Table of contents:
- The type of nebulizer that is sold in the market
- 1. Compressor type
- 2. Ultrasonic type
- 3. Mesh type
- How to choose a good and suitable nebulizer tool
- 1. Find the type of model that fits your health condition
- 2. Consider who will use it
- 3. Efficiency of tools
- 4. Is the device portable?
- 5. Frequency, location, and time of therapy using the tool
- 6. How much the nebulizer can accommodate the drug dose
- 7. How about the durability?
- 8. What are the accessories like?
- 9. Make sure prices are within budget
A nebulizer is a machine that converts liquid medicine into vapor to be inhaled into the lungs. This tool serves to treat diseases that cause shortness of breath, such as severe allergic reactions, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The many choices or types of nebulizers that exist might make you confused about which one to choose? Don't worry, however, the following information will provide you with the most common types of nebulizers and tips on how to choose one for your shortness of breath.
The type of nebulizer that is sold in the market
Nebulizer helps liquid medicines to enter the lung directly. With this tool, the liquid medicine will be converted into very small vapor particles, so that the drug can directly enter the targeted lung area.
It is important to choose a good nebulizer device so that the goal of treating shortness of breath is achieved optimally. In addition, the type of nebulizer you choose will affect the duration of treatment, the resulting particle size, ease of transport, durability and many other aspects.
There are many types and models of nebulizers, although their function remains the same. The three most common types of nebulizers are compressor, ultrasonic, and mesh types.
1. Compressor type
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A compressor nebulizer works by passing pressurized gas flowing at high speed through a liquid drug, and converting it to a vapor form. The duration of using the compressor nebulizer is around 8-20 minutes for one treatment.
According to an article from Eurasian Journal of PulmonologyThis type of nebulizer can deliver liquid drugs that cannot be used with regular inhalers, such as antibiotics and mucolytics (sputum thinners).
This nebulizer is also usually used for children because it can convert drugs into various particle sizes.
Some of the advantages of a compressor nebulizer include:
- Compresso nebulizer costs less than other types
- Can adjust the speed of the machine when changing drugs, so you can breathe easier
Some of the drawbacks of the nebulizer that you need to pay attention to are:
- The size is bigger than others
- Can only use electric power
- The resulting sound is noisy
- More drug particles are wasted
2. Ultrasonic type
This type produces high-frequency vibrations to convert liquid drugs into aerosol vapors. Ultrasonic nebulizer produces steam 10 times faster than compressor type. The result, treatment can take place faster.
For one treatment, the ultrasonic nebulizer can take as little as 6 minutes. However, they are not efficient for converting drug suspensions or viscous liquids.
Some of the advantages of the ultrasonic type nebulizer are:
- No noise
- Small in size so it's easy to carry
- Can be operated by battery or electricity (can be recharged)
Meanwhile, deficiencies that may also need to be noted, include:
- More expensive than the compressor type
- The quality of some drugs may be reduced due to sufficiently high ultrasonic power
3. Mesh type
The mesh nebulizer uses electricity or ultrasonic waves to vibrate the liquid medicine through the holes mesh.Holes mesh it is a material made of braided tissue of wires or threads. The process will produce very fine droplets of liquid vapor.
Currently, the mesh nebulizer tool is considered to be the best, fastest, efficient and quietest inhaler. This tool can be used with a battery. Its small and stable size allows you to use this tool in any position and condition. Another plus, this tool can be taken anywhere.
However, the price is more expensive than other types. In addition, you need to be more careful about cleaning the membranes mesh inside it.
How to choose a good and suitable nebulizer tool
After knowing the types of nebulizers available, you should first consult with your doctor to find out what tools you should use. However, you may still need to make choices in terms of brand, size, and other aspects.
Carefully consider some of the advantages and disadvantages of each tool. The reason is, this tool will be a long-term investment to maintain health and fitness.
Here are some things you need to consider before landing your choice on a nebulizer that may be good for your condition:
1. Find the type of model that fits your health condition
Find and select the inhaler model that suits your health condition. Different diseases have different ways and needs to treat them.
Upper respiratory tract infections, such as the common cold, may require a larger particle size of drug vapors, while lower respiratory tract diseases such as COPD may require a smaller particle size of drugs.
Meanwhile, people who experience several respiratory ailments at one time need a steam inhaler that can provide different particle sizes and can also be adjusted.
