Spring is a time of change. The weather becomes warmer and more humid, making it easier for respiratory issues such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to worsen with each passing day. To control these symptoms patients are prescribed nebulizers which administer their medicine through compressor systems in order alleviate some discomfort but not enough so that people suffering from these conditions cannot go outside without protection against pollen counts reaching unhealthy levels due to this season’s allergy outbreaks every year around March-April timeframe.
The medicine which is in liquid form, placed onto the cup of a nebulizer. The compressor connects to this machine with an elastic tube and generates air flow that drives it all together to break down any medications into very fine mist termed as ‘aerosol cloud’ inhaled by patients during treatment process; deep enough so they can fill up their lungs completely for optimal effect!
The treatment can last anywhere between 5 and 20 minutes. This is dependent on the amount of nebulizer medicine, as well as how efficiently your compressor works with it to make sure that you are not having any adverse affects from hyperventilation or air hunger during these treatments.
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Types Of Nebulizers
In the past, nebulizers were known as a device or machine which used compressed air to create a fine mist that is then inhaled by patients. Inhaling the mixture of water and medicine allows for more efficient absorption into the patient’s system than other means such as injections.
Nowadays, we know at least three different types of nebulizers: ultrasonic, jet and vibrating mesh/bubble. Today we will take a closer look at those three types and describe how they work plus provide examples on some real-world products that use these technologies to do their job well.
Jet Nebulizer
This type uses an electric motor to drive high-speed impeller blades inside a liquid reservoir to create a high-frequency liquid spray. This liquid is then given the ability to turn into a fine mist by passing it through a narrow opening or nozzle. In order to ensure efficient liquid atomization, both the liquid reservoir and the nozzle must be vibrated at ultrahigh speeds.
Vibrating Mesh/Bubble Nebulizers
These nebulizers use a fast-moving mesh or bubble in order to create a fine aerosol that is then inhaled by patients. The mesh or bubble can be driven mechanically, pneumatically, magnetically or electrostatically in order for this type of device to work. It has been reported that these types of nebulizers have been able to generate aerosols with droplets as small as 3 to 5 microns.
Ultrasonic Nebulizers
The task of this type is similar to the job mesh and bubble nebulizers do: convert liquid into a fine mist that can be inhaled by patients. However, unlike previous two types – which use fast moving parts – ultrasonic nebulizers use high-frequency sound waves in order to create microfine aerosols from liquid medication. This technology was developed as early as 1930s originally for laboratory applications such as creating artificial smoke particles. It wasn’t until the 1990s when Dr. Elisabeth Barton created an ultrasonic nebulizer for medical purposes and it catches on since then due to its convenience and efficiency compared with those other types of medical inhalation devices.
Top Portable & Small Nebulizer Machines
Zionstyle Mini Handheld Nebulizer
- ☀ Attractive Modern Appearance ☀ This machine has more comfortable touching, easier to operate, upgraded durable quality.
- ☀ One-key Operation ☀ Just press the switch to on/off, it will be easier to operate for kids and elderly.
- ☀ Operate Quietly ☀ It operates quietly (<65dB) without distracting or unpleasant noise.
- ☀ Plug-in Power ☀ It needs to be plugged into socket to get it work, sufficient power, sufficient power to make it work steady.
- ☀ Perfect for Home Use ☀ The size is 20.5*16.5*11 inch, weighs about 2.86 LB. Very convenient to use at home.
MAYLUCK Handheld Mesh Portable Nebulizer Machine
- ► Upgraded Self-cleaning Function ◄ Designed with self-clean function, there is no more clogging. When it is blocked and does not produce mist, just start the auto-clean mode, it will work normally.
- ► LED Indicator Light ◄ Blue light is on shows it is in normal working status. Red light shows insufficient power, orange light shows it is running out of medicine solution.
- ► Waterless Detection Technology ◄ It will auto-shut off when there is no water in the cup, there is no need to worry about destroying the machine.
