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An inhaler is a device commonly used to deliver medications in the form of an aerosol in the treatment of respiratory diseases, including asthma, lung diseases or common colds. It is almost mandatory equipment in every home where small children appeared. We have prepared a list of the five most popular inhalers in April 2020, based on data from the Skąpiec.pl online price comparison website.
What to look for when choosing an inhaler
The most popular pneumatic inhalers consist of a nebulizer into which we pour the medicine, a compressor that pumps air, a hose connecting the nebulizer with a compressor, a filter that catches dirt and a mask with a mouthpiece. The inhaler produces air that takes the medicine as a vapor with it and directs it into the patient’s mouth and nose, and on to the bronchi and lungs. It is an effective method of delivering antispasmodics, facilitating expectoration, and administering antibiotics, especially to young children.
For the therapy to be effective, the size of the vapor particles produced by the nebulizer should be between 1 and 5 microns (µm). This is related to the MMAD parameter, i.e. the average size of the aerosol particles and the respirable fraction (FR), i.e. the percentage of particles whose diameter is less than 5 microns (the larger the better). Secondly, the flow rate needed to break down the drug particles and the nebulization efficiency (the higher, the shorter the duration of a single treatment) are important. Other, equally important parameters are the volume level and the continuous operation time of the device. It should be remembered that, for example, the ratio of 30 minutes of work to 30 minutes of break may not be enough in the case of infection of the whole family or chronically ill people.
Microlife NEB 100B
The Microlife NEB 100B inhaler was ranked first in the popularity ranking this month. Its main features are an oval drug container with a large interior space, an aerosol efficiency of 0,35 ml / min and a particle size of 2,61 µm (MMD with 0,9% NaCl). The working volume is 56 dBa, so it is not bothersome. The device can work in 30 minutes of operation and 30 minutes of rest. The air drawn in from the outside allows the formation of an inhalation mist with very small particles and causes an additional increase in the inhalation speed. The set includes a compressor, nebulizer, airway, mouthpiece and inhalation masks for children and adults, and a nose tip.
Medium Professional
As the name suggests, this inhaler offers professional therapy while keeping the equipment small. It is recommended as equipment for medical facilities and patients who often use comprehensive aerosol therapy at home and care about high effectiveness of treatment. The nebulizer is activated by inhalation, so it allows you to make the most of the entire dose of the drug. The average particle size is 0.8 μm, so Medel Professional can be used to treat the upper and lower respiratory tract. The set includes a nasal tip, filters, masks for adults and children, Medel Jet Plus and Rhino nebulizers and accessories for sterilization.
Hope INHALATOR ZEPHYR ECN002
The low-budget Esperanza inhaler was in the third place of the most popular inhalers in April 2020. This compact compressor nebulizer will come in handy for home use. It is useful in the effective treatment of asthma, allergies and other respiratory diseases. The air stream passes through the conduit to the atomizer. When air is in the nebulizer, it converts the medicine into a spray that makes it easier to inhale. The particle size ranges from 0,5 to 10 μm and the nebulization efficiency is 40-70 ml / min. The device fulfills its basic function, but you have to remember that you will not get professional medical equipment at such a low price.
Philips Inhalator Home Neb HM3393
Philips Home Neb HM3393 is another device with a simple, compact design. It is easy to use and can nebulize most of the aerosol medications used to treat influenza, asthma and colds. The manufacturer used short treatment cycles of only 6 minutes in the inhaler, which will certainly be useful when treating children. The nebulization capacity is 0,3 ml / min. It is good equipment for use by all household members. The set includes masks for adults and children as standard.
Philips Respironics InnoSpire Elegance A pneumatic piston inhaler
Philips Respironics InnoSpire Elegance is the successor to the popular Pro model. This is really good quality equipment that delivers drugs quickly and efficiently. The Sidestream nebulizers have an active Venturi system that provides additional airflow beyond that provided by the compressor. As a result, the inhalation time can be significantly shorter than in other models (from 6 to 8 minutes for 2,5 ml of the drug). The devices are also easier to clean. This model can work for a long time without interruption, so several people in a row can use nebulization. The maximum flow is 8 l / min and the particles are as large as 2,9 µm.