The quality of life that every individual gets to enjoy depends on various factors including breathing disorders such as asthma and COPD. It is important to treat such breathing ailments as soon as possible in order to enjoy a happy and healthy life. While there are multiple ways to manage lung disorders, the most common and effective way is delivering aerosol medication right into the lungs of the patient. This is where a portable nebulizer machine comes in handy. It allows for the easy and efficient delivery of relevant medications.
Nebulizers are devices that work by converting liquid medicines into a mist and then delivering that drug directly into the lungs, where they get absorbed by the patient’s respiratory system, providing immediate relief from breathing conditions. These devices have pediatric applications and they are also used by adults. Searching for the best portable nebulizer can be a daunting task with the wide range of products available on the market today. Here, we have prepared an extensive guide to help you make the best purchase. So, let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Applications of a Small Nebulizer Machine
The medicines delivered to the patient’s lungs using a nebulizer and the moisture of the mist help loosen secretions in the lungs and ease breathing issues. Depending on the type of medicine your doctor has prescribed, using a nebulizer will fulfill one of the following purposes:
Prevent Asthma Attacks
A nebulizer can be used to inhale long-term controller medication every day in order to reduce the frequency of the attacks and also keep airways healthy.
Provide Instant Relief from Symptoms of Asthma
Short-acting beta-agonists also referred to as rescue medications, play a role in reducing the symptoms of asthma.
Since portable nebulizers are easier to use as compared to DPIs or MDIs, they are a popular choice among patients and doctors. This is specifically true if the nebulizer is used to administer medication to young children and infants. Adults that find it difficult to use small inhalers can also benefit greatly from a nebulizer.
When it comes to inhalers, improper usage can cause the medication to remain at the back of the mouth. This can cause harsh side effects. With nebulizers, however, medications are measured prior to the treatment. All the patient needs to do is normally breathe through a mouthpiece or a mask and the correct dose of medication is delivered to the lungs.
Features to Consider When Buying a Portable Nebulizer Machine
Handheld or Tabletop?
When it comes to choosing between a handheld nebulizer and a tabletop one, it matters on the level of convenience the patient is looking for and how and where they plan to use the device. While some nebulizers can easily fit in the palm of the patient’s hand, others come with compressors attached that weigh several pounds.
In order to select the right size, first, decide whether you plan to use the nebulizer at home or you want the option to carry it wherever you want with ease. Patients that suffer from severe asthma find it quite difficult to travel without a nebulizer. If you fall in that category, it is best that you buy a portable model that you can easily carry with you at all times.
If you decide to travel by air, make sure to inform the relevant authorities of your medication and nebulizer to understand what medical items you can carry legally.
Adult or Pediatric?
While adult nebulizers come in a standard design, the pediatric ones come in fun patterns, colors, and shapes. This is because pediatric nebulizers aren’t only designed while keeping the medical needs of the patient in mind but they are also manufactured in a way that can help make the entire experience of using a portable nebulizer less stressful and anxiety-provoking for a child.
Delivery System
Every nebulizer is designed differently. Each uses a specific system or mechanism to deliver medication. The designs include the vibrating mesh, atomizer, and ultrasonic wave.
Vibrating Mesh Delivery System
Nebulizers have been featuring this system since 2005. A screen that has several thousand laser-drilled holes in it is positioned across the machine’s reservoir. This screen holds the medicine and creates a cool mist for the user to inhale. The vibrating mesh makes delivery simple and efficient. This is because it encourages reduced medication wastage as compared to atomizer models.
Atomizer
These nebulizers use a compressor to deliver medication. Atomizers are one of the most common models in which the compressor creates a fine, breathable mist by sending a jet of air right into the liquid medication attached.
Ultrasonic Models
When compares to atomizers that utilize compressors, ultrasonic models aren’t as loud or heavy. Having said that, today, a lot of atomizers are being upgraded to work more quietly. Ultrasonic wave nebulizers vaporize medicine by using high-frequency vibrations.
Noise Level
The noise level of a portable nebulizer machine is more of a personal preference than a logistical necessity. If you think that you need to be aware of the amount of time your child uses the nebulizer at night, a loud sound might be beneficial for you. However, adults often prefer quiet devices. Determine all your needs and make sure you opt for a product that helps fulfill them.
