Autumn and winter account for the largest number of colds, in the treatment of which inhalation procedures are often prescribed. Also, this method of treatment is used in traditional medicine. For the convenience of this procedure, it is best to use inhalers.
There are different devices that can be used for cosmetic and medical purposes for children or adults. Our top rating of inhalers (nebulizers) for the whole family will help you understand this variety.
It should be understood that inhalers and nebulizers differ in their principle of action. A nebulizer delivers very small particles of medicine to the lungs, and inhalers only deliver steam, so it is not entirely correct to call this device a conventional inhaler.
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Without going into details, the principle of operation of both devices is almost the same: the drug is inhaled through a special device. The inhaler delivers hot steam containing large enough particles of water, which, however, are not visible to the naked eye. The nebulizer does not heat the drug and delivers it at room temperature.
The particles of the drug in the nebulizer are microscopic in composition and penetrate even into the most inaccessible areas of the lungs. This makes it possible to deliver the medicine to the focus of inflammation in a short time and to cope with the disease faster.
In fact, the inhaler is only steam, but nebulizers are available in three versions.
Creates an aerosol from the drug using an ultrasonic wave.It can be used to deliver exclusively water-based solutions, therefore, such a unit cannot be used with hormonal drugs or antibiotics, since ultrasound destroys them.
At the same time, such an inhaler works very quietly, it takes up little space and can work both from the mains and from batteries. Ultrasonic nebulizers are inexpensive, budget models.
Best suited for home use. In it, an aerosol from the drug is created by means of a strong jet of air. Such a device is quite noisy, it must be plugged into the network. During the procedure, the patient must be in an upright position, and the device must be plugged in.
Such a device works with all dosage forms, except those that are oil-based.
It is also called a mesh nebulizer. These devices can control the size of the drug particles created from 0.5 to 8 microns. Such devices work without any noise, they work with all dosage forms.
The patient can be in any position of the body during the procedure. The only drawback of such models is the too high price tag.
What are nebulizers for home use:
There are a lot of inhalation devices on sale, so it is very important to determine which device selection criteria will be of decisive importance to you. First of all, know that you should not chase a well-known company name and focus on the popularity of models.
It is better to choose a traditional nebulizer that will fully satisfy all your requirements.For example, if you intend to use it exclusively at home, then select a model that operates from the network.
If you are often away from home, but at the same time you need to be treated, then pick up a device that runs on batteries. This will most likely be a portable unit, an ultrasonic model.
It is also important for you to choose which medications you intend to use. If you intend to use the inhaler irregularly or if there is a child in the house, then we advise you to pay attention to the children's device. Such devices are very similar in appearance to toys and it is much easier to convince the child to breathe through it. With the help of a children's nebulizer, adults can also be treated.
The only downside is that it doesn't last long. Children's options usually work 20 minutes, and rest for 40 minutes.
Various types of inhalers from many companies are on sale, but the products of only a few of them are in the greatest consumer demand:
Having understood the principles of operation of the main types of nebulizers, let's look at the rating of high-quality devices, based on the functionality and principle of operation. When compiling the rating, feedback from the owners of the devices was taken into account, as well as selection criteria that determine the functionality, the possibility of using this model for people of different ages, as well as how comfortable a person feels during the procedure.
Video about the difference between a nebulizer and a steam inhaler:
Devices of this type dispense medicinal liquids by introducing compressed air into a container.
Their advantage lies in fine atomization. Medicines enter the lower parts of the respiratory system, while practically not changing their own structure. The devices operate via the mains, and therefore the process is carried out near the outlet.
This inhaler is on the third line of our rating due to the low spray power. The spray is created by elements up to 5 microns, but the bowl of the device can hold no more than 12 ml of solution. By the way, the device is not noisy (53 dB).
The device is suitable for most of the medical devices, at the same time it splits them into elements of various sizes. They settle depending on the fraction in various parts of the respiratory system. There is a spray level regulator. The device operates by means of a 220 V power supply.
This inhaler comes with a storage bag. The box also contains a large and a small face mask, intended for children and adults, respectively. In addition, there are nozzles for the nose and mouth, as well as spare filters.
