How to choose the right inhaler?
Choosing the right inhaler can be quite complicated. An inhaler has many parameters, such as particle size, inhalation speed, working cycle time, valve system, etc. On the one hand, you can buy a device that is not suitable for your problem, on the other hand, you can overpay for unnecessary functions.
Particle size
Particle size is one of the most important parameters of an inhaler, it is defined in micrometers (µm). The finer the particles generated, the deeper they enter the respiratory tract and the better they are distributed there. On the other hand, larger particles are more suitable for the prevention and treatment of upper respiratory tract diseases. Most inhalers sold on the Lithuanian market are universal, their particle size is 3-4 µm . Such particles are suitable for inhalation of both the upper and lower respiratory tracts. A device with the aforementioned particle size will suit a person suffering from pharyngitis, laryngitis, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or bronchitis. Universal inhalers include such popular models as Microlife NEB200, Microlife NEB PRO, Microlife NEB Nano, Omron C801 KD and Omron C101, LD-812U [1,2].
Some models have advanced nozzles, which allow you to set the desired particle size and thus achieve more effective therapy. Large particles (5 µm) are selected for inhalation of the upper respiratory tract (for nasal congestion, rhinitis, laryngitis or pharyngitis), and small ones (3.5 µm) for asthma, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or tracheitis. We can include all compressor inhalers from the Singaporean manufacturer "Little Doctor" to such inhalers. They have nozzles with a replaceable head, so inhalation therapy is maximally effective and tailored to your problem (upper, middle or lower respiratory tract).
The general rule is this: for lower respiratory tract diseases (asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchitis), you should choose an inhaler with the smallest possible particle size, while an inhaler that generates larger particles will be more suitable for treating upper respiratory tract diseases (e.g. laryngitis, pharyngitis) [3].
Complete set
Before buying an inhaler, you should definitely pay attention to the additional parts included in the kit, as it can be difficult to purchase them separately. An inhaler for a child should have a child mask in the kit, and an adult device should have an adult mask. The ideal option is to have both masks in the kit. There are devices on the market that only have a baby mask in the kit (Omron C301 DuoBaby), other devices have masks for babies and children (Omron C801 KD). Nevertheless, most of the most popular models, such as Microlife NEB 200, Omron C101, LD-812U, LD-220C, have masks for a child and an adult in the kit, so they are suitable for the whole family. So choose not only the inhaler itself according to your needs, but do not forget to pay attention to the kit. If you make a mistake when buying and cannot find the mask of the required size in the kit, you can buy universal kits on our website:
Set for children: https://aceso.lt/collections/inhaliatoriai/products/microlife-komplektas-inhaliatoriui-vaikams
For adults: https://aceso.lt/collections/inhaliatoriai/products/microlife-komplektas-inhaliatoriui-suaugusiui
Inhalation rate, valve system
These parameters are less significant, the inhalation speed (efficiency) should be 0.2-0.5 ml/min. It can be lower, but in this case the inhalation time increases. A device with a valve system should last longer, because such a system protects the device from drugs and other inhaled liquids entering the inhaler itself.
Sound
An inhaler for a child, and especially for a baby, should be as quiet as possible. Quieter powerful compressor inhalers include all Omron devices and the compact NEB NANO inhaler from Microlife. Mesh (MESH) inhalers, such as the Microlife NEB 800 and LD-812U, are also particularly quiet. They make practically no noise, but their particle size and other parameters are usually slightly worse than classic compressor inhalers.
Additional features, especially relevant for children
A child's inhaler can have various additional useful functions and parts. The LD-212C inhaler has a playful and child-friendly appearance, the Omron C301 duobaby model has a nasal aspirator for clearing a stuffy nose, and the Swiss Microlife NEB PRO has a nasal wash, which you can use to wash your child's nose the way you would with sea water.
Sources:
[1] https://www.omron-healthcare.com/eu/nebulisers
[2] https://www.microlife.lt/consumer-products/respiratory-care/nebuliser-devices
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