Speed of Delivery of Medication
When patients are in the midst of asthma attacks, the efficiency and speed with which they receive their medication using a nebulizer is crucial. Nebulizers can deliver medication from 4-8 liters in a minute. You can search for the airflow rate you need before you make your final purchase. Additionally, keeping a filter clean can help enhance the speed of your nebulizer device.
Best Portable Nebulizers
1) Zionstyle Mini Handheld Nebulizer
Whether you are suffering from allergies, colds, sinus problems, or any other respiratory disease, the Zionstyle Mini Handheld Nebulizer will prevent you from slowing down! Use this nebulizer as soon as you see the initial signs of congestion.
This small nebulizer machine is made using durable PP material that makes it steady and long-lasting. Patients can disinfect the masks and the cup by simply using boiled water. The simplicity of this machine makes it suitable for kids, the elderly, and adults. The package includes 1 main unit, 1 adult mask, 1 kid mask, 1 cup, 1 mouthpiece, 1 tubing, 1 string, and finally 5 pieces air filter cotton!
Dimensions: 10.3 x 8.1 x 5 inches
- Exactly like advertised
- Quiet purring noise
- Easy to use
- Works for any vaporous medication
- Quite heavy
Our rating: 
4.6 / 5
2) MAYLUCK Handheld Mesh Portable Nebulizer Machine
The MAYLUCK Handheld Mesh Portable Nebulizer is an ideal choice for individuals suffering from respiratory diseases. It comes with an upgraded self-cleaning function that prevents clogging. If the machine is blocked and doesn’t product mist, patients can simply start the auto-clean mode and the device will start operating normally.
This small nebulizer machine also features LED indicator lights. The blue light indicates that the machine is working properly. The red one indicates insufficient power, and the orange one shows that the machine is running out of medication. Since this unit comes with Waterless Detection Technology incorporated in the design, the nebulizer shuts automatically when there is no water in its cup. Additionally, it produces a noise of less than 25dB, allowing you to enjoy a quiet experience!
Dimensions: 3.94 x 1.77 x 1.77 inches
- Easy to operate for patients of all ages
- No medication wastage
- Creates fine, high-quality mist quickly
- Low operational cost
- Short-lived
- Battery life is quite short
Our rating: 
4.4 / 5
3) Feellife Handheld Cool Mist Nebulizer
The Feellife Handheld Cool Mist Nebulizer might be the perfect choice for patients looking for a device that works quietly. This machine produces a noise of less than 30dB, making it ideal to be used by kids, the elderly as well as adults. It features a detached fluid tank design that comes with a volume of 10cc, making it easier for users to clean and maintain the nebulizer.
This travel nebulizer is palm-sized; it weighs 4 ounces and is 3 inches high. The compact size of this nebulizer makes it ideal to be carried during travel. It also comes with built-in rechargeable batteries, allowing you to use the device at home as well as on the go. Along with batteries, the package includes a complete set of high-quality accessories that help optimize the entire experience!
Dimensions: 7.32 x 4.37 x 3.27 inches
- Excellent vapor mist production
- Very portable
- Lightweight
- Easy to handle
- Charge lasts a long time
- Occasional leakage complaints
Our rating: 
4.3 / 5
4) Zionstyle Handheld Mesh Nebulizer
Individuals suffering from breathing issues due to nasal mucus, cough, rhinitis, sore throat, fever, asthma, or any other disease can benefit greatly from the Zionstyle Handheld Mesh Nebulizer. This device offers instant relief by producing super fine mist for optimal absorption. You can use this high-quality nebulizer to clear your air passages. This in result can help ease discomfort in your throat and nose.
The Zionstyle travel nebulizer is easy to operate for adults, kids, and the elderly. All you need to do is pour the saline solution into the built-in cup and simply turn the power on. The machine operates for about 15 minutes to produce cool, fine mist and then automatically shuts off if there is no saline solution or water in the cup. Lightweight and compact, this nebulizer is perfect for travel use!
Dimensions: 5.82 x 5.74 x 2.71 inches
- Highly functional
- Easy setup
- Powerful, portable nebulizer
- High-quality and durable
- Long-lasting
- Medication wastage
- Occasional leakage problems
- Battery life is very short
Our rating: 
4.0 / 5
Bottom Line
We hope that with the aforementioned list of best portable nebulizer machines, you found something worth your while. Make sure you consider the buying guide and understand all the important features to consider before you make a final decision. With our guide, you will be able to end up with the most exceptional and advanced design available on the market!
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