Home Nebulizer Supplies: What You Need and How to Care for Them

If you or someone you care for uses a nebulizer at home for asthma, COPD or another breathing condition, having the right supplies on hand, and keeping them clean, makes every treatment work better. Here's what you need and how to look after it.

What's in a home nebulizer kit

• The compressor. The machine that pushes air through the tubing to turn liquid medication into a mist.
• Tubing. Connects the compressor to the medication cup.
• Medication cup. Holds the liquid medication and turns it into mist.
• Mouthpiece or mask. A mouthpiece delivers more medication to the lungs, so it's usually preferred for adults and older children who can use one. A mask suits young children and anyone who can't hold a mouthpiece.
• Air filter. Keeps dust out of the compressor.
• Your prescribed medication, in the exact strength your prescriber ordered.

Keeping it clean

A dirty nebulizer can grow bacteria or mould, which you then breathe in. Follow your device's instructions, but as a general rule:

• After every treatment: rinse the medication cup and mouthpiece or mask in warm water, shake off the water and let the parts air-dry on a clean towel.
• Regularly: wash those parts in warm, soapy water, rinse well and air-dry. Many manufacturers also recommend a periodic disinfecting soak.
• Don't wash the tubing. Water trapped inside is hard to dry. Replace it if it gets wet or cloudy inside.
• Wipe the outside of the compressor with a damp cloth, and never put it in water.

When to replace parts

• Medication cup, mouthpiece and mask: these wear out and deliver less medication over time. Many manufacturers suggest replacing them every few months, or sooner if they're cracked or cloudy.
• Air filter: change it when it looks discoloured, or as the manufacturer recommends.
• Tubing: whenever it's cracked, stiff or has moisture inside.

It's worth keeping a spare medication cup and tubing at home, so a crack doesn't leave you without a treatment.

Is a nebulizer the only option?

For many people, an inhaler used with a spacer (a holding chamber) works as well as a nebulizer, and it's faster and portable. If treatments are taking a long time or are hard to manage, ask your pharmacist or doctor whether an inhaler and spacer could work for you.

Get supplies and advice at The Boardwalk

We can help you find replacement cups, masks, tubing and filters for your model. If we don't have your part in stock, we can order it. Bring your compressor's make and model, or a photo of its label. Visit us at 430 The Boardwalk or call (519) 578-3000.

If you're using your nebulizer more often than usual, or it's not relieving your symptoms, contact your doctor. That can be a sign your condition needs attention.