While both inhalers and nebulizers deliver quick relief vaporized medicine for those with respiratory illnesses, these devices differ in how they deliver the medication. But what is the difference between the two?
Inhalers deliver short bursts of medicine quickly and easily via a portable, handheld device that is manually operated by the user. The most common type of inhaler is a metered-dose inhaler (MDI). However, inhalers are most often used incorrectly. Only about five percent of patients used a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) correctly. Improper use can make the medicine ineffective.
Alternatively, nebulizers turn liquid medication into an easily inhaled mist that is more efficiently delivered directly into the lungs. Nebulizers vary in type but rely on a power source, such as an electrical outlet or rechargeable battery to function. Nebulizers traditionally can take up to 10 minutes to deliver a dose of the medication. The new ultrasonic, portable mesh nebulizers are pocket-size devices that can deliver a full dose within 4 minutes.
What Does an Inhaler Do?
Inhalers are hand-held medical devices that deliver medicine directly to the lungs when a user inhales deeply. These devices are typically used by individuals with respiratory illnesses, such as asthma and COPD. Inhalers come in two types: metered-dose inhalers and dry powder inhalers.
Metered Dose Inhalers
Metered-dose inhalers, also known as MDIs or spray inhalers, work very much like aerosol cans. They deliver liquid medicine through a pressurized spray. Each spray is a single dose that individuals can use when they are having difficulty breathing. MDIs contain a finite amount of medicine and must be refilled when they are empty.
Dry Powder Inhalers
Dry powder inhalers (also called DPIs) use a powdered form of medicine that users inhale directly, without the assistance of a spray. This type of inhaler is often easier to use than MDIs though individuals may have to use more effort to inhale the powder.
What is a Nebulizer Machine?
Nebulizers are devices that mechanically vaporize medicine for respiratory illness patients. They are powered by either an electrical outlet or a lithium-ion battery. The two most common types of nebulizers are compressors and mesh nebulizers. Learn more about Nebulizer Machine here.
What are Jet Nebulizers?
One of the most common nebulizers, also known as an “atomizer” are jet nebulizers. These nebulizers are connected to a supply of compressed gas through the tubing. The compressed gas, usual oxygen, flows at a high velocity through a liquid medicine turning it into an aerosol to be inhaled. Currently, physicians prefer to prescribe Pressurized Metered Dose Inhaler (pMDI) for their patients, instead of a jet nebulizer as they produce lots of noise and are less portable.
On the other hand, jet nebulizers are commonly used for patients who have difficulty using inhalers. The patients who generally need jet nebulizers suffer from serious cases of respiratory diseases or severe asthma. The most significant advantage of a jet nebulizer is the low operational costs.
With several technological advancements, manufacturers have successfully reduced the weight of a jet nebulizer and started to label it as a portable jet nebulizer.
What are Ultrasonic Nebulizers?
Ultrasonic nebulizers were invented in 1965 and were an innovation for portable nebulizers.
An ultrasonic nebulizer has an electronic oscillator generator that produces high-frequency ultrasonic waves that cause vibrations of the piezoelectric element. In contact with a liquid reservoir, the vibrations can create sufficient vapor to produce an aerosol of the medicine.
One of the major advantages of an ultrasonic nebulizer is that it is very silent and very light.
What is a Mesh Nebulizer?
The vibrating mesh technology was discovered in 2005 which revolutionized the entire process for nebulizers.
These nebulizers use a membrane or a mesh of several thousand holes drilled with a laser. This membrane is placed on top of the liquid reservoir and the pressure releases a fine mist of droplets from the holes. The vibrating Mesh Technology is more efficient than ultrasonic nebulizers and can reduce the wastage of liquid for nebulizers.
Click here to find the best nebulizers.
Nebulizer vs Inhaler – Which One is Better?
While both nebulizers and inhalers are effective forms of treatment for respiratory illness, individuals may want to try both to find what works best for them. Patients can also consult with their doctor over what they think is the most effective form of treatment.
How Do Inhalers Work?
