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A nebulizer changes liquid medicine into fine droplets (in aerosol or mist form) that are inhaled
through a mouthpiece or mask. Nebulizers can be used to deliver bronchodilator (airway-opening)
medicines such as albuterol (Ventolin, Proventil or Airet) or ipratropium bromide (Atrovent).
A nebulizer may be used instead of a metered dose inhaler (MDI). It is powered by a compressed air
machine and plugs into an electrical outlet. Portable nebulizers, powered by an internal battery or
cigarette lighter, are available for individuals requiring treatments away from home.
A nebulizer is a medical device that administers liquid medicine in a vapor form directly into your
lungs. It opens up clogged airways. Asthma patients use them. Children with "reactive airwaves"
disease use them, too.

 


Your home care company will show you how to use the nebulizer. You will need the following
supplies to give the nebulizer treatment:

 Air compressor
 Nebulizer cup
 Mask or mouthpiece
 Clean eye droppers or other measuring devices to dispense the medication

 



A nebulizer machine converts liquid medicines to aerosol mist, which is easily inhaled and absorbed
into the lungs effectively. There are two types of nebulizer machines - compressor or jet nebulizer
and ultrasonic nebulizer. The former is more commonly used for nebulizer treatments, as compared
to the latter. The following are the parts of a compressor nebulizer.

 


: One of the vital parts of the nebulizer machine, a compressor creates a pressurized
stream of air that passes through the liquid medicine.
 : The compressor is connected to the nebulizer cup using tubes.
  
: A small cylindrical container meant for adding nebulizer medication. Sometimes,
these containers are fitted with valves to control the air flow into it.
 = 
= : The nebulizer cup is connected to a mouthpiece/mask that is meant for
delivering the mist to the mouth. In some machines, this connection is done with the help of a T-
shaped elbow. Those who are unable to use mouthpiece (like, infants), may use masks.

The above said are the parts of a standard nebulizer machine, which is also known as jet nebulizer
or compressor nebulizer. The other type is the ultrasonic nebulizer that uses ultrasound waves to
produce mist out of liquid medicine. As far as the nebulizer machine parts are concerned, the
compressor nebulizer uses an air compressor, but an ultrasound nebulizer uses an ultrasonic
transducer that converts electrical energy to ultrasound waves. So, the compressed air (in jet
nebulizer) or the ultrasound waves (from ultrasonic nebulizer) passes through the liquid medicine in
the nebulizer cup and converts the medicine to aerosol mist, which in turn will be delivered to the
user through the mouthpiece or the mask. Even a portable nebulizer machine has almost all the
parts discussed above, but, as the name suggests, such nebulizers are small in size and are really
handy. Now, you know more about nebulizer machine parts and how does a nebulizer work. Let us
take a look at how to clean the nebulizer parts.

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Apart from the proper usage of the machine, proper cleaning of the nebulizer machine parts is also
equally important for preventing infection and other such problems. All you have to do is to remove
the mask or mouth piece, T-shaped elbow and the medicine cup and wash them in warm water. You
may also use a clean tooth brush to scrub these parts. Once done, use distilled or sterile water to
rinse the nebulizer parts. Keep these parts on a soft and clean cloth and allow them to air dry. As
the parts dry completely, once again wipe them with a clean dry cloth, before storing them in a zip
lock bag. This is the basic cleaning method of nebulizer parts. However, you must follow the
manufacturer's instructions, if there are any. Even the filter used inside the main machinery (which
holds the compressor) is cleaned, however, do this as per the instructions of the manufacturer. You
may also clean the outer surfaces of the main machinery with a damp cloth.

In short, the nebulizer is a simple device with an equally simple working mechanism. Now that you
have a basic idea about nebulizer parts, you may not find any difficulty in using the machine, right
from assembling the parts to administering the medicines. However, make sure to follow the
instructions of the manufacturer and your doctor, as far as the use of this machine is concerned. A
nebulizer machine should be bought as per your doctor's instructions. You may also go
through nebulizer machine reviews, in order to choose the best one.

     



1. Wash your hands thoroughly before you use a nebulizer and make sure the equipment is clean.
2. If using a multi-dose bottle of medicine when you use a nebulizer, use a dropper to administer
the correct dosage of medication into the cup with saline solution. If the medicine is in single-use
vials, twist the top off the plastic vial and squeeze the contents into the nebulizer cup.
3. Connect the mouthpiece, or mask, to the T-shaped elbow. Fasten the unit to the cup. For
children older than 2, using a mouthpiece is recommended because it will deliver more medication
than a mask.

4. Connect the nebulizer tubing to the port on the compressor.

5. Turn the compressor on and check the nebulizer for misting. When using a finger valve, cover
the air hole to force air into the nebulizer. If you are not using a finger valve, the nebulizer will mist
continually.

6. To use a nebulizer correctly, hold it in an upright position. This will prevent spillage.

7. When you use a nebulizer, sit in a comfortable, upright position. Place the mouthpiece between
your teeth and close your lips around it. When using a mask, be sure it fits well so the mist doesnƞt
get into your eyes.

8. Gently exhale. As the mist starts, inhale slowly through your mouth. Take over three to five
seconds for each breath while keeping your finger over the valve hole.

