💡TL;DR: Nebulizers deliver medicated or sterile saline mist to the lungs; steam inhalers provide warm moisture for short-term comfort in the nose and throat. Home nebulizers typically cost about $40–$100+ while steam inhalers are about $30–$70; nebulizers may be covered by Medicare Part B when medically necessary,

💡TL;DR: Clean after each use; disinfect weekly. Use a 1:3 white vinegar-to-water soak for 20–30 minutes, or 70% isopropyl alcohol for 5 minutes or 3% hydrogen peroxide for 30 minutes; only use heat if your manual says parts are heat-safe. Do not wash the tubing or compressor;

💡TL;DR: Most mild acute bronchitis gets better in 2–3 weeks without inhaled medicines, but a nebulizer can quickly ease symptoms if you are wheezing or short of breath. For many people, an inhaler with a spacer works as well as a nebulizer when used correctly; typical treatments take

💡TL;DR: Clean your spacer weekly with warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap, then air-dry completely without wiping to reduce static and germs. A detergent wash can improve medication delivery by up to 50% compared with an unwashed plastic spacer (PubMed). Plan for 5–15 minutes

For best delivery, use one puff at a time, inhale slowly right after pressing, and hold your breath ~10 seconds, waiting 30–60 seconds between puffs. Spacers work with MDIs, not dry powder inhalers; clean and air-dry weekly and rinse and spit after steroid inhalers.

💡TL;DR: Never put Vicks VapoRub or any oils in a medical nebulizer. Use only sterile saline or prescribed, water‑based inhalation solutions because oils can reach the lungs and cause exogenous lipoid pneumonia, and thick ointments can clog or damage the device. For mentholated vapors, use devices made for

💡TL;DR: Both jet and mesh nebulizers deliver similar fine aerosol (MMAD ~3–5 μm) and effectively deliver most common medications. Mesh units are quiet, handheld, and typically finish a 2–4 mL dose in about 4–8 minutes; jet compressors are bulkier, louder, and often take 5–10 minutes.

💡TL;DR: Most reusable nebulizer parts (mask or mouthpiece, medication cup, tubing) should be replaced about every 6 months; disposables last 5–14 uses (roughly 1–2 weeks of daily therapy). Replace compressor air filters about every 6 months or sooner if discolored, and plan to replace the machine around

Can You Use a Nebulizer on a Dog? Yes. Dogs can safely use a nebulizer when a vet prescribes the medication and plan. The machine turns liquid medicine into a fine mist your dog breathes in, which can help open airways, loosen mucus, and deliver drugs directly to the lungs.