One of the most effective ways of treating various ailments of the respiratory tract is by inhalation. Previously, this method was very inconvenient: it was required to sit over a vessel with hot steam for a long time, wrap up, and often such procedures did not give the maximum result.
Now on the market there are many devices called inhalers, or nebulizers. They differ in appearance and function, and their range is so large that sometimes it is very difficult to make a choice. Not sure how to choose the right device and which inhaler to buy for your home? User reviews, recommendations, and helpful tips are provided in this article.
Destination
Inhalation procedures are prescribed by a doctor in case of diseases of the upper or lower respiratory tract. They are most effective for such ailments:
- ARI;
- rhinitis;
- bronchitis;
- asthma;
- tonsillitis;
- pneumonia.
Due to accessibility, ease of use and high efficiency, inhalation therapy can be carried out without the supervision of a doctor. Modern nebulizers (inhalers) are very compact and convenient, so even a child can use them without outside help. However, to make a choice, you need to know what are inhalers.
Steam apparatus
The effect of such an inhaler is based on the evaporation of a medicinal product, oil or herbal infusion. The most effective device for the treatment of the upper respiratory tract. During inhalation, hot steam with a temperature of 50-65 degrees is released. It dilates blood vessels, penetrates into the deep layers of tissues, has a therapeutic and analgesic effect.
However, steam inhalations have a number of contraindications. The procedure can not be performed in cases:
- high temperature in the patient (above 37.5 degrees);
- diseases of the circulatory system;
- tuberculosis
- various heart diseases.
Ultrasonic inhaler
A device of this kind sprays a drug solution in the form of small aerosol particles, which when inhaled fall into the deepest layers of the lungs. Drops are sprayed using ultrasound. As a result of vibrations of the membranes, the liquid turns into an aerosol and is pushed out by the compressor under pressure.
The compactness of the device allows you to use it at home. Some models have special nozzles for the convenience and accurate penetration of drugs into all layers of the respiratory tract
Productivity
In the selection process, many users think about which inhaler is better. Responses of owners who regularly resort to the help of such an apparatus are positive. The ultrasonic inhaler is silent, has high performance and introduces a large volume of medicinal substances into the respiratory tract. This contributes to the high efficiency of the procedure.
For inhalation, you can use herbs, salt solutions, essential oils and mineral water. In addition, many parents use this nebulizer not only for medical, but also for preventive purposes, and without using a mask. It is enough to put a working device in the room where the baby plays or sleeps, and he will inhale moistened air enriched with healing vapors of essential oils and medicines.
Compressor unit
This inhaler is often called an inkjet. His job is to form a powerful aerosol stream using a compressor that, under pressure, ejects the drug solution from the nebulizer chamber. There are several varieties of the device that differ in the way the steam is supplied:
- continuous aerosol exit;
- Login activation
- with valve regulation of aerosol.
Does a compressor inhaler have disadvantages ? What is the best device to buy for home?
The disadvantages of this model
Of course, a compression inhaler is the most popular and has its own characteristics. It is easy to use and is used to spray any medicine.
However, this nebulizer has some disadvantages, namely:
- the device is very bulky and voluminous;
- when working, it makes noise in the limit of 70 decibels;
- works from a network that excludes its mobility.
Despite some shortcomings, the device is widely used in the treatment of diseases of the respiratory system. The main advantage of a compression inhaler is its versatility and low cost, which, of course, increases its popularity and demand among consumers.
Electronic mesh nebulizer
The operation of such a device is to sift the drug through a thin vibrating mesh-membrane. As a result, a dense vapor cloud is formed, consisting of the smallest particles of the agent used.
The indisputable advantages of a membrane nebulizer are its compactness, noiselessness and high efficiency of the procedure. Any medicine can be used, and it is sprayed so carefully that it can penetrate the most inaccessible areas of the lungs and bronchi.
Which is better: compression inhaler or membrane?
When choosing a nebulizer for a child, one should take into account not only the functions and mobility of the device, but also ease of use, as well as cost. For babies, it is best to purchase small inhalers. Which is better? Testimonials from experienced parents who were able to compare several devices confirmed the high efficiency of the membrane inhaler.
This device does not make noise, which allows you to use it during periods of sleep of the child. The mobility of the device allows you to move the inhaler, combining a useful procedure with playing a baby or watching your favorite movies. The device sprays the used product into the smallest particles, which ensures high treatment efficiency.
Limitations
Before starting the procedure, you should carefully study the operating instructions for the nebulizer. Some devices contribute to the destruction of drugs (under the influence of high temperature), so only salt solutions or essential oils are poured into them.
For example, you purchased an ultrasound inhaler. What solutions can be used for this device? The list of drugs used in this case has limitations, since when exposed to ultrasound, the structure of most drugs is destroyed.
