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Home > Frequently Asked Questions > Respiratory Therapy

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a nebulizer?

It is a device that can convert liquid medicine into aerosol droplets that can be easily inhaled through a mouthpiece or mask. It is intended to be used for inhaling medication for respiratory disorders.

Click here to find out more about Omron’s nebulizers.

What is a nebulizer used for?

It can be used to treat diseases of the upper, middle & lower respiratory tract. Examples of these diseases include:
- Asthma
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Bronchitis & Bronchiolitis Pneumonia

What is most important to consider when choosing a nebulizer?

There are two factors to consider when choosing a suitable nebulizer: Particle size & Nebulization rate.

Particle size determines where the aerosol droplets will be deposited when inhaled, hence which part of the respiratory tract will be treated. Larger particles will be deposited in the upper airways while smaller particles (MMAD 5μm & under) will deposit in the lower airways. Examples of upper airway diseases include cough, cold, allergic rhinitis. Lower airway diseases include asthma, COPD, bronchitis. Hence when treating asthma, in particular, look for nebulizers that produce smaller particle size (MMAD 5μm & under) for better delivery.

Nebulization rate determines the rate at which the medication is nebulized. The higher the nebulization rate, the faster the treatment. However, it is important to consider the age of the patient and his/her ability to inhale the medication during treatment. As a general rule, an optimal treatment time should be between 10-20 minutes.

Can distilled water or purified water be used for nebulization?

Distilled water or purified water cannot be used alone as a drug solution for nebulization.

Which type of nebulizer should I use?

For those with severe conditions such as COPD or asthma, a nebulizer with a high nebulization rate can be beneficial to deliver higher quantities of nebulized drugs.

For children & babies, a nebulizer with low noise & a gentler mist can make it easier for them to inhale the mediation.

For patients with multiple respiratory diseases, a nebulizer that delivers different particle sizes & can therefore treat several diseases can be a more convenient solution.

What is the difference between compressor nebulizers & mesh nebulizers?

The difference between compressor and mesh nebulizers is the technology used to create the aerosol. While the compressor nebulizers utilize compressed air, the mesh nebulizers use a vibrating element oscilliating at high frequency. 

This superior mesh technology by the mesh nebulizers delivers medication deep into the lungs. You can effortlessly administer medication in any position, wherever you are.

Compressor nebulizers are equipped with compressors and tend to be bulky. They too are louder, and hence less preferred by children and those looking for on the go treatment. 
Mesh nebulizers however operate silently and is pocket-sized. 

Compressor nebulizers are compatible with most type of medications, including suspensions and low-viscosity medications. 
There is limitation to the medication types that the mesh nebulizers is compatible with. 

Compressor nebulizers are more affordable, as compared to mesh nebulizers.

Click here to find out more about Omron’s nebulizers.

What are the benefits of nebulization?

When nebulized, medication is delivered directly to the respiratory tract, allowing for a high drug concentration & delivery to the target area.

Unlike inhalers which require patients to have strong inhalation techniques as well as strong hand-mouth coordination for the medication to be delivered to the targeted area, nebulizers are especially suitable for very young children & those with a lot of mucus or severely diseased. 

Nebulizing medication can even have a greater clinical effect compared to similar or larger doses delivered orally (tablets) or by subcutaneous injection. Studies have also shown that this can lead to better treatment results than using inhalers alone.