What is the difference between a jet nebulizer and ultrasonic nebulizer?

Jet Nebulizers are the most common type of machines. They use an air compressor to generate enough air which goes through a short tube to a nebulizer cup. The nebulizer cup which holds liquid medicine gets converted into a mist that gets inhaled. They are available as home units or portable units. They are generally larger and noisier and nebulized medicine mist particles vary in size. They are durable and typically have less expensive parts to replace.

Ultrasonic Nebulizers use ultrasonic waves which are extremely quiet. The soundwaves hit the liquid medicine and turn it into a mist to be inhaled. These are only available as portable units. They are generally smaller and quieter with more consistent medical mist particles sizes. They tend to be more expensive at least initially. While they are easy to clean and maintain, some parts may be more expensive to replace if you ignore maintenance.

Similarities between jet and ultrasonic nebulizers include:

- Both require little coordination when compared to respiratory inhalers.
- Both take the most common type of prescribed nebulized medicine (ie, albuterol, atrovent, and budesonide).
- Both require parts that need to be cleaned immediately after cleaning in order to be effective and durable.