Nebulizer -aerosol or vibrating mesh nebulizer

Posted by happyhealthyme @happyhealthyme, Aug 1, 2024

I would appreciate advice on purchasing a new nebulizer, which I need to do immediately since my old, dependable Omron NEUO3 suddenly stopped working; it was a portable, mesh aerosol nebulizer. I used it for Sodium Chloride 7% and Ipratropium Bromide with Albuterol Sulfate. Some background on my breathing issues: I have MAI, bronchiectasis, and COPD. I'm confused about whether I should be looking into a vibrating nebulizer or if I should stick with an aerosol since it worked well for me? I would definitely go with a mesh and portable again. I was looking into Aura AMNB40, but some websites have it as aerosol and some as vibrating, for the same model number. I gave up on the idea of a TruNeb nebulizer, which I posted about earlier today since I realized it's only sold by the manufacturer. Choosing a new nebulizer in no time is a bit over my head. I did scroll around on archived messages. Good health to all, Nina

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Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Aug 2, 2024

@happyhealthyme Hi Nina, I too loved my portable vibrating neb , the Philips Omron, and was lost when it died and could not be replaced. Your Omron was a vibrating mesh nebulizer, that is the mechanism used to create particles when you do not use a compressor. I have looked at the Aura, which is a vibrating mesh neb that produces a mist, but not purchased it yet.

Here is what the Aura manufacturers website says - you can also read reviews and actually look at the user manual on their site.
https://www.aura-medical.com/product/aura-portable-nebulizer/
These are my concerns:
- some reviews mention leaking, which is the reason I have trashed several mesh nebulizers
- it uses disposable batteries or a cord, not rechargeable
- it can only be cleaned with vinegar and I am afraid that is not adequate,
- I have gotten conflicting answers on whether it can be used for 7% saline, which is too corrosive for some mesh nebulizers.

I would love to hear from someone who is using the Aura. Let me know what you decide.

happyhealthyme | @happyhealthyme | Aug 2, 2024

Thank you, Sue, for sharing your research on the Aura NB40 nebulizer. The points you bring up about this unit are concerns, but because I have to order quickly, I may need to overlook them. I did have a new nebulizer at home, still packaged, which I purchased a few months ago as a backup - Omron NE-U100. I only opened the package yesterday when my old Omron broke down. It turned out that this new nebulizer would not start. After several email exchanges and phone calls with Omron, I was offered the option to send it back for inspection. I had to write off the amount I paid for it as a loss because it would be at least a one-month ordeal before getting a replacement from Omron.