How does a nebulizer work?
• A nebulizer consists of parts that make the mist, and a machine to power the nebulizer. The parts include tubing to connect the machine to the medicine container. The other parts are the medicine container where the mist is made, and the delivery piece. The machine may be mechanical or ultrasonic. A mechanical nebulizer is a compressor machine that makes high air pressure. The air moves very fast through a small opening where the liquid medicine is to make the mist. A mechanical nebulizer is also called a jet nebulizer, or a small volume nebulizer or SVN. An ultrasonic nebulizer uses high speed vibrations to make a mist. • The mist is made in a container (chamber) that may be cleaned and used again. The machine or container may have a valve that controls the flow of air to increase the amount of mist you receive. A mouthpiece or mask connected to the nebulizer container brings the mist to you. The mist is then breathed in through the mouth or nose, and travels down to your airways. W
