What is your experience with nebulizers?

I have been using a nebulizer for several years. I use a mouthpiece & the treatment consists of 2.5 ml of albuteral & .5 of ipaproprium. It takes about 7-8 minutes for the treatment. I normally use it twice daily, although if I feel like I’m about to have an exacerbation, I’ll use it three times a day.
I think it helps prevent micas buildup in the lungs.

I had a nebulizer for a bit . I gave it back to the oxygen co. My problem was that the only words spoken to me were to use it every 4 hours . I took note of the amount of albuterol that I would be using , and decided for myself that I would not use it . I also took note of the preparation time , and the cleaning that would be needed . Those tasks alone would take 6 hours a day. For phlegm, I take Musinex type products . It works for now . I am getting over a sinus cold and bronchitis . It lasted 14 days . I think I am almost back to regular copd levels now . My oxygen use is the same as before it . Blessed Be, Crystalina

I have used a nebulizer off and on for several years now since I was diagnosed with copd in 2004. My experience is that the levalbuterol really didn't help loosen my phlegm when it would get stuck in my throat. Also, if I used my nebulizer too many times on a daily basis, I ended up with acid reflux, GERD, as the albuterol causes your esophagus not to close properly, (or open properly, not sure which) thus the reason for the acid reflux. After having pneumonia in December, I did use it, and I was prescribed ipratropium bromide 0.5 mg and albuterol sulfate 3 mg. Again, it really didn't help loosen the phlegm. I just saw a video where you can attach your "acapella) flutter device to your nebulizer and when you blow into it, and then inhale you're inhaling the medicine into your lungs better. I haven't tried that yet, as I am no longer in need of using it. I only use it when I really start getting congested. Good luck. You're right, though, quite often, the medicine professionals don't tell you How to use the nebulizer. It's like, "you're on your own."

I don’t understand why your dr gave you this med to use in a nebulizer it is normally used in a pump inhaler as a rescue medication. That is when you can’t breathe good enough. It is not a maintenance medication. It is used to open your lungs up so you can breathe better in a situation where you are having trouble breathing. You need to be on a maintenance inhaler that you use once or twice a day. I’m not sure it is used to loosen mucus. There is a device you can buy that you blow in and it vibrates to loosen you up. I think most people take musinex. You definitely need to get the mucus out however you can.

I too use the nebulizer with Alburerol. My Dr said I can use this 3 times a day. I am also on 3 puffers. Symbacort, Spiriva, and Fluticasone-Salmeterol. I usually do these when I wake and before bedtime. If I am having breathing problems during the day I will do the nebulizer. Pollen season really gets to me as well. Between these 4 it does loosen the mucus some but it is still hard to cough up. I also do the 600mg musinex each morning. I am now pretty close to a chronic cough. I do not know anything else to do to get the mucus out. Seeing my pulmonologist soon.

I use nebulizer 3x day and it helps me breathe!!
I use the ipratropium/albuterol and budesonide.

The nebulizer helps me to breathe. i’m in stage four COPD/emphysema. Medication open up my bronchioles as much as possible and allow me to get more oxygen. I am on 5 L with my concentrator. I also use a portable Inogen when I go out. I use my Rollator walker to carry the oxygen because it is kind of heavy. I do all this because it works.

I sometimes us a nebulizer with 3% saline and a mucus cleaning device Aerobika. It helps when I’m congested. Best of all, no harmful side effects. It is not that tough to rinse and dry between uses and boil or sanitize or put in top rack of dishwasher.