More than 10 years ago, a strange overseas device called "nebulizer" appeared in domestic pharmacies. Pretty soon it gained popularity, and today almost every fifth family owns it or plans to acquire it soon. What is so special about him? Let's find out about this, and also look at the reviews about the nebulizer from those who have long appreciated this very convenient and useful device.
What it is
This device is intended for inhalation (a method of administering drugs by inhaling them in the form of steam, smoke or gas). It happens both stationary (can be seen in a physical office in any hospital), and figurative.
The latter type was developed later and is intended for home use. Today it is available at most pharmacies.
Sometimes nebulizers are called "ululizers." Because of the name of devices of this kind produced by the Ukrainian pharmaceutical corporation Yuria-Pharm.
Issue price
The cost of an average good nebulizer (according to the reviews of those who use this device) ranges from 30-60 dollars (2000-4000 rubles). It all depends on the manufacturer and the configuration of the device.
In many pharmacies in the winter, these devices are offered at a discount.
Also, a lot of nebulizers are sold on Chinese sites. And sometimes it’s cheaper than in domestic pharmacies (cost from 1,500 rubles). However, you can not always be sure of the quality of the goods.
Although some reviews of nebulizers purchased from the Chinese say that their devices are of quite decent quality.
Nebulizer and inhaler: is there a difference
Quite often, this device is called a “nebulizer inhaler”, which is why it is identified with a traditional steam humidifier. Therefore, those who reflect on the appropriateness of buying it often come to the conclusion that this is a waste of money. After all, you can breathe free of charge over hot water with the medicine dissolved in it.
However, this is not a completely correct understanding of this device. There is a difference between him and the traditional inhaler. The fact is that all devices for inhalation are divided into several types:
- aerosol;
- nebulizers;
- powder;
- steam humid.
The aforementioned tradition of inhaling the vapors of water in which medicines are dissolved is steam humidification. A specialized device for its implementation in the people and is considered an inhaler. And those who do not understand the issue often identify it with a nebulizer. Although they are both types of inhalers, the principle of their effect on the body is different. The latter sprays the liquid at room temperature into small particles (fine dispersion), which the patient then inhales through a special mask or mouthpiece. In a steam-humidified inhaler, the liquid evaporates, the patient inhales hot steam.
If in the reviews of the nebulizer inhaler you read the advice to breathe on something hot or go to the bath, then most likely, its author just does not understand the principle of operation of this device.
Indications and contraindications for use
Initially, this device was developed for the treatment of serious diseases at home. We are talking about asthma, pneumonia, various chronic pulmonary and bronchial diseases, as well as tuberculosis, emphysema, cystic fibrosis, etc.
Quite quickly, he earned popularity as a device for the treatment of acute respiratory viral infections. Judging by most reviews of the nebulizer, most often it is acquired by caring mothers precisely as a means to treat and prevent such infections in their children.
Despite such a wide range of indications, there are a number of diseases in which the use of the device does not help, but exacerbates the condition of the patient. Therefore, before you buy the device, after reading laudatory reviews about the nebulizer, it is worth checking yourself and your family for the presence of diseases from the list below.
- Disorders of the heart muscle.
- Pulmonary bleeding.
- Spontaneous pneumothorax against the background of bullous emphysema.
In addition, the possibility of an allergic reaction to one of the drugs used in the nebulizer cannot be ruled out. You should be very careful - because your health and life are at stake.
What can be poured into a nebulizer and what can not be
Although some reviews of inhalation with a nebulizer say that you can pour almost any medicine into it, including herbal infusions and essential oils, this is not true. A similar error occurs due to the identification of the device with a steam humidifier.
For the nebulizer there is a certain list of drugs that are acceptable for use.
- Bronchodilators (Atrovent, Berotek, Berodual, Salbutamol, etc.).
- Mucolytics and immunomodulatory such as "Lazolvan", "Pulmozyme", "Cromohexal", "Leukocyte interferon", "Lidocaine", etc.
- Antihistamines.
