All About Nebulizers
How to Use a Nebulizer
Read the instructions that came with your nebulizer since there are many types of nebulizers available.
General Instructions:
- Measure the correct amount of normal saline solution using a clean eyedropper. Put it into
the plastic attachment cup. If your medicine is premixed, do
not add normal saline. Add it to the cup, then go to step 3.
- Measure the correct amount of medicine using a clean eyedropper. Put it into the cup with the saline solution.
- Fasten the mouthpiece to the T-shaped part of the nebulizer. Then fasten this unit to the
cup, or fasten the mask to the cup. For a child over the age of two, use a mouthpiece unit because it will give more medicine than a mask.
- Put the mouthpiece in your mouth and seal your lips tightly around it, or place the mask on your face.
- Make sure the air tubing has been connected to the machine and the nebulizer. Turn on the machine.
- Take slow, deep breaths in through your mouth.
- Hold each breath 1-2 seconds before breathing out.
- Continue until there is no more medicine in the cup (about 10 minutes).
- Store the medicine as directed after each use.
- Clean the nebulizer after each use.
Cleaning a Nebulizer
Regularly cleaning the nebulizer is important because a dirty nebulizer may
cause an infection. A good cleaning routine also keeps the
nebulizer from clogging up and helps it last longer.
After each use:
- Remove the mask or mouthpiece and T-shaped part from the
cup. Rinse the mask or mouthpiece and T-shaped part in warm
running water for 30 seconds.
- Rinse the eyedropper in warm running water for 30 seconds.
- If possible, use distilled or sterile water for rinsing.
- The tubing should not be washed or rinsed.
- After rinsing, shake off excess water. Air-dry pieces on a clean cloth or paper towel.
- Put the mask or mouthpiece and T-shaped part, cup, and tubing back together and connect the device to the machine. Run the machine for 10-20 seconds to dry the inside of the nebulizer.
- Disconnect the tubing from the machine. Store the parts in a zip-lock bag.
Once every day when used:
- Follow steps 1 through 5 above using mild dishwashing soap to clean the parts.
- Be sure to dry all parts completely.
Once every week when used:
- After washing with mild dishwashing soap, soak the parts in a solution made of one part distilled white vinegar and two parts distilled water for 30 minutes.
- Throw out the vinegar water solution after use. Do not reuse it.
Never put the compressed air machine in water. Clean the surface of the machine with a damp cloth as needed.
View a pdf, printer-friendly version of this page.