Metered-dose inhalers mix the medication with an aerosol so that a mist forms. The user simply removes the cap, shakes the inhaler for approximately 5 seconds, places the mouthpiece of the inhaler in their mouth, and presses the pump to release the missed dose of medication while breathing in slowly and deeply. Once the medicine is inhaled, users must hold their breath for approximately 10 seconds before exhaling to allow the medicine to reach the lungs effectively. Metered-dose inhalers are the most common with asthma patients.
Dry powder inhalers use capsules of dry powdered medicine. Depending on the type of DPI, users simply need to open, press, or twist their device to ready their medicine dose. Similar to MDIs, the user must place their mouth over the mouthpiece and inhale deeply and slowly. Prior to exhaling, they must hold their breath for approximately 10 seconds for maximum treatment effectiveness.
How Does A Nebulizer Machine Work?
Compressor nebulizers rely on compressed air. The user simply needs to place the mouthpiece in their mouth, turn the device on, and breathe normally. These models are typically used at home as they typically require a power source.
Mesh nebulizers are often more portable and rely on a vibrating mesh disc that disperses liquid medicine into equally sized droplets that the lungs can absorb more easily. Again, users simply need to place their mouth on the mouthpiece, turn the device on and breathe normally.
Difference Between a Nebulizer and an Inhaler
The most common issue with inhalers is incorrect to use. A recent study found that 84% of people incorrectly use their inhalers.
Inhalers require some practice to administer medicine properly, which may be difficult for small children or elderly patients with respiratory illnesses. Misuse can lead to ineffective treatment and an increase in respiratory illness episodes such as asthma attacks.
Nebulizers are more intuitive and easier to use. They are better suited to those who have found inhalers difficult to use or who feel they are not receiving a proper dose of medicine with inhalers. If traveling with a portable nebulizer, always be sure to have a backup battery or charging cable to ensure you can receive treatment wherever you are.
How Long After Nebulizer Can You Use Inhaler?
Depending on the severity of the respiratory condition or episode, patients may need both nebulizer and inhaler treatment. To make sure you are receiving the correct type of treatment for your needs, consult your physician. They may recommend using both a nebulizer and an inhaler for more effective treatment.
Both nebulizers and inhalers deliver quick relief vaporized medicine for those with respiratory illnesses. But what is the difference between the two? Nebulizers deliver the dose via an electrically powered machine (either battery or outlet) while inhalers rely on a non-electrical pump system.
While both inhalers and nebulizers deliver quick relief vaporized medicine for those with respiratory illnesses, these devices differ in how they deliver the medication. But what is the difference between the two?
Inhalers deliver short bursts of medicine quickly and easily via a portable, handheld device that is manually operated by the user. The most common type of inhaler is a metered-dose inhaler (MDI). However, inhalers are most often used incorrectly. Only about five percent of patients used a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) correctly. Improper use can make the medicine ineffective.
Alternatively, nebulizers turn liquid medication into an easily inhaled mist that is more efficiently delivered directly to the lungs. Nebulizers vary in type but rely on a power source, such as an electrical outlet or rechargeable battery to function. Nebulizers traditionally can take up to 10 minutes to deliver a dose of the medication. The new ultrasonic, portable mesh nebulizers are pocket-size devices that can deliver a full dose within 4 minutes.
What is an Inhaler?
The inhaler is a handheld and portable device that delivers medication directly into the lungs as a dose of mist or dry powder. Inhalers use pressurized mechanisms to drive a burst of medication into the lungs, often to alleviate or prevent a respiratory-illness related event such as an asthma attack.
What Does an Inhaler Do?
When a person with a respiratory illness has trouble breathing, such as an asthma attack or COPD breathing episode they can reach for their inhaler. By pressing a button, they release medicine in a single burst that they breathe deeply into their lungs to relieve symptoms.
Types of Inhalers
Inhalers come in four types:
- Metered-dose inhalers
- Dry Powder inhalers (DPIs)
- Hydrofluoroalkane Inhalers (HFA)
- Soft Mist Inhalers (SMIs)
Metered Dose Inhalers
Metered-dose inhalers, also known as MDIs or spray inhalers, work very much like aerosol cans. They deliver liquid medicine through a pressurized spray. Each spray is a single dose that individuals can use when they are having difficulty breathing. MDIs contain a finite amount of medicine and must be refilled when they are empty.
