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You are in: Home > Chest Information > Treatments > Nebulisers

Nebulisers

• What is a nebuliser?
• How to get a nebuliser
• Taking care of your nebuliser

What is a nebuliser?

A nebuliser is an electrical machine that is used to help deliver the correct dose of drugs into your lungs. It works by blowing air through a solution of the drug, creating a very fine mist that can easily be inhaled. The drugs used in inhalers are also usually available in solution form to be used with a nebuliser.

A nebuliser is made up of:

• The compressor, which blows the air
• The nebuliser, which is the chamber that holds the solution of drug(s)
• A mask or a mouthpiece *
• Tubing
• Power cable

*A nebuliser comes with either a mask or a mouthpiece (like a pipe). Either is suitable but the mouthpiece prevents any of the drug solution lying on your skin or getting into your eyes. Steroids such as fluticasone or budesonide and the bronchodilators ipratropium bromide or Combivent® should always be nebulised with a mouthpiece.

It takes around 10 minutes for your drugs to nebulise. Don't stay on your machine longer than 15 minutes.

Remember correct use of an inhaler with a spacer can deliver a better drug level into your lungs than using a nebuliser.

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How to get a nebuliser

• A nebuliser has to be prescribed by your doctor. If your doctor feels that you would benefit from one he / she will arrange for you to have a nebuliser and will assess and monitor how you use it.
• Nebuliser parts need to be serviced regularly (this may need to be as often as every 3 months.) Most hospitals will only service their own units. Also the drugs have to be prescribed, so you must speak to your own doctor if you are thinking of buying a nebuliser.

Please call our Advice Line on 0845 077 6000 for details of companies that hire / sell nebulisers.

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Taking care of your nebuliser

Caring for your nebuliser:

• The nebuliser should be washed in warm soapy water, rinsed and left to drip dry after each use.
• The compressor should be wiped down with a damp cloth at least weekly.
• Do not wash the tubing as it is very difficult to get it completely dry. If condensation appears in the tubing, remove the drug chamber and run the machine for a minute to 'blow the tubing dry'.
• Replace the nebuliser and tubing according to manufacturer's instructions.

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