Nebuliser systems for the lungs

Different kinds of nebulisers

There are different kinds of nebulisers and all of them have their pros and cons:

Jet Nebulisers
+ very versatile: can deliver all medications that are available for nebulisation
+ possibility to combine drug nebulisation with physiotherapy (e.g. with PARI PEP system)
+ PARI compressors are very durable
+ very easy to use
- louder than ultrasonic and vibrating mesh nebulisers
- not portable – need to be plugged in.

Ultrasonic Nebulisers
+ silent use
- not as versatile as jet nebulisers because ultrasonic nebulisers can damage some medicines.
- not portable – need to be plugged in.

Vibrating Mesh Nebulisers
+ silent
+ some are extremely fast (e.g. PARI VELOX)
+ portable: small and work on batteries or mains power supply.
- high quality ones such as eFlow^®rapid are more expensive than jet nebuliser systems.
 

What is the difference between a nebuliser and an inhaler

Inhalers usually come in the form of dry powder inhalers (DPI) or metered dose inhalers (MDI). Those inhalers usually contain a fixed prescribed medication or a combination of medications for a certain respiratory condition.

People often use them incorrectly, so you should be trained on how to use them effectively by your doctor or nurse to get your inhaler technique right.
 

Advantages of using a nebuliser

• No coordination required between inhaling and releasing the medication
• Breathing in and out normally and in a relaxed way will deliver medicine to the lungs effectively
• Loosening mucus by inhaling hypertonic saline is only possible with a nebuliser
• Moisturizing and protecting the lower airways from bugs by inhaling isotonic saline only works with a nebuliser
• Multiple medicines can be administered at the same time

Who benefits most from a nebuliser when treating respiratory conditions of the lungs

Looking at the advantages above, it seems obvious that children and elderly patients benefit most from using a nebuliser. They usually have problems with performing the breathing maneuvers required for DPIs or MDIs, and they often don´t have the coordination needed to use a spray correctly.

In general, everybody can benefit from the various positive effects of saline nebulisation that are only possible with a nebuliser.
 

Key factors to look for when choosing a nebuliser

All nebulisers generate a fine mist and they all seem to do the same thing. However, there are major differences and therefore there are some important features to look for in a good nebuliser:

• Particle size: the aerosol particles have to be small enough to enter the lungs (generally below 5 µm)
• Time needed to deliver the fine particles to the lungs
• A tool that ensures a relaxed and normal breathing can be helpful e. g. PARI PIF Control