9. Hold your breath for up to 10 seconds before exhaling. This allows the medication time to deposit
in the airway.

10. At the end of a deep breath, uncover the finger valve hole to stop the mist.

11. When you use a nebulizer, occasionally tap the side of the nebulizer to help the medication drop
to where it can be misted.

12. Continue until the medicine is gone from the cup. The nebulizer will most likely begin sputtering
when it is empty.


 



1. Place the air compressor on a sturdy surface that will support its weight. Plug the cord from the
compressor into a properly grounded (three prong) electrical outlet.
2. Wash your hands with soap and warm water, and dry completely with a clean towel.
3. Carefully measure the medicine exactly as you have been instructed. Use a separate, clean
measuring device (eyedropper or syringe) for each medicine.
4. Remove the top part of the nebulizer cup, as shown to the left.
5. Place your medicine in the bottom of the nebulizer cup, as shown to the right.
6. Attach the top portion of the nebulizer cup and connect the mouthpiece or face mask to the cup.
7. Connect the tubing to both the aerosol compressor and nebulizer cup.
8. Turn on the compressor with the on/off switch. Once you turn on the compressor, you should see
a light mist coming from the back of the tube opposite the mouthpiece as shown to the left.
9. Sit up straight on a comfortable chair.
10. If you are using a mask, position it comfortably and securely on your face as shown to the right.
11. If you are using a mouth piece, place it between your teeth and seal your lips around it as
shown to the left..
12. Take slow, deep breaths through your mouth. If possible, hold each breath for two to three
seconds before breathing out. This allows the medication to settle into the airways.
13. Continue the treatment until the medication is gone (about seven to 10 minutes).
14. If you become dizzy or feel "jittery," stop the treatment and rest for about five minutes. Then
continue the treatment, but try to breathe more slowly. If these symptoms continue with future
treatments, inform your health care provider.
15. Turn the compressor off.
16. Take several deep breaths and cough. Continue coughing and try to clear any secretions you
might have in your lungs. Cough the secretions into a tissue and dispose of it properly.
17. Wash your hands with warm water and soap, and dry them with a clean towel.

  

Cleaning and disinfecting your equipment is simple, yet very important. Cleaning should be done in
a dust- and smoke-free area away from open windows. Here is how to clean your equipment:
1. After each treatment, rinse the nebulizer cup with warm water, shake off excess water and let it
air dry.
2. At the end of each day, the nebulizer cup, mask, or mouthpiece should be washed in warm,
soapy water using a mild detergent, rinsed thoroughly, and allowed to air dry.
  There is no need to clean the tubing that connects the nebulizer to the air compressor.
Do not put these parts in the dishwasher.
3. Every third day, after washing your equipment, disinfect the equipment using a vinegar/water
solution or the disinfectant solution your supplier suggests.
To use the vinegar solution, mix 1/2 cup white vinegar with 1-1/2 cups of water. Soak the
equipment for 30 minutes and rinse well under a steady stream of water. Shake off the excess water
and allow to air dry on a paper towel. Always allow the equipment to completely dry before storing
in a plastic, zipper storage bag.






1. Cover the compressor with a clean cloth when not in use. Keep it clean by wiping it with a
clean, damp cloth as needed.
2. Do not put the air compressor on the floor either for treatments or for storage.
3. Check the air compressor's filter as directed. Replace or clean according to the directions
from your equipment supplier.
4. Always have an extra nebulizer cup and mask or mouthpiece in case you need it.
5. Store your medicines in a cool, dry place. Check them often. If they have changed color or
formed crystals, throw them away and replace them with new ones.
6. All equipment for your nebulizer therapy can be obtained through your equipment supplier.

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  Unplug the compressor before cleaning it.

  
  
   

ƥ Order replacement supplies now so they will be on hand when needed.

ƥ After you use a nebulizer, clean it according to instructions. Neglecting to do so will promote
bacteria growth.

ƥ Store your nebulizer and supplies in a clean, dry, and dust-free location.

ƥ Dispose of nebulizer tubing that becomes cloudy or retains moisture.

ƥ Replace disposable parts, tubing, and filters according to manufacturerƞs instructions. Using a
nebulizer cup longer than indicated will result in slower, less efficient delivery of medication.

ƥ When you use a nebulizer, always use a mask or mouthpiece when giving or taking a treatment.
Simply aiming the mist at a babyƞs face does not ensure that any medication reaches small, swollen
airways.

ƥ If treating infants and toddlers, purchase supplies that can be used when the child is in a reclined
position or sleeping.
 ƥ Keep nebulizer batteries charged or have replacement batteries handy.

ƥ Only use medications made specifically for nebulizers. When you use a nebulizer, only use
medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration as manufactured by a pharmaceutical
company or licensed agent only. These agents are sterile, contain no contaminants or unwanted
particles, and are mixed in exact proportions.




You can tell when the nebulizer treatment is complete when no more vapors can be seen, when the
nebulizer cup is empty or by listening to the compressor. There is a marked difference in the sound
coming from the nebulizer once the cup empties.

Nebulizer components can be purchased at medical supply stores, online and at drugstores.

There is no need to clean the tubing. It should be replaced every few weeks or according to the
manufacturer's guidelines for optimal performance.