The device breaks down drugs and delivers them to the trachea at a rate of 15 liters per minute. The inhalation procedure can be carried out by people with both healthy and complicated breathing. The internal components are well made. The manufacturer's warranty period is 5 years.
The average price is 4,500 rubles.
On the second line of this section of our top is a nebulizer manufacturer from Japan. The device is capable of nebulizing approximately 7 ml of medical solutions in 14 minutes. in pairs with element sizes up to 3 microns. The particles are delivered to the trachea and bronchi.
At the same time, it does not have overheating, and the duration of the process does not affect the wear of the compressor and engine. The breathing chamber is equipped with 2 valves of the V.V.T. type, which make it possible to spray more liquid at a time and make the healing process as effective as possible.
The model will be an excellent solution for use at home. Often found in hospitals and physiotherapy rooms. The kit includes masks for children and adults, nozzles for the mouth and nose.
Each patient has the opportunity to choose a comfortable method of introducing the solution into the respiratory system. At the same time, the strength of the therapeutic steam allows you to inhale it in the usual way without loss of effectiveness, including newborns and patients with complicated breathing.
The manufacturer has not forgotten about the comfort of storage, so the device comes with a bag, and five more spare air filters. The unit is quite heavy - 1.9 kg. However, for this reason, it is more reliable in operation.
The average price is 4,900 RUB.
The leader in this selection is a nebulizer from a famous brand, B.Well PRO-110 has the capabilities typical of professional devices. The proven effectiveness of the device complies with the standard for nebulizers EN 13544-1.
When using B.Well PRO-110, a quick recovery is achieved due to the fact that the particles of the active substance are small, 3.16 microns, and are able to penetrate deep into the desired parts of the lungs. It is also convenient that the procedure with this nebulizer does not take much time, since it is characterized by a high spray rate, 0.4 ml / min, which shortens the duration of the inhalation process.
This nebulizer can be used by both adults and children, for this there are two masks of different sizes in the kit. There is also a nosepiece, which allows you to use B.Well PRO-110 with a cold.
The cost of B.Well PRO-110: 2400 rubles.
Compared to compressor-type inhalers, these are not as noisy, spray medications better, consume less energy and time to operate, and rarely break down. However, their main disadvantage lies in the destruction of most pharmaceutical elements, and therefore it is recommended to use only solutions compatible with splitting for inhalation with this device.
On the third line is a small device from a manufacturer from Germany. Its distinguishing feature is the optional mode of operation - from the mains or batteries.
The nebulizer can be used both at home and outdoors, as well as in places where it is not possible to connect to the mains.
Among other things, it is convenient to carry it with you, since the weight of the device is only 240 g, and it comes with a special protective case. The size of the elements sprayed by the ultrasonic nebulizer is 5 microns with a spraying efficiency of 0.2-0.5 liters per minute.
Without stopping the device is able to function for about half an hour. This value is enough to carry out the procedure for several family members, since the container capacity is 5 ml. This means that the compressor has a reserve of time before stopping.
Medication containers and spare masks are included. The nebulizer is equipped with an effective protective system: the device turns off automatically when the process time limit is reached, but not earlier than after 10 minutes. This period is sufficient for the full emptying of the tank. By the way, the model is quite quiet.
The average price is 2,500 RUB.
On the second position of the heading of our top is a small ultrasonic type nebulizer from a manufacturer from Japan. Its weight is only 300 g. The model operates using 4 AA batteries (included in the package), regardless of the mains.
It is possible to carry out inhalations anywhere: on a trip, in the country and even during a walk, which, in particular, is very comfortable for people diagnosed with asthma. The capacity of the container is 8 ml of liquid substance, which the device atomizes to elements of 4.8 microns at a rate of 0.3 ml per minute.
At the same time, the process can be delayed to a maximum extent of 15 minutes. The nebulizer operates almost silently - the noise level is only 20 dB, which is the best indicator at the moment in this top.
The nebulizer comes with interchangeable masks for children, adults, as well as nozzles for the mouth and nose.