For an ultrasonic inhaler, hormonal agents and antibiotics are not used. The device is intended for spraying saline solutions, infusions of medicinal herbs, various concentrated oils and mineral water.
Attention to features
You are faced with the choice: buy a steam or ultrasonic nebulizer? Which inhaler is better? Reviews of a negative nature were mainly “collected” by the steam engine. Under the influence of high temperature, the healing effect of medicines is completely leveled, the composition is destroyed, which reduces their effectiveness. In addition, steam inhalation is contraindicated in case of fever and some diseases.
Basically, only essential oils are used to carry out such procedures. But the most significant drawback of this apparatus is the low content of the substance in the secreted pair. Its concentration is not enough for a full inhalation therapy, which significantly reduces the effectiveness of the treatment procedure.
The best devices
The leading positions in the ranking of the most popular devices were taken by compression and membrane inhalers. Which is better? Reviews of consumers who have experienced the effects of these devices were only positive. The mentioned devices are highly effective in the treatment of various diseases of the respiratory tract. An indisputable advantage is the wide range of drugs used. These inhalers do not destroy their structure, which allows the patient to get the maximum concentration of nutrients in the excreted pair.
The disadvantage of the compression apparatus is its noise and bulkiness. The only disadvantage of a membrane inhaler is its high cost.
Use carefully!
What else do you need to know to make the right choice and get a good inhaler? What medications can use for procedures? This is a very important nuance.
Remember that not all appliances are designed to use essential oils. Each patient, depending on a particular disease, the doctor prescribes the appropriate drug for inhalation therapy. No need to independently come up with solutions and experiment with fragmented tablets or improvised means!
For dilution of the drug, only saline solution should be used. The temperature of the applied solution should not be lower than +20 degrees. If the doctor has prescribed several different procedures, they should be carried out alternately, maintaining an interval of 15-20 minutes. Before the first use of the nebulizer, you need to study its instructions in detail.
Solutions for procedures
Carrying out inhalation is the most effective method in the fight against almost all diseases of the respiratory system. As a therapeutic solution, both ready-made mixtures and preparations that require preparation before the procedure can be used.
Medicines are selected based on the existing disease. For example, alkaline inhalations are suitable for thinning mucus and better sputum discharge during coughing . If you need to get rid of a runny nose, procedures using various natural oils (fir, peppermint, eucalyptus) are recommended. Among the ready-made preparations for inhalation, Lazolvan, Cromohexal, Ambrobene, and other products proved to be quite good.
Children's devices
Most questions arise when buying a nebulizer from parents, because the device when turned on can scare the child. How to solve this problem, which inhaler is better? The reviews of mothers who used the device to treat young children contained very useful information, namely:
- the first inclusion of the inhaler and the procedure must be performed in a playful way, together with mom or dad;
- it is better to choose a silent high-quality device;
- small inhalers are recommended.
Today, many manufacturers produce children's nebulizers in the form of funny animals or favorite cartoon characters.
Kids really like them, distract them from the process, so the therapy takes place in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.
Which is better to buy an inhaler? Reviews and recommendations
Choosing a nebulizer is not an easy task, the solution of which must be approached with all responsibility. Particular attention should be paid to the manufacturer. The most popular inhaler manufacturers are:
- Little Doctor;
- B. Well;
- Omron
- Microlife
There are many manufacturers, but which inhaler is better? Customer reviews that used these nebulizers suggest that people's opinions are divided. It is understandable, because, as they say, there is no companion for the taste and color. But still…
Omron and B. Well inhalers are of high quality, have an extensive range of drugs and have good efficacy in the treatment of respiratory diseases. However, these devices have a high cost, which slightly reduces the demand for them from consumers.
Little Doctor and Microlife inhalers are available at affordable prices and come in a huge assortment. These devices are great for use at home, and also have certificates of international quality. The nebulizers of these companies have proven their worth and have gained immense popularity among consumers in many countries.
The choice is yours!
Of course, each device has its own advantages and disadvantages. Steam inhaler is mainly used to treat rhinitis and upper respiratory tract diseases. Compression and membrane have a higher cost, but are versatile and compact. When buying, pay special attention to the concentration of the substance and the precise atomization - the properties that an ultrasonic inhaler has.
Which is better? It all depends on the specifics of the disease and the spectrum of application of the device. The leading places in quality, properties and effectiveness are occupied by membrane and compression inhalers. It is advisable that the kit includes special nozzles for children and adults. It is better if they are made of silicone material, without a pungent odor.
Another important criterion when choosing a nebulizer is the presence of two or three modes with which you can control the size of the released particles. And if you get an inhaler for a child, then pay attention to children's models made in the form of funny animals. Then the baby will be happy to agree to the procedure.
In choosing a company, it is better to give preference to leading manufacturers of nebulizers. Although their products have a high cost, such models will serve for many years, eliminating serious ailments. After all, the most valuable thing we have is health, but you should not save on it!