Nebulizer

Article Translations: (Spanish)

What is a nebulizer?

A nebulizer treatment ("neb") gives medicine as a fine mist that is breathed into the lungs through a mask or a mouthpiece. You will have a nebulizer machine and a nebulizer cup to put the medicine in.

How to use a nebulizer machine

For infants and young children - a face mask should be used

For older children and teens a mouthpiece can be used. Place the mouthpiece over the tongue and between the teeth. You should be able to see the mist at the opposite end disappear as the medicine is inhaled.

Sometimes more than one medicine will be used. Check with your doctor, respiratory therapist or pharmacist about mixing the medicines together. 

Hold the neb cup in an upright position for the whole treatment. The treatment will last about 7-10 minutes. Use either a facemask or a mouthpiece to deliver the medicine. Just blowing the medicine at the nose and mouth does not get the medicine into the lungs. 

How should I care for the equipment?

1. Clean and disinfect the neb cup at least once a day. Do not put the parts together or store them in a closed container until completely dry. When dry, keep the neb cup in a clean, dry, covered place. 
2. Use a non-disposable neb cup and replace every 6 months. Keep extra supplies on hand at home.  
3. Take apart the neb cup. 
4. Wash parts in warm soapy water, using liquid dish soap or Dreft® soap (these tend to leave less residue). Use a paper towel or small brush to clean parts well. 
5. Rinse parts in clean, warm water. 
6. Disinfect parts in one of these ways: 
   • Put parts in a pan and cover with tap water. Boil 5 minutes. 
   • Put parts in a bowl of water and microwave for 5 minutes. 
   • Use the “extra hot” or “sanitize cycle of your dishwasher (see below).
   • Use an electric steam sterilizer (see below).
   • Use a microwave steam sterilizing bag (see below). 
7. Let cool. Remove parts from water, place on clean paper towels, and let them air dry. 

For the electric steam sterilizer (such as Wabi), place nebulizer parts in the sterilizer and follow the manufacturer’s directions.  

If using the dishwasher, place nebulizer parts on the top rack and use the “extra hot” or “sanitize cycle”. 

You may also use microwave steam sterilizing bags (such as those used for breast pump supplies). Follow the manufacturer's directions. Once complete, remove the parts and place on clean paper towels until dry.  

Aerosol mask 

Wash the mask with warm soapy water, rinse with warm tap water, and wipe dry. 

Additional tips

• Write down the name of the company that supplied the machine in case you have problems or need more supplies. 
• Disconnect the tubing from the compressor after each treatment to keep it from becoming stuck.  

Questions?

This is not specific to your child but provides general information. If you have any questions, call your provider. 

Reviewed 1/2025

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