Contents:
- Medical Video: Health Products For You - Respiratory Care Products
- Types of nebulizers available on the market
- 1. Compressor Nebulizer
- 2. Ultrasonic Nebulizer
- 3. Mesh Nebulizer
- Tips for choosing the best nebulizer
- 1. Does the model match your health condition?
- 2. Age and your physical and cognitive abilities
- 3. Efficiency of tools
- 4. Is the device easy to carry?
- 5. Frequency, location and time of therapy
- 6. Can it be used for double doses?
- 7. Durability
- 8. Make sure the price matches the budget estimate
- 9. Device accessories
Medical Video: Health Products For You - Respiratory Care Products
Nebulizer is a machine that converts liquid medicine into steam to be inhaled into the lungs. Usually, the airways will filter out any foreign particles so they don't get into the lungs. But because the steam particles are very very small, the drug will be able to enter the targeted lung.
Therefore, it is important to choose the best nebulizer so that the treatment results are maximum. Efficient way of delivering drugs means that the effect of the drug will work faster even in lower doses, thereby reducing the risk of side effects.
Types of nebulizers available on the market
There are many types and models of nebulizers, although the function remains the same. The three most common types of nebulizers are compressor nebulizer, ultrasonic nebulizer, and mesh nebulizer.
The type of nebulizer you choose will affect the duration of treatment, particle size, portability, tool durability, and many other aspects of therapy.
1. Compressor Nebulizer
The Nebulizer compressor is powered by pressurized gas that flows at high speed through liquid medicine, to convert it into a form of steam. This type is cheaper than others, but usually uses electricity and produces sound.
2. Ultrasonic Nebulizer
This type produces high frequency vibrations to convert liquid drugs into aerosol vapors. The ultrasonic Nebulizer does not make noise, is small in size, is easy to carry everywhere, and is operated by battery or electricity.
This Nebulizer works faster than others, but is not efficient for sending suspensions or thick liquids.
3. Mesh Nebulizer
The mesh nebulizer uses electricity or ultrasonic waves to produce vibrations to pass liquid drugs through mesh holes (materials made from wire mesh or yarn). The result is very fine liquid vapor drops. This mechanism produces very fine drops of liquid vapor through the hole.
The mesh nebulizer is considered to be the fastest, most efficient and not noisy inhaler. The operation uses a battery so it is practical to carry around. However, the price is more expensive than others.
Tips for choosing the best nebulizer
Even though your doctor will suggest what kind of nebulizer is right for you, you might still be able to make choices in terms of brand, size and other aspects. Consider everything well before buying it because the nebulizer will be an investment in your health and fitness.
Here's what you need to consider before landing your choice on one product:
1. Does the model match your health condition?
The choice of model must be adjusted to your condition. Different diseases require different treatment methods.
Upper respiratory disease such as the common cold, may require a larger particle size of the drug vapor, while lower respiratory tract diseases such as COPD require smaller drug particle sizes.
Meanwhile, people who experience some respiratory diseases at one time need a nebulizer that gives different particle sizes and can be adjusted.
Nebulizer neb jet compressors can offer various particle sizes, while ultrasonic and mesh offer consistent particle sizes. More precisely, ask the doctor directly for a nebulizer recommendation that can give the right particle size for your condition.
2. Age and your physical and cognitive abilities
Elderly and infants and children may have limited ability to operate the device.
Especially in the elderly, cognitive decline in the brain can make it difficult for them to hold and move the device. A similar situation may also be experienced by people who suffer from arthritis, visual impairments, and those who have complicated treatment regimens.
For people who have limited ability to use complicated inhalation techniques, it might be better to choose a simple nebulizer. Before buying a nebulizer, make sure the doctor already knows the problems you have, including dexterity or decreased brain function.
If you are buying for a child or baby, choose a nebulizer that does not produce noisy engine noise but can produce a soft steam mist. You can look for versatile models with a choice of accessories or motifs that are child-friendly. There are also colorful choices available for children. Choose the practical one for you as a nurse.
If your child or loved one needs nebulizer therapy, it is also important for other caregivers who might manage their medication to understand how to use the nebulizer correctly.
3. Efficiency of tools
The doctor will recommend the most efficient nebulizer for you to use.
Before that, know that certain drugs work best with certain types of nebulizers, and some drugs cannot be used on certain nebulizers.
Another thing to remember is that therapy will only work effectively if the device is operated properly.
Make sure you are really able to use a nebulizer after being checked by a doctor. If you cannot use this device properly, discuss with your health care provider to look for alternatives.
If your child uses a nebulizer, make sure the doctor re-evaluates regularly to see if he needs to replace his aerosol device as he grows older.
4. Is the device easy to carry?
It is important to choose an easy-to-use device that fits your lifestyle. If you are the type of person who travels a lot, consider buying a nebulizer that is comfortable to use and the necessary accessories such as charger electricity to carry with you.
On the other hand, if you use the nebulizer more often at home, for example for children and the elderly, you can choose a stationary nebulizer which usually costs more economically.
Some people prefer to buy two types of nebulizers. If you are not sure what type to buy, it might be better to use a more comfortable portable model.
5. Frequency, location and time of therapy
When and where therapy is needed can also affect device selection. Routine therapy, once or twice a day does not need a portable device. In the meantime, if you need to be treated more often, you may need a tool that is easy to carry around to get immediate treatment when needed.
6. Can it be used for double doses?
Many patients are prescribed more than one inhaler. To avoid confusion about how to use each device for each drug, ask your health care provider to suggest a nebulizer that is suitable for all your medications.
Using the same device or reducing the number of different devices will make it easier for you to adhere to therapy while minimizing confusion about the dosage and how to use it.
Some nebulizers allow several separate drugs to be inhaled at the same time, but do not combine drugs unless they are known not to interact negatively with each other.
7. Durability
Make sure the nebulizer you choose has good durability so it lasts even if used and cleaned repeatedly in the long run.
The Nebulizer lasts longer when properly treated which also involves checking the air filter regularly and changing it when needed.
8. Make sure the price matches the budget estimate
Nebulizer is a long-term investment in your health, so you must maximize your budget. It's important to choose an aerosol device that is affordable but still effective.
If you buy a nebulizer online, try ordering all the accessories you need while saving shipping costs. You can also look for special prices and shipping promotions.
If the best device is not in the budget estimate you can afford, discuss it with your doctor for other, more affordable options.
9. Device accessories
Find out what type of nebulizer you need or like. Do you prefer a face mask or mouthpiece?
If you choose to use a mask for your child, there is a choice of funny masks that help them feel more comfortable making therapy a routine.
Replacing 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 have to find out what size you need to change before buying a new one. Also, find out what types of filters, medication cups, and other parts you need for your nebulizer.
Many people do not understand the principles of nebulizer treatment and do not realize when their nebulizer is damaged. Therefore, training on how to use and care for the equipment must be provided regularly by professional medical personnel who understand your condition.