- Hormonal drugs, antiseptics, or antibiotics. Most often, the use of Pulmicort, Tobramycin, Dioxidin, Furatsilin, Fluimucil, etc., is found in nebulizers of drugs of this kind.
The device also uses saline or mineral water (not to be confused with ordinary soda). Applying the latter, you should first wait for the release of CO 2 from it .
What can not be used in this unit? These are tablets, powders or syrups dissolved in water. Also, the use of "Eufillin", "Diphenhydramine", "Papaverine" and similar drugs is not allowed.
As for essential oils or drugs, their unauthorized use is dangerous, it can damage the lungs and mucous membranes. Therefore, unauthorized use of them is not permissible. Unlike a steam humidifier, in a nebulizer you do not inhale their vapors, but sprayed microscopic drops of the oil itself, which can lead to banal burns of the mucous membrane or poisoning.
As for our favorite herbal decoctions or infusions - they can be used only if they were prescribed by a doctor in a strictly specified dosage. In addition, preference should be given to infusions prepared in a pharmacy - there they carefully monitor the dosage and other conditions. At home, we do not always comply with all the requirements, the resulting broth may be too concentrated or even useless. Also, sediment from it can damage the nebulizer itself.
Kinds
These devices differ in the way the liquid is converted with the medicine. Distinguish:
- inkjet;
- ultrasound
- membrane (electron-mesh or mesh nebulizers).
Inkjet nebulizer and opinions on it
The most common type. It converts a liquid medicinal substance into a finely divided aerosol with the participation of air or O 2 . In such devices, even the use of oily solutions is permissible.
There are 3 types of such devices.
- Compressor It produces therapeutic aerosol at a constant speed, which decreases with wear. Sprayed medicine enters the respiratory system during inspiration. During exhalation - it goes into the external environment. Because of this, up to 70% of all aerosol formed does not enter the body - it can hardly be called economical in terms of drug consumption. If you purchase such an apparatus, keep in mind that it is worth using it alone, as people around you will involuntarily inhale those same 70% of the "lost" aerosol. Despite this, it is the compressor nebulizer reviews that collect the very best. Largely due to its relatively low cost. However, according to many consumers, it is a successful acquisition, especially if inhalations are performed more often for the treatment of lung diseases or their prevention.
- Activated by inhalation, or as it is also called, the Venturi nebulizer. During inspiration, the spraying of therapeutic aerosol only intensifies in it. It is also more economical in terms of "lost" drugs.
- Synchronized with breathing. The most economical among inkjet. Arranged in such a way that aerosol release occurs only during inspiration. Ideal for expensive drugs, the loss of which is minimized. Sometimes this type is also called "dosimetric" - the medicinal aerosol in it is supplied in batches or doses.
Due to their relatively low cost, such models are the most common, as are reviews about them. Which one is better? There is no single answer to this question, since each has its own specifics, which should be taken into account when making a choice. Most inkjet devices can even be taken on the road by connecting to the cigarette lighter as a power source.
When asked which nebulizer is better, the reviews answer - which is cheaper. So say both owners of expensive and budget devices.
When you will choose, also pay attention to the material from which the device is made, ask for a certificate of its compliance with international standards.
Ultrasonic nebulizer
In it, spraying is performed due to the energy of high-frequency oscillations of the piezocrystal. Due to this, this nebulizer is very quiet in operation, and the particles of the aerosol formed by it are more uniform.
There are also disadvantages. During spraying, the solution heats up slightly, which may affect the effectiveness of the drug. In addition, suspensions and viscous preparations cannot be used in an ultrasound machine. Despite this, more often than others, this nebulizer for children is purchased.
Reviews about him are more often found on forums for mothers, and it is advised to use it even for crumbs up to a year. This is not only because it is practically silent, but also because it does not need to adjust the respiratory rhythm under it. This is very true for babies. Naturally, as more advanced devices of this type are more expensive than inkjet ones.
Membrane Nebulizer
Its design is the latest technology. The formation of therapeutic aerosol occurs due to a vibrating membrane with a huge number of microscopic holes.
Like the ultrasound, it is quiet. But it does not heat the liquid and is less "capricious".
Experts suggest that gradually it will displace ultrasound. However, due to the relatively high cost, it is less popular.
What to consider when using such devices
The operating rules of the nebulizer are very simple. After you need to read the instructions. Each manufacturer may have their own requirements, which are important to consider, even if the design of devices of different companies is identical. After all, there may be a difference in the quality of the materials from which they are made. For example, in some, metal, plastic and silicone may be new, while in others - obtained during processing.
Even if you have already bought this model earlier and know how it works, you should still pay attention to the manufacturer’s advice, because he could make some adjustments, as happens with the shampoo and cream recipe.
As for the rest of the rules, they are identical. It is important to adhere to the rules: cleanliness, dosage accuracy and carefully following the instructions. And that’s all.
If we figured out the last point, then cleanliness should be given more attention. In this case, it is understood that after use, all removable parts of the device must be soaked in soapy water or boiled (if indicated in the instructions). Non-removable must be carefully wiped with a disinfectant solution.
Observing the accuracy of the dosage, it is worth remembering that you can only dilute drugs with saline or water for injection.
What brands are on the domestic market
Most devices sold in pharmacies are made in China. But do not be upset right away - among the products manufactured in this country, there are many really good things.
Chinese nebulizers are products of Paramed, Gamma, Vega, and Dr. Frei. As a rule, these are the cheapest devices, most often inkjet (compressor) ones.
Almost everything comes with a 2 year warranty. Be careful and specify its conditions when buying. Many pharmacies do not provide warranty replacement services, in case of breakdown you will have to deliver a nebulizer to a service center on your own.
Japanese appliances are better than Chinese. The most popular company of this kind is Omron. Reviews about the nebulizer (regardless of its model) of this manufacturer are almost always positive. Moreover, any such device is more expensive than analogues.
In the same quality and price category are devices of the Swiss brands Microlife and Rossmax. Please note that often the country of assembly of these nebulizers is China, which does not affect the quality of goods, nor the price, however. At the same level are the products of Singapore's Little Doctor brand, which, like Omron, have a warranty period of not 2, but 3 years.
It is worth noting that in online stores you can also find nebulizers of British or Italian manufacturers. But due to the high cost, they are less popular.
Each of the above manufacturers has specialized devices for nebulizing inhalation for children. Reviews often describe their appearance - they are made like toys.
For example, the Vega Samy CN02WX model is made in the form of a blue whale, and for OMRON Comp Air NE-C24 Kids, each nozzle is decorated with multi-colored animals. At the same time, the cost of such devices is higher than usual.
As for the configuration, most manufacturers have it standard: in addition to the device itself - filters, a mask or a mouthpiece. Moreover, more expensive ones may have a greater number or variety.
Which nebulizer is better?
Before you start choosing, it is important to determine the price category and manufacturer. Among Ukrainian devices, Ulaizer Home is considered the best. Despite the modest configuration and the Chinese assembly (one universal mask and mouthpiece), he worked well. In addition, in the event of a breakdown in the first 2 years, it can be replaced under warranty.
The Microlife NEB 10B nebulizer deserved good marks. As a rule, it is recommended for the whole family. The kit includes an adult and children's masks and separate nozzles for the nose and throat. A pleasant bonus is the presence of a case where the device is folded.
Omron nebulizer (Comp AIR C24), most recommended by consumers in their reviews. It is portable, high quality and efficient. Its main drawback (in addition to the price) is called noise during operation, but this is normal for the compressor type. There is also a children's version.
Such a model, AIR AIR C28, according to consumers, was less convenient, although also very popular.
Among the ultrasonic devices of this brand, according to reviews, Omron U17 is recognized as the best, which is capable of continuous operation for up to 3 days.
Which nebulizer is better? It is difficult to find the answer in reviews (despite their multiplicity). After all, everyone is looking for something different. When choosing, it is worth determining the purpose of the application and your expectations from it. And only then begin to consider all the options, not forgetting to pay attention to the opinions of those who have already used a similar model.