- ► Super Quiet ◄ The noise is less than 25dB during working, it will not wake your kids when they are sleeping sound.
- ► Battery/USB Cable Powered ◄ It is not rechargeable. It needs 2 AA batteries or connects usb cable to socket to make it work. And please don’t use the battery and USB cable at the same time.
Feellife Handheld Cool Mist Nebulizer
- Working quietly, noise less than 30dB, suit for adults and kids
- Detached fluid tank design with volume of 10cc, maintain and clean easily
- Palm sized, 3 inches high and weight 4 oz
- Built-in rechargeable batteries, suit for home use or on the go
- Includes a full set of accessories
Zionstyle Handheld Mesh Nebulizer
- » Instant Relief « Produces super fine mist for better absorbtion. Clear air passages to ease discomfort in the nose and throat.
- » Safe Operation « Just pour saline solution into the cup and turn on, it will work. Easy and safe to operate for kids and elderly.
- » Auto-off without Water in Cup « Each operating time is about 15 minutes, it produce cool mist, no heating up. It will auto-shut off when there is no tap water/saline solution in the cup.
- » Compact & Lightweight « Size 4.3*1.5*.15inch, weighs only 3.5 oz. It is very small to take on the go.
- » DO NOT Work with « Pure/distilled water (poor conductivity), essential oil/ oily solution(high density).
TRUneb Compressor System Nebulizer for Adult and Child Five Year
- Compact Design
- Liter flow: 8 LPM
- Particle size: 0.5޼m to 5޼m
- Compressor, two disposable, filters and two year warranty
- EYL Medical
It is advisable that you always consult with your Physician or Respiratory Therapist before you choose any specific nebulizer machine for treatment. This will ensure proper use of these machines and will give them a much longer life by preventing harmful effects due to incorrect usage.
How to use nebulizers?
Nebulizers, also called aerosol or mist generators, are devices that converts liquid medicine into a vapor which is then inhaled by patient in order to get quick relief from asthma, cough and other respiratory problems. People who find it difficult to breathe because of airway obstruction usually depend upon oxygen therapy but when they suddenly feel good & strong enough so that they can do all the household activities without using supplemental oxygen then these machines come in very handy because they can provide much needed relief fast. Nebulizers cannot be used as reliever (when not using oxygen concentrator) for people suffering from emphysema or chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder because it takes time for them to recover from respiratory attacks & it is not possible for them to use this equipment as quick as those who have asthma or other similar problems.
In order for nebulizers to work properly, certain simple steps must be followed by users because air pressure inside the machine must be maintained at a particular level in order to create a mist of right size that can travel down windpipe into lungs without going out through mouth or nose which reduces wastage of medicine at all times. Some people try to avoid using nebulizer by covering their mouth with hand before breathing through them but it does not give desired results because very fine particles pass through openings between fingers & nostrils too so only the best way of getting relief these machines is by inhaling slowly with full concentration so that medicine reaches all parts of lungs in required amounts.
How to use nebulizers with oxygen?
If you are using oxygen concentrator then don’t forget to disconnect it when using nebulizer because there is a chance of tiny droplets of water & medication either being sucked into the machine or entering tubing which can lead to blockage in both cases which is very harmful for your health in long run. You must always keep in mind that after working for few minutes, an air compressor inside the machine get heated up due to friction between components & moving gases inside chamber & that’s why you should wait for at least 15 minutes before turning on the equipment again if using it continuously without taking breaks. If you live in cold areas & experience difficulty while breathing through nebulizer then it is advised to clean tubing with warm water after use because leaving residues of saliva & mucous covered on them can cause bacterial growth which reduces effectiveness by causing blockage in future.
Nebulizers are very useful machines that work well under all conditions but if proper care is not taken about their use then they can be dangerous too so it is always better to follow few precautions before using them properly, unless you want to remain sick for rest of your life.