cleaning routine above.
• Soak the cup and mouthpiece in 1 part distilled white vinegar, 2 parts warm water solution.

You may clean the outside of your machine with a warm, damp cloth as necessary. Never wash the hose or tubing.

You will also need to change the filter. The instructions that come with your nebulizer will tell you when you should change the filter.