Compressor type nebulizers can offer a wide range of particle sizes, while ultrasonic and mesh types offer more definite particle sizes. To be more sure, ask your doctor directly for recommendations for a nebulizer that can provide the right particle size for your condition.
2. Consider who will use it
The elderly, infants, toddlers and children may have limited motor skills to use these inhaler devices. They may have difficulty grasping and moving tools. The same situation may be experienced by people who suffer from arthritis, visual disturbances, and who are on complex treatment and medication therapies.
Therefore, before buying it, make sure the doctor is aware of any other health problems you have. The most important thing is how agile the body is or if there is a problem with brain function. For people with limited ability to operate machine tools, the simplest option is probably a simpler nebulizer.
If you're buying something for a child or a baby, look for a nebulizer that is quieter and can produce a gentle vapor mist. That way, your child may not be afraid first when he hears his voice.
You can also look for versatile models with a choice of accessories or image motifs that the child will love. There are also colorful options available for your little one.
If your child or other loved ones need nebulizer therapy, it is also important that a caregiver or nurse who may help their medication understand correctly how to use this device. Therefore, make sure you tell your caregiver or nurse carefully about the operation of the nebulizer device.
3. Efficiency of tools
Your doctor will suggest the most efficient nebulizer for you to use. Keep in mind, certain medications work best with certain types of inhalers. Some drugs also cannot be used with certain types of nebulizers.
Apart from that, another important thing, make sure you operate the appliance properly. If you cannot use this device properly, consult your doctor about other inhaler alternatives.
If your child is using a nebulizer, make sure the doctor checks regularly to see if he needs to change the steam inhaler device as the child grows older.
4. Is the device portable?
If you're the type of person who travels a lot, consider buying a steam inhaler that is compact, light, easy to use, and easy to carry. Also consider buying any necessary accessories, such as charger electricity to carry with you.
On the other hand, if you use this tool more often at home, for example for children and the elderly, you can choose a nebulizer which is more economical.
Some people prefer to buy two types of devices. If you are not sure what type to buy, it may be better to go with a model portable which is more comfortable.
5. Frequency, location, and time of therapy using the tool
The timing, frequency and location of your treatment can influence your decision to purchase a good nebulizer.
If you have to regularly use a nebulizer because you have severe or chronic persistent asthma, where asthma symptoms can appear up to 2-3 times a day, be sure to choose a device that portable. The goal is that you can quickly get treatment if needed at any time.
However, if you only need to get treatment 1-2 times a day, you don't need to buy a different tool portable. Just make sure the appliance is placed in a strategic location so that you are easily accessible.
6. How much the nebulizer can accommodate the drug dose
Many patients are prescribed more than one type of medication for shortness of breath. To avoid confusion about how to use the appliance for each medication, ask your doctor or nurse for advice about a nebulizer that can facilitate all of your medications.
Using only one device will certainly be easier for you to comply with therapeutic recommendations than having to use two devices for two different drugs. It can also help minimize confusion about dosage and how to use it.
Some devices may provide a strain that can be used with several separate drugs to be inhaled at the same time, but do not combine drugs unless they are known to react negatively to each other.
7. How about the durability?
Make sure the tool you choose has good durability so that it is durable even if it is used and cleaned repeatedly for a long time.
The nebulizer lasts longer when treated properly. Don't forget to check your air filter regularly and change it when needed.
8. What are the accessories like?
Find out what kind of accessories you need or like. Do you prefer to wear a face mask or mouthpiece?
If you choose to use a mask for your child, there are a variety of cute mask options that will help them feel more comfortable making therapy their routine.
Changing accessories and filters on time will help make your nebulizer system last longer, which saves you money in the long run. Masks are available in various sizes. You should find out what size you need to replace before buying a new one.
Also, find out what kind of filter, medicine cup, and other spare parts you need for your nebulizer.
9. Make sure prices are within budget
A nebulizer is a long-term investment in your health. So you have to maximize your budget. It's important to choose a nebulizer that is affordable but still performs well.
If you buy through a store on line, try simultaneously ordering all the accessories you need from one store to save on shipping costs. You can also search for special prices and shipping promotions.
If the price of your target device is beyond your budget estimate, discuss with your doctor for other, more affordable options.
Many people who do not understand the principles of treatment use this tool and do not realize when their nebulizer has broken down. Therefore, training about how to use and maintain the equipment must be provided regularly by medical professionals who understand your condition.
