Home / Air and breathing

Nebulizer guide

By the Life in Good Form editors. Updated 2026-10-15.

We research products from makers' specs and health sources; we do not run hands-on tests. Links to Amazon may earn us a commission at no cost to you. How this works.

What a nebulizer does

MedlinePlus describes a nebulizer as a small machine that turns liquid medicine into a mist that can be easily inhaled, so the medicine goes directly into the lungs. It lists asthma, COPD, cystic fibrosis and bronchiectasis among lung conditions where nebulizers may be used. The FDA classifies a nebulizer as a Class II device under 21 CFR 868.5630.

Jet, mesh or ultrasonic

Types are from MedlinePlus, which also says a nebulizer can be a smaller portable device or a plug-in tabletop machine. FDA device records describe Omron's NE-U100 as a portable vibrating mesh nebulizer.

Portable vs tabletop

A portable nebulizer suits travel, work or school, while a tabletop compressor model stays at home. Whichever you choose, use the type your prescriber recommends, because medicine delivery depends on the device. An albuterol inhalation solution label on DailyMed notes that the amount of drug delivered depends on the nebulizer used and on compressor performance.

Check that masks, mouthpieces and cups fit your exact model. Omron's FDA device records list separate mouthpieces, nebulizer kits, air tubes and filters for specific models; see our nebulizer mask guide for sizing and compatibility.

A prescription comes first

MedlinePlus says you will need a prescription from your health care provider to get a nebulizer, and to check whether your health plan covers it. The medicines used in nebulizers are prescription drugs too; the DailyMed albuterol inhalation solution label is marked Rx only and says it should be used only under the direction of a physician.

Some online listings describe nebulizers for pet care or as gifts. Buy the device your prescriber names, and ask your pharmacist if you are unsure a model will work with your medicine.

How to use a nebulizer

Always follow your device's instructions. The DailyMed patient instructions for single-dose albuterol vials describe these steps:

• Twist the cap off one vial and squeeze the contents into the nebulizer reservoir.
• Connect the nebulizer to the mouthpiece or face mask, then to the compressor.
• Sit upright, place the mouthpiece in your mouth or put on the mask, and turn on the compressor.
• Breathe calmly, deeply and evenly through your mouth until no more mist forms, about 5 to 15 minutes.
• Clean the nebulizer as the maker instructs.

MedlinePlus adds that small children usually do better with a mask, and that treatments take 5 to 20 minutes depending on the device and medicine.

Cleaning and filters

MedlinePlus says to clean your nebulizer to keep bacteria from growing, since bacteria can cause a lung infection. Unplug the machine first. After each use, wash the medicine cup and mouthpiece under warm running water and let them air dry on clean paper towels. MedlinePlus suggests mild dish soap once a day and a soak in 1 part white vinegar to 2 parts warm water once or twice a week, and says never to wash the hose or tubing.

Your device's instructions will say when to change the filter. Omron lists replacement air filters for its compressor models in FDA device records.

Storing nebulizer medicine

The DailyMed albuterol inhalation solution label gives storage rules that show what to look for on your own medicine:

• Store vials at 2 to 25 degrees C (36 to 77 degrees F) in a tightly closed container.
• Protect vials from light by keeping unused ones in the foil pouch or carton.
• Do not use a vial after its expiration date, or if the solution is not clear and colorless.
• Keep all medicines out of reach of children, and do not give your medicine to other people.

The same label lists a fast or irregular heartbeat, chest pain, shakiness and nervousness as the most common side effects. Tell your provider about side effects, and follow the label that comes with your own prescription.

What to look for when you buy

Questions people ask

Do I need a prescription for a nebulizer?

MedlinePlus says yes, you need a prescription from your health care provider.

How long does a nebulizer treatment take?

MedlinePlus says 5 to 20 minutes, depending on the device and medicine.

What is the difference between jet and mesh nebulizers?

Jet models use compressed air; mesh models push medicine through a tiny mesh for a fine mist.

How do I clean a nebulizer?

Wash the cup and mouthpiece after each use and air dry; never wash the tubing, per MedlinePlus.

Mask or mouthpiece?

MedlinePlus says small children usually do better with a mask; ask your care team.

Sources

• How to use a nebulizer (medlineplus.gov), MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia
• Albuterol Sulfate Inhalation Solution label (dailymed.nlm.nih.gov), DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine
• Global Unique Device Identification records: Omron nebulizers (product code CAF) (file: https://api.fda.gov/device/udi.json), U.S. Food and Drug Administration (openFDA)
• Product classification: Nebulizer (direct patient interface), 21 CFR 868.5630 (file: https://api.fda.gov/device/classification.json), U.S. Food and Drug Administration (openFDA)

Sources checked 2026-10-15.