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Using a Nebulizer: Why and How
Many people find their lungs need extra help as they grow older, whether due to asthma, COPD, or other lung diseases. If you struggle with using inhalers or breathing deeply enough for them to be effective, your doctor may recommend a nebulizer treatment. Read below to learn how a nebulizer works, how to use one, and how to care for the machine.
How a Nebulizer Works
The purpose of the machine is to convert liquid medicine into a fine mist that you can inhale. There are three main types:
- Jet nebulizersuse an air compressor to push air through the medicine cup, turning the medicine into a fine mist.
- Mesh nebulizerspush the medicine through a mesh to break the particles into a mist.
- Ultrasonic nebulizersuse vibration at a high frequency to shake droplets apart, creating mist.
Once the machine creates the mist, the medicine will be accessible and effective for your body as you breathe it in.
How to Use Your Nebulizer
First, set up your area for a breathing treatment. You’ll need a chair to sit in since the treatment will last long enough for you to grow tired of standing, a flat and sturdy surface for your machine, and an outlet nearby. Plug in your nebulizer and connect the tubing from the machine to the medicine cup and mask.
Wash your hands and empty your medicine into the cup, being careful not to spill. Sit down, place the mask over your face or the mouthpiece in your mouth, and turn on your machine. Go ahead and get comfortable with music to listen to, a show to watch, or a book to read while your treatment is going on.
Keep the mask on or mouthpiece in until the medicine has all left the cup. You may hear a sputtering sound as you near the end, and the mist will be noticeably less visible. Turn off your machine, remove your mask or mouthpiece, and disconnect the tubing from the cup and the machine. Rinse the medicine cup and tubing and allow them to dry before packing them away or using again.
How to Care For Your Nebulizer
If you want to continue to benefit from breathing treatments, you’ll need to care for it and keep it clean. You can follow a simple timeline to do so, and it shouldn’t take more than a few minutes out of your day.
Besides rinsing the tubing and medicine cup after a treatment, you should wash both pieces with warm, soapy water once a day, along with your mask or mouthpiece. Don’t put the tubing underwater; just run water through it. Give everything time to air dry thoroughly before using the nebulizer again. You can also turn your machine on for 20 seconds without any medicine to aid the drying process.
Once a week, your nebulizer will need a more thorough cleaning. Soak your mask or mouthpiece, medicine cup, and the cover of the medicine cup in a vinegar solution for 30 minutes before following the rinsing steps above. Use a damp cloth to wipe down the machine and any external pieces.
Finally, your nebulizer should have a filter you’ll need to change. If you’re unsure how often your machine will need it, the average recommendation is every six months.
If your doctor sends you home with instructions on buying medical equipment but doesn’t give you a place to start, Corner Home Medical is here for you. We specialize in respiratory therapy products and offer a wide range of medical equipment, from electric scooters to adaptive clothing to CPAPs, nebulizers, and ventilators. Contact us to see how we can help you live your life your way.