The top three portable nebulizers include the DeVilbiss Traveler Portable Compressor Nebulizer System, Medline's Portable Nebulizer, and Specialty Medical Group's Portable Ultrasonic Nebulizer. Nebulizers are used by people with respiratory issues, such as asthma and COPD. Also known as a breathing machine, they dispense medication by changing it from a liquid to a mist so it can be easily inhaled into the lungs. Home nebulizer therapy is especially effective for small children, babies and others unable to use inhalers. Traditional nebulizers are not very portable. They are large and require an electrical plug in. Portable nebulizers however are light weight, small and run off batteries. They are ideal for travel or moving to different areas of a home as they are compact and can be fit into a travel bag or purse. Below are the most commonly asked questions about the top three portable nebulizers, to help you decide which is the right one for your needs.
The DeVilbiss® Traveler Portable Compressor Nebulizer System is smaller than a postcard and weights less than a pound. Its' battery is small and easy to attach. It comes with a one-year warranty, an AC adapter, DC car adapter, carrying case, masks, battery and instructional DVD.
Medline's Portable Nebulizer is lightweight and very compact for travel. It comes with a carrying case, battery pack, AC adapter, DC auto adapter, both adult and pediatric masks, an air tube, mouthpiece, five replacement filters and an instruction manual.
Designed for use by adult or pediatric patients, the Portable Ultrasonic Nebulizer has a two-valve system that ensures the maximum efficiency when inhaling, which reduces medicine waste. It also has an adjustable flow volume, is extremely quiet, has a low batter indicator, and weighs just seven ounces for easy carrying. The Portable Ultrasonice Nebulizer comes with a one year warranty.
Nebulizers works by connecting tubes to a compressed air source. This blasts oxygen and air through liquid medicine at a high velocity, turning all three into aerosol. Turn the attached compressor on and the nebulizer begins to mist. The patient inhales and exhales the mist until all the medication has been dispensed, making it easier to breathe.
Specialty Medical Group'sPortable Ultrasonic Nebulizer can be found on various websites for around $110. Medline's Portable Nebulizer retails for about $97 and the DeVilbiss Traveler Portable Compressor Nebulizer System is the least expensive at approximately $67. All prices are approximate.
Most treatments using a portable nebulizer take an average of ten minutes to use up all the medication. Patients are advised to take slow, deep breaths when using a nebulizer and hold each breath in for two to three seconds if possible during the ten minutes to allow the medicine to fully permeate the airways.
Some people experience dizziness or jitters when using a nebulizer of any kind. If this happens, stop the treatment for about five minutes before resuming. Try to breathe more slowly the second time. If the jitters or dizziness continues, consult a doctor.
The average portable nebulizer battery has a life span of approximately 45 minutes, to get the patient through at least four treatments, before it needs to be recharged. All batteries are different though and may last a little longer or a little shorter time.