Mouthpiece or Facemask?

Nebulizer therapy with a mouthpiece or facemask

PARI Baby masks are specifically designed for the low inspiratory flowrates and small tidal volumes of babies and young children. To perform nebulizer therapy with a child, gently hold the mask to the child's face for the entire treatment period. The facemask should fit snugly and the seal maintained throughout nebulizer therapy to ensure adequate amounts of medication reach the lungs. The PARI Baby mask with rotating elbow allows aerosol treatments to be given to small children and babies in almost any position, even while held in the caregiver's arms.
 

When is it appropriate to switch from facemask to mouthpiece?

In general, using a nebulizer with a mouthpiece is more efficient than with a facemask. Switching from a facemask to a mouthpiece should be considered by age three. Children younger than age three may have difficulty keeping the mouthpiece in their mouth. When a child is ready to use a nebulizer with a mouthpiece, they should keep their lips tightly around the mouthpiece. It may be helpful for the caregiver to demonstrate to the child how to inhale and exhale slowly while using the nebulizer with mouthpiece. With PARI's nebulizers, it is easy to observe if a child is exhaling correctly through the opening of the valve on the mouthpiece.
 

At what age are children able to use a nebulizer?

In general, children of any age can use a nebulizer for medication delivery to the lungs. Inhaling medications using a nebulizer may be the only way to deliver medications to the small airways of babies and young children. Parents and caregivers should always consult with their child's pediatrician when nebulizer therapy is indicated.