A nebulizer is a small machine that turns liquid medicine into a mist that can be easily inhaled through a connected mouthpiece or facemask. It is used to deliver medication directly and quickly to the lungs, making it helpful for a variety of conditions, including asthma, COPD, and cystic fibrosis. Nebulizers are often recommended for patients who have a hard time using inhalers because of health issues, or patients who are unable to inhale deeply enough for other devices.

Nebulizers come in different types, including jet, ultrasonic, and mesh nebulizers. Most nebulizers work by using air compressors to create the mist containing the medicine. To use a nebulizer, you need to wash your hands, connect the hose to an air compressor, fill the medicine cup with your medicine, attach the other end of the hose to the mouthpiece and medicine cup, and turn on the nebulizer machine. You should hold the mouthpiece and medicine cup upright while using the nebulizer to help deliver all the medication, and take slow, deep breaths through the mouthpiece and inhale all the medicine.

It is important to clean your nebulizer after each use to prevent the spread of germs and keep it working properly. You should wash the parts of your nebulizer after each use, including the mouthpiece or mask, top piece, and medicine cup, and change the filter as recommended by the manufacturer. Your nebulizer will also need a thorough cleaning once a week, which involves soaking the mouthpiece or mask, top piece, and medicine cup in a white vinegar and water solution for 30 minutes, or as recommended by your device manufacturer, and cleaning the surface of the compressor and the outside of the tubing with a soapy cloth or disinfectant wipe.