Dry Power Inhalers (DPIs)
Dry powder inhalers (also called DPIs) use a powdered form of medicine that users inhale directly, without the assistance of a spray. This type of inhaler is often easier to use than MDIs though individuals may have to use more effort to inhale the powder.
Hydrofluoroalkane Inhalers (HFA)
The use of HFA inhalers may be an option for some respiratory illness patients. The propellant used to drive the medicine is an environmentally safer ozone-friendly alternative to chlorofluorocarbon (CFCs) inhalers. Though the propellant is different, HFA inhalers still provide a fine, consistent mist, ensuring effective delivery of medication to the lungs. HFA inhalers are commonly prescribed for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Soft Mist Inhalers (SMIs)
Soft mist inhalers convert liquid medication into a mist that is gently absorbed into the lungs compared to the more abrupt burst of mist or powder of other inhalers. Soft mist inhalers are easy to use and may be a better option for children managing their own respiratory condition or patients with limited hand strength who may struggle with the mechanism of traditional inhalers. Soft mist inhalers can also deliver the dose of medicine more effectively into the lungs than traditional inhalers with fewer side effects.
What is a Nebulizer Machine?
Nebulizers are devices that mechanically vaporize medicine for respiratory illness patients. They are powered by either an electrical outlet or a lithium-ion battery. The two most common types of nebulizers are compressors and mesh nebulizers.
Jet Nebulizers
One of the most common nebulizers, also known as an “atomizer” is a jet nebulizer. These nebulizers are connected to a supply of compressed gas through the tubing. The compressed gas, usually oxygen, flows at a high velocity through a liquid medicine turning it into an aerosol to be inhaled. Currently, physicians prefer to prescribe Pressurized Metered Dose Inhaler (pMDI) for their patients, instead of a jet nebulizer as they produce lots of noise and are less portable.
On the other hand, jet nebulizers are commonly used for patients who have difficulty using inhalers. The patients who generally need jet nebulizers suffer from serious cases of respiratory diseases or severe asthma. The most significant advantage of a jet nebulizer is the low operational costs.
With several technological advancements, manufacturers have successfully reduced the weight of a jet nebulizer and started to label it as a portable jet nebulizer. Learn more about jet nebulizers here.
Ultrasonic Nebulizers
Ultrasonic nebulizers were invented in 1965 and were an innovation for portable nebulizers.
An ultrasonic nebulizer has an electronic oscillator generator that produces high-frequency ultrasonic waves that cause vibrations of the piezoelectric element. In contact with a liquid reservoir, the vibrations can create sufficient vapor to produce an aerosol of the medicine. One of the major advantages of an ultrasonic nebulizer is that it is very silent and very light.
Read this blog to learn about the Best Portable Nebulizers of the Year!
Mesh Nebulizers
The vibrating mesh technology was discovered in 2005 which revolutionized the entire process for nebulizers.
These nebulizers use a membrane or a mesh of several thousand holes drilled with a laser. This membrane is placed on top of the liquid reservoir and the pressure releases a fine mist of droplets from the holes. The vibrating Mesh Technology is more efficient than ultrasonic nebulizers and can reduce the wastage of liquid for nebulizers.
Nebulizer vs. Inhaler - Which One is Better?
While both nebulizers and inhalers are effective forms of treatment for respiratory illness, individuals may want to try both to find what works best for them. Patients can also consult with their doctor over what they think is the most effective form of treatment.
How Do Inhalers Work?
Metered-dose inhalers mix the medication with an aerosol so that a mist forms. The user simply removes the cap, shakes the inhaler for approximately 5 seconds, places the mouthpiece of the inhaler in their mouth, and presses the pump to release the missed dose of medication while breathing in slowly and deeply. Once the medicine is inhaled, users must hold their breath for approximately 10 seconds before exhaling to allow the medicine to reach the lungs effectively. Metered-dose inhalers are the most common for asthma patients.
