Asthma: How to Use a Nebulizer

• Make sure air compressor is plugged into outlet
• Use clean nebulizer and medicine cup
• Measure amount of saline and medication (or premixed medicine) ordered and place in nebulizer medicine cup
• If it is time for both prevention medicine and rescue medicine, it is okay to add both to the chamber
• Attach air tubing to nebulizer and machine
• Attach mask or mouthpiece to nebulizer cup
• Placement to the patient:

1. Mouthpiece: Place mouthpiece in your mouth between your teeth and close lips tightly. It is important to breathe in from the mouth, out from the nose. Until the technique is mastered, plug the nose during inhalations.
2. Face mask: Attach to the face with the elastic band if possible (the further it is from the face the more medicine escapes and the treatment loses effectiveness).

• Hold nebulizer upright
• Turn machine on (there should be a mist coming from nebulizer)
• Continue until all medication is gone (about 7-10 minutes). When the mist slows, you can shake the medicine cup and flick it with your finger to help the last drops of medication be nebulized.

Cleaning correctly and as directed will help prevent infections that can be caused by germs that grow on or in dirty nebulizers. Follow your manufacturers instructions if they differ from below, but in general after each use:

• Remove tubing from nebulizer
• Take nebulizer pieces apart
• Rinse all parts (except tubing) in warm water
• Wash mouthpiece with soapy water
• Shake off excess water and allow to air dry
• If humidity builds up in the tubing, leave it attached to the air compressor and turn the compressor on for several minutes

Perform these steps every three to seven days while using your nebulizer. (If package directions differ, follow those.)

• Remove tubing from machine and nebulizer
• Place pieces in plastic bowl in warm soapy water and soak 20 minutes
• Rinse well in clean water
• Soak 20 minutes in 1 cup white vinegar and 4 cups water (or 1:4 ratio)
• Rinse well again in clean water and shake off excess water
• Wipe outside of machine with damp cloth
• Allow all pieces to air dry overnight

• Check air filter and replace as needed.
• Store all equipment in the casing provided or in a plastic bag when not in regular use.
• Replace tubing every 1-3 months.
• Replace the nebulizer (not the air compressor) every 3-6 months.
• Replace the mask or mouthpiece every 6 months.

Quick relief and rescue medications (Albuterol, Levalbuterol, Xopenex) 

• Use when wheezing or as otherwise directed
• Store in refrigerator for longer availability
• Throw medication vials away if discolored or if there are crystals

• Used daily to prevent wheezing by decreasing airway inflammation
• Continue daily use when having a flare up of wheezing
• Rinse mouth (and face if using a mask) after each use to prevent thrush

Learn more about asthma and how to manage it on our playlist.