Do You Need a Prescription for a Nebulizer?

What You Can (and Can’t) Buy Without One

Do you need a prescription for a nebulizer? You probably want a straight answer, but it’s a little more complicated.

The short version: sometimes, yes.

The answer depends on the kind of nebulizer you're looking for. Some types—especially the ones covered by insurance—do require a prescription. But there are OTC nebulizer options available too, including portable models that you can purchase directly.

If you're trying to buy a nebulizer without a prescription, this guide will walk you through what’s allowed, what’s not, and how to make sure you’re getting a reliable device that fits your needs.

When Do You Need a Prescription for a Nebulizer?

What the FDA says

Technically, nebulizers are classified as prescription medical devices by the FDA. That means traditional models like the large plug-in compressor types require a doctor’s order when purchased through insurance or a medical supplier.

But here's the nuance most people miss: that classification doesn’t mean all nebulizer machines are locked behind a prescription.

If you’re paying out of pocket, you can legally buy certain portable nebulizer machines—especially mesh nebulizers—from retailers without a prescription. These are often marketed for convenience, travel, or home use.

TruNeb’s no-prescription nebulizer machine is a great example. It’s a battery-powered mesh nebulizer designed to be user-friendly, lightweight, and available without going through insurance or a medical provider.

Prescription for the medication, not always the machine

Even if you can buy the nebulizer itself without a prescription, you’ll still need one for the medication it’s designed to deliver.

Common respiratory meds like albuterol, ipratropium, and budesonide are prescription-only in the USA. 

So yes—you can buy a nebulizer without a prescription, but unless your doctor has already prescribed the medication you plan to use with it, you won’t get very far. Always check with your provider, especially if you’re switching devices or treatment plans.

Do you need a prescription for saline for nebulizer therapy? 

The one solution you don’t need a script for is hypertonic saline for nebulizers. This medical-grade saline has a high salt content, and many people who suffer from conditions like cystic fibrosis use it to loosen mucus in the lungs. 

Normal saline can also be purchased without an order online.

Types of Nebulizers — Which Are Covered, Which Aren’t

Jet nebulizers: The standard nebulizer covered by insurance

If you're going through insurance, chances are the device being offered is a jet nebulizer, also called a compressor nebulizer.

These are the standard machines that sit on a table, plug into a wall, and use air pressure to turn medication into mist. They work well, but they’re bulky, noisy, and not designed for convenience. They're often the only type of home nebulizer machine that insurance will reimburse. That’s mainly because they’ve been around a long time and are considered durable medical equipment.

But if you’re looking for something smaller or more flexible, insurance may not be the right way to go. 

Portable nebulizers are often purchased out-of-pocket

Portable nebulizer machines are a different story.

These handheld devices are quiet, compact, and run on rechargeable batteries. They’re perfect for travel, daily use outside the home, or anyone who doesn’t want to be tethered to a plug during treatment.

Because they’re newer and not always classified the same way, most insurance plans don’t cover them—which is why many people choose to buy one out-of-pocket.

The TruNeb™ Portable Nebulizer is a great example. It’s a lightweight mesh nebulizer you can buy without a prescription, and it’s built to be easy! No tubes, no noise, no waiting on approvals.

Can You Use Insurance, HSA, or FSA to Buy a Nebulizer?

Health insurance coverage

If you’re going the insurance route, you’ll usually need:

• A prescription from your doctor
• A diagnosis of a qualifying condition (like asthma or COPD)
• A provider that classifies nebulizers as durable medical equipment (DME)

Even then, nebulizer insurance coverage is often limited to jet compressor models. If you’re hoping to get a quieter or more portable version covered, it’s worth checking with your insurer, but most won’t reimburse anything outside that standard category.

Is a nebulizer FSA eligible? 

Here’s the good news: nebulizers are generally eligible expenses under both HSA and FSA accounts.

But there’s a catch. Not every OTC nebulizer can be purchased using those cards, especially if the seller doesn’t have proper documentation or setup.

TruNeb accepts HSA and FSA cards, so if you're planning to use one of those benefits, you’re good to go.

Before buying elsewhere, it’s smart to double-check the retailer's or HSA/FSA provider’s policy. Just because a device is eligible doesn’t mean the card will be accepted at checkout.

Buying a Nebulizer Without a Prescription

What you can buy today

Yes, it’s possible to buy a nebulizer without a prescription, as long as you’re buying the device itself and not the medication.

Today, a wide range of portable nebulizer machines are available over the counter (OTC), especially mesh models like TruNeb. These are designed for personal use and don’t require insurance or a doctor’s note to purchase like most compressor/jet nebulizers. 

You may also be able to buy saline solution for your nebulizer without a prescription, depending on how it’s packaged. 

Where to Buy (and What to Look For)

You can buy a nebulizer online from a range of retailers, but not all devices are created equal.

Here’s what to look for in a portable nebulizer:

• Clear return/exchange policies
• Compatibility with your prescribed medications
• Replaceable mesh nozzles
• Whether they accept HSA or FSA cards (TruNeb does!)
• FDA approval
• A seller that doesn’t solely operate off of Amazon

Not all nebulizers require a prescription, but choosing the right one still takes a little research. If you’re ready to buy a reliable, easy-to-use device without waiting on insurance, look for a portable mesh nebulizer that’s compatible with your prescribed meds and accepts HSA or FSA cards. TruNeb checks all those boxes—and ships fast.

Get a nebulizer without a prescription→

*Article reviewed by a licensed Registered Respiratory Therapist