Best Nebulizer in India - Reviews and Comparison 2021

A nebulizer is broadly classified into three types, namely the compressor, mesh, and ultrasonic.

• Compressor/jet nebulizer

A compressor, also known as a jet nebuliser, produces a stream of compressed air by turning the liquid medication into mist or fog in small particle size of around 5 microns. Compressor nebulizers are the one which is ideal for all kind of medicines. So, you can put any medication into the chamber without thinking twice.

The liquid holding capacity of the chamber varies from one nebulizer to another. Usually, it can hold up to 10 ml of liquid medication. The jet nebulizers are a bit massive both in size and weight. Even the smallest model of compressor nebulizer can weigh around 1.5 kg and can have length, breadth and height of 11.5x18.5x13.5 cm respectively. Another downside is that they produce a little bit of noise.

Compressor nebulizer is available in the market in two models- tabletop and handheld models.

The compressor nebulizers are durable and can be used by both adults & babies. They are best suited for the common cold, tuberculosis, and other lung diseases. 

• Mesh/membrane nebulizer

Mesh is a modern type of nebulizer made using vibrating mesh technology. The principle used in this technology is vibrating laser-drilled mesh membrane which refines the medication droplet sizes into fine mist particles. In fact, the fluid particles are so minute that they can even reach the pulmonary alveoli. Conversion to such a tiny size of particles ensures that there is zero wastage of medication.

This type of nebulizer is compact and therefore, lightweight. The weight doesn’t exceed 120-150 grams. And it is small enough that you can even carry it in your pocket. They are not only convenient to carry but to use as well. Usually, they are powered by a battery. Hence you can use it wherever and whenever you want.

The chamber capacity of a mesh nebulizer lies between 7-15 ml. The nebulizer is suitable for all-kids, children, and adults. Due to high portability, mesh nebulizer is preferred by patients with asthma and suffering from other such respiratory diseases. The only disadvantage is that mesh nebulizers are costly.

• Ultrasonic nebulizer

The ultrasonic nebulizers successfully disperse the liquid particles of around 5 microns. The size of particles is such that it easily reaches even the hard-to-reach areas of the bronchi. Metal plates are used to create vibration due to which the machine can create a high-frequency ultrasonic flow. This helps in converting the liquid into a fine mist.

Out of three types, ultrasonic nebulizers have a small chamber capacity, i.e. around 8 ml. However, the nebulizer rate is pretty good - up to 2 ml/min. An ultrasonic nebulizer is slightly heavier than a mesh nebulizer and weighs around 500 grams. One of the features they share with compressor nebulizers is that they also produce noise, although a little less than the compressor nebulizer. Ultrasonic is available only for handheld models.

This nebulizer is the right choice for anyone from baby to adult for treating problems like asthma, bronchitis, common cold, cough, and rhinitis. 

Unlike the other two types of inhaler, there are a few medication restrictions when it comes to the ultrasonic nebulizer. Therefore, doctor recommendation is mandatory while buying ultrasonic nebulizer.

The nebulization rates refer to the pace at which the medical mist reaches the lungs. More nebulization rate means, quick relief from the pain. In other words, the nebulization rate is directly proportional to the pace at which the relief is attained.

A nebulizer with a higher rate is better, especially if you are facing severe breathing trouble. Only a machine with a higher rate can provide instant relief. The higher rate also means that the time required for the treatment reduces significantly. The recommended range of nebulization rate lies between 0.25 ml/min and 0.5 ml/min.

A nebulizer that delivers a small particle size should be preferred because when the particle size is tiny; medicine reaches the lungs without getting wasted. Also, fine particle size medicine easily gets absorbed by the lungs.

Usually, particle size must be between 1 micron and 5 microns. The small size ensures that the medicine quickly penetrates through the respiratory tract, providing spontaneous relief.

The capacity of the chamber determines the amount of medicine a nebulizer can hold. That’s simple, a nebulizer with a bigger room can store more medication, and therefore, providing more dosage while using it. The recommended chamber capacity range should be between 8 ml and 10 ml.

The air filter is one of the most critical components of a nebulizer. Therefore, make sure that the nebulizer machine comes with a high-quality filter.

If the filter is not working efficiently due to being clogged, the machine adds more pressure to the compressor, thereby affecting