The average price is 4,200 RUB.
This medical device has one feature - it has a steam heating function up to 43 degrees, so this high-quality inhaler can be successfully used to treat colds, except in cases of contraindications, such as high temperature. This option has a well-thought-out control system. Each mode has its own indicator light, there is a timer to control the duration of the procedure. The device is equipped with a convenient handle and is easy to carry from place to place.
The average price is 4,800 rubles.
MESH inhalers are the quietest when compared to all available nebulizers on the market today. They break down medications through the flow of air through the diaphragm. The procedure does not affect the structure of drugs in any way and is distinguished by a minimum noise threshold.
On the second line of the top in this section is a portable model, which has the ability to connect to the mains or insert batteries and use it anywhere.
It weighs slightly more when compared to the winner in this category. The weight is 103 g, and the dimensions are 72x108x42 mm. However, it is somehow comfortable to take with you.
The spray fraction is much smaller and amounts to 2.1 µm. This means that the drugs are able to pass deeper into the respiratory system. The noise threshold is also higher and equal to 50 dB, which is almost like a full-fledged compressor-type inhaler.
The capacity of the drug container is 8 ml, and the nebulization rate is only 0.2 ml per minute. The set includes 2 masks for adults and children, as well as a mouthpiece.
The average price is 5,200 RUB.
The portable type inhaler operates both from the mains and from batteries. Its small dimensions, which are 51x104x38 mm, as well as its weight - only 97 g, make it possible to carry the device with you during a walk, take it on the road, to the country house, on a trip.
This compact inhaler is capable of non-stop operation for about 2 hours, spraying the solution to elements of 4.2 microns at a rate of 0.25 ml per minute from a container with a volume of 7 ml.
In other words, the inhalation process can be carried out by 2-3 patients in succession. Fortunately, this is possible thanks to the availability of spare masks for children and adults, as well as a mouthpiece.
The device operates almost silently. The threshold is 20 dB.
The average price is 12,400 RUB.
A number of the models described above are equipped with a special nozzle-mask for a child, therefore they can be used, among other things, for the treatment of children. However, if the baby categorically refuses to use the device, this is often accompanied by hysteria and can lead to neuroses. In this case, it is recommended to purchase a specialized children's nebulizer. It looks more like a toy than a medical unit.
On the third line is a compressor nebulizer, designed in the form of a pink baby elephant. The device works from a network and is capable to spray medicine within 30 minutes without shutdown. The cloud contains particles with a size of 0.1 - 5 microns, the spray rate is - 0.4 ml / min.No more than 6 ml can be poured into the liquid container. medicines.
The nebulizer is completed with adult and children's masks, a nozzle for a mouth.
The Babybell Elephant can also be used to rinse, irrigate and aspirate the nasal cavity.
The cost is 3400 rubles.
The compressor portable unit working from a network. In addition to masks for babies and children, there is an adult mask included with the nebulizer. The included figurines of animals worn on the nozzle can brighten up the process.
The medicine container holds 7 ml, the residual volume at which inhalation occurs is 0.7 ml. The maximum nebulization rate is 0.3 ml/min, the maximum particle size is 5 µm, and the average particle size is 3 µm.
The nebulizer weighs 270 g.
The average price is 3,400 rubles.
The B.Well PRO-115 device becomes the leader of the rating. Its design is made in the form of a train, which makes it attractive for children.
B.Well PRO-115 demonstrates its effectiveness, comparable to professional devices, in the treatment of coughs, bronchitis and other respiratory diseases. You can use B.Well PRO-115 in the treatment of rhinitis, for this a separate nozzle is provided.
The set comes with three masks - for adults, for children and infant.
A modern nebulizer forms a cloud, where more than 70% are therapeutic particles with a size of 3.16 microns each.
The cost of B.Well PRO-115: 3000 rubles.
Summing up our review, I would like to note that ultrasonic or compression nebulizers are best suited for home use. If you need a device for the treatment of a chronic disease, then choose a membrane nebulizer, a compact and portable model.
Video on how to do inhalation: