Any suggestions for nebulizers?

Posted by jdwelch2025 @jdwelch2025, 3 days ago

I occasionally need to use a nebulizer when an asthma exacerbation causes me to wheeze and cough too much to use my inhaler. The nebulizer I have is some sort of compressor model that doesn’t fully empty the albuterol and saline ampules and is very noisy.

Do any of you have suggestions about getting a new nebulizer? Do the mesh style ones work ok?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Asthma & Allergy Support Group.

9yearspast | @9yearspast | 3 days ago

I have a junky compressor one from drive medical. It makes a ton of noise, but it is what insurance covers. I find it so helpful when I have pneumonia after going to a doctor.

Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | 2 days ago

@jdwelch2025 As a daily nebulizer user, I can identify with the irritation of a noisy clunky compressor. But, the dosing for medications is designed knowing about 1cc (1ml) of solution will be left in the nebulizer cup when you are finished. As far as I know, there is no machine that fully empties the cup, and if you read the full instructions with any machine, they will tell you it is normal.

As to finding a quieter, smaller, easier to use machine, there is an ongoing discussion in another group on this very topic:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/looking-for-a-decent-portable-nebulizer/
If you are tempted by the $39 ones on Amazon, please keep in mind that they are designed for occasional use - during a cold or bout of bronchitis, not for every day use, so their durability can be an issue. And most do not have a method of sterilizing them to avoid introducing bacteria to your lungs.

Do you have a Health Savings Account? If so, you can use those funds towards the purchase of a nebulizer with a prescription.

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