Dry powder inhalers use capsules of dry powdered medicine. Depending on the type of DPI, users simply need to open, press, or twist their device to ready their medicine dose. Similar to MDIs, the user must place their mouth over the mouthpiece and inhale deeply and slowly. Prior to exhaling, they must hold their breath for approximately 10 seconds for maximum treatment effectiveness.
How Does a Nebulizer Machine Work?
Compressor nebulizers rely on compressed air. The user simply needs to place the mouthpiece in their mouth, turn the device on, and breathe normally. These models are typically used at home as they typically require a power source.
Mesh nebulizers are often more portable and rely on a vibrating mesh disc that disperses liquid medicine into equally sized droplets that the lungs can absorb more easily. Again, users simply need to place their mouth on the mouthpiece, turn the device on and breathe normally.
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Sunset Portable Mesh Nebulizer with Rechargeable BatterySpecial Price $79.99 Regular Price $129.99Temporary price reductionSave 38%
Difference Between a Nebulizer and an Inhaler: Side-by-side Comparison
| Features | Nebulizer | Inhaler |
| Mechanism | Converts liquid medication into a fine mist for inhalation | Delivers medication as a fine spray, powder, or mist |
| Ease of Use | Generally easier to use, especially for children and the elderly | Requires coordination and technique for proper use |
| Portability | Larger and less portable, but portable models are available | Compact and easily portable |
| Time for Administration | Typically takes 5-10 minutes per treatment | Delivers medication in a few seconds to a minute |
| Power Source | Requires electricity or batteries | No power source needed |
| Medication Delivery | Continuous delivery over several minutes | A quick burst of medication |
| Ideal Users | Suitable for those with severe respiratory conditions or difficulty using inhalers | Suitable for most asthma and COPD patients |
| Maintenance | Requires regular cleaning and maintenance of parts | Minimal maintenance required |
| Common Issues | Requires access to power and bulkier to transport | Incorrect usage can lead to ineffective treatment |
What are the Effects of a Nebulizer vs Inhaler?
Common Side Effects of Nebulizers:
- Short-Term Side Effects: After an initial dose a patient may experience throat irritation, coughing, and dry mouth.
- Long-Term Side Effects: Long-term use of nebulizers can lead to possible infection if the nebulizer is not cleaned properly. Regular use of misted medication can also affect heart rate and blood pressure, which should be monitored by the patient as well as their doctor.
Common Side Effects of Inhalers:
- Short-Term Side Effects: After using an inhaler, a patient may experience mouth and throat irritation, coughing and hoarseness.
- Long-Term Side Effects: Regular use of inhalers, especially steroid inhalers, can lead to oral thrush and long-term health effects including an increased risk of pneumonia, immunity disorders related to the skin and eyes, and bone density health issues.
Can I use a Nebulizer After an Inhaler?
Using a nebulizer in conjunction with an inhaler can improve medication delivery, especially during severe asthma attacks or COPD breathing episodes. Talk to your doctor to ensure dual use is safe and beneficial. A combination of a nebulizer and inhaler can provide sustained relief and peace of mind protection for respiratory episodes.
When to Use a Nebulizer vs. an Inhaler
Depending on the severity of the respiratory condition or episode, patients may need both nebulizer and inhaler treatment. To make sure you are receiving the correct type of treatment for your needs, consult your physician. They may recommend using both a nebulizer and an inhaler for more effective treatment.
Both nebulizers and inhalers deliver quick relief vaporized medicine for those with respiratory illnesses. But what is the difference between the two? Nebulizers deliver the dose via an electrically powered machine (either battery or outlet) while inhalers rely on a non-electrical pump system.
How Long After a Nebulizer Can You Use an Inhaler?
It's best to wait about 15 to 30 minutes after using a nebulizer before using an inhaler. This allows the medication from the nebulizer to take effect and helps avoid potential overlap in medication delivery. Speak to your doctor about combined nebulizer and inhaler use.
Conclusion
Nebulizers and inhalers are essential tools for managing respiratory conditions. You can find the best options at The Oxygen Concentrator Supplies Shop. Our expert staff is ready to provide the support you need. Call us now at 888.941.1688 or email us at contact@oxygenconcentratorsupplies.com.
