What is a Nebulizer Compressor?
Your doctor may prescribe a nebulizer compressor as a treatment for breathing therapy if you have asthma, bronchitis or breathing relates issues. Compressor Nebulizer delivers the same type of medication as a pocket – sized inhalers, however it is turns liquid medicine into mist providing an effective treatment, especially for children and older adults with severe asthma who are unable to use a pocket inhalers properly thereby not getting the appropriate dosage required to bring relief.
Compressor Nebulizers are easy to use that come in electric or battery-operated versions. Compressors are available in a portable travel size you can carry or a larger size that sits on a table and plugs into a wall. Both are made up of a base that holds an air compressor, a small container for liquid medicine, and a tube that connects the air compressor to the medicine container. Above the medicine container is a mouthpiece or mask you use to inhale the mist.
How to Use a Nebulizer Compressor
You will be instructed by your prescribing doctor on how to use your Nebulizer Compressor, however should you should read the manual that comes with the machine before stating the treatment.
Here are general instructions on how to use a nebulizer:
- Put the compressor on a flat surface where it can safely reach an outlet.
- Check to make sure all the pieces are clean.
- Wash your hands before prepping the medication.
- If your medication is premixed, place it in the container. If you need to mix it, measure the correct amount, and then place it in the container.
- Connect the tube to the compressor and the liquid container.
- Attach the mouthpiece or mask.
- Turn on the switch and check to see that the nebulizer is misting.
- Put the mouthpiece in your mouth and close your mouth around it or put the mask securely over your nose and mouth, leaving no gaps.
- Slowly breath in and out until the medicine is gone. This may take five to 15 minutes.
- Keep the liquid container upright throughout the treatment.
How the Nebulizer Compressor Works
During a Asthma attack or a respiratory infection your lung airways become narrow and so you can't take deep breaths. The Nebulizer Compressor operates by passing pressurized air to pass through the tube and turn the liquid medicine into mist which is inhaled slowly until the completely delivered. For this reason, a nebulizer is a more effective way to deliver the medication than an inhaler, which requires you to take a deep breath.
Nebulizers can deliver short-acting (rescue) or long-acting (maintenance to prevent acute attacks) asthma medication therapy. Also, more than one medication can be given in the same treatment. Examples of medications used in nebulizers include:
- albuterol
- ipratropium
- budesonide
- formoterol
Your doctor will determine which medications you need to take in the nebulizer based on your individual needs. The type of medication and dose will be prescribed by your doctor. You may receive premixed containers of liquid that can be opened and placed in the machine, or you may have to mix the solution before each use.
How to Clean your Nebulizer Compressor
The nebulizer should be cleaned after each use and disinfected after every other treatment. Since you are breathing the vapor from the machine, it must be clean. If the machine is not cleaned correctly, bacteria and other germs could grow inside it.
Follow the directions for cleaning in the manual to make sure that you’re not breathing harmful germs.
Daily cleaning
- Take off the mouthpiece/mask and remove the medicine container. Wash this with hot water and mild liquid dish soap.
- Shake off the extra water.
- Reconnect the medicine container and mouthpiece/mask to the compressor. Turn on the device to air dry the pieces.
Advatages of Using Nebulizer Compressor
- They are easier to use when you are having an asthma attack, since you don’t need to take deep breaths while using one.
- Multiple medications can be delivered at the same time.
- A nebulizer may be easier to use with young children.
Disadvatages of Using Nebulizer Compressor
- Nebulizers are usually not as easy to transport as an inhaler.
- They often require a stationary power source.
- Delivery of medications takes longer through a nebulizer than through an inhaler.