Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsInhalers vs. NebulizersNebulizersInhalersSide Effects
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Inhalers vs. Nebulizers
Nebulizers
Inhalers
Side Effects
Inhalers andnebulizersare devices that deliver medicine directly into the lungs. The difference between the two devices is in the way they deliver the medication.
An inhaler relies on pressure, while a nebulizer releases the medicine as a fine mist. When you use an inhaler, you inhale the medication through a mouthpiece. With a nebulizer, you breathe in the medication via a mask that fits over your mouth and nose.
These devices are essential for treating lung-specific diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) andasthma. Which device you choose ultimately depends on your personal preference, your healthcare provider’s recommendation, and your insurance coverage.
This article looks at the basic differences between nebulizers and inhalers, and offers some suggestions on how to choose the device that’s right for you.
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Inhalers send short bursts of aerosolized medication directly into the mouth and can work in seconds. With a metered-dose inhaler, the mouthpiece has to be tightly sealed with the lips and inhaled while maintaining the seal.
Nebulizers, in contrast, create a cloud of mist that’s breathed through a face mask. The dosage process takes slightly longer (anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes). Nebulizers may be easier for children to use since they can be more accurate in terms of dosage delivery.
While the proper technique is important for both inhalers and nebulizers, the general consensus is that there is more room for error when it comes to using an inhaler, which requires more coordination and manipulation than a nebulizer. In fact, one study showed that only 10% of patients use a metered-dose inhaler correctly.
InhalersMore room for error in terms of medicine delivery, though spacers can helpCan only use until medication dosage runs outEasier to transportMedication delivered quicklyMedication may be pre-measured per puffNebulizersMore accurate medicine delivery thanks to the face maskCan use for longer periods of timeLess portableMedication delivery takes longerUser needs to measure medication before useMedication doses are higher to account for loss in the aerosol
InhalersMore room for error in terms of medicine delivery, though spacers can helpCan only use until medication dosage runs outEasier to transportMedication delivered quicklyMedication may be pre-measured per puff
More room for error in terms of medicine delivery, though spacers can help
Can only use until medication dosage runs out
Easier to transport
Medication delivered quickly
Medication may be pre-measured per puff
NebulizersMore accurate medicine delivery thanks to the face maskCan use for longer periods of timeLess portableMedication delivery takes longerUser needs to measure medication before useMedication doses are higher to account for loss in the aerosol
More accurate medicine delivery thanks to the face mask
Can use for longer periods of time
Less portable
Medication delivery takes longer
User needs to measure medication before use
Medication doses are higher to account for loss in the aerosol
How Do Inhalers Work?
Types of Nebulizers
There are two types of nebulizers: atomizer and ultrasonic.Prices for each range from $50 to $200, and both are available as tabletop or portable models. Both fast-acting andlong-term medicationscan be used with a nebulizer, including bronchodilators and corticosteroids.
Atomizer Nebulizers
The most common type of nebulizer is anatomizeror compressor nebulizer. This type creates vaporized droplets of medicine.The vapor is inhaled through a mouthpiece or face mask.
Examples include:
Ultrasonic Nebulizers
This type of nebulizer is also known as a mesh nebulizer. It utilizes high-frequency ultrasonic waves to vaporize medication.It is usually quieter than an atomizer and can deliver medication more quickly.
If the cost of using a nebulizer is prohibitive, but the device works best for you, explore savings options such as mail-order prescription plans anddrug assistance programs.
Types of Inhalers
There are three types of inhalers used to treat people with COPD, asthma, or otherlung conditions. Because inhalers can be expensive, costing around $350 each, it’s important to find the one that works best for you. Using your inhaler confidently helps you minimize wasted dosages and keep up with your treatment plan.
Hydrofluoroalkane Inhalers (HFA)
HFAs contain aerosolized liquid medication in a pressurized canister attached to a metered valve.As you inhale, you’ll need to press down on the canister and breathe in the medication.
As HFA delivery results in some medication loss, a spacer may be useful. A spacer is an attachment connected to an inhaler that catches the mist as it leaves the device and allows you to take in the medication.
Using HFAs requires some manual dexterity and may be difficult for those with grip issues or arthritis.
Dry Powder Inhalers (DPIs)
Dry powder inhalers send out a puff of dry, powdered medication rather than a sprayed liquid, and don’t contain any propellants, just the medicine.
DPIs are breath-activated and will only release medication when you take a deep inhale.For this reason, they may not be effective among elderly COPD patients, as a fairly forceful inhale is necessary.
To use a DPI, you’ll need to close your mouth around the mouthpiece and inhale deeply. No spacer is required. Hold your breath for up to 10 seconds, then remove the device from your mouth before exhaling so that any moist air from your mouth doesn’t contaminate the device and clump up the powder.
Because the dry powder is so fine, be aware that you may not feel or taste it, which differs from other types of inhalers.
Soft Mist Inhalers (SMIs)
SMIs deliver a lower dosage and release a gentle mist of pre-measured medication that is slowly inhaled.Unlike other forms of inhalers, SMIs don’t require you to sync your breaths with the medication delivery. SMIs are highly effective at delivering medication into the lungs.
13 Common COPD Inhalers
Side effects usually happen because of the medications, not the delivery systems. Still, there are a few problems that may stem from device usage. It’s essential to properly and routinely clean your device in order to minimize the risk of infection and skin irritation.
Potential side effects from both inhalers and nebulizers include:
Summary
Nebulizers and inhalers are two types of devices that deliver medication directly into the lungs. An inhaler uses pressure to deliver medication through a mouthpiece, while a nebulizer delivers a fine mist of medication through a mask worn over the nose and mouth.
Nebulizers may be easier to use than inhalers, especially for children. Because it’s easier to take in the medication, they can deliver a more accurate dose.
Inhalers, on the other hand, require coordination and correct technique in order to deliver the right amount of medication. With practice, inhalers can be just as effective as nebulizers.
A Word From Verywell
There is really no medical reason to change your device if the one you have has been working well for you and you have mastered the proper technique to use it. If you aren’t getting the benefit you think you should from your current device, speak with your healthcare provider to see if there are things you can do to improve its ease of use.
3 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Tashkin DP.A review of nebulized drug delivery in COPD.Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis. 2016;11:2585-2596. doi:10.2147/COPD.S114034
Ahmed M, Munir M, Sufyan A, et al.Metered dose inhaler technique: A priority catch for physicians.Cureus. 2020. doi:10.7759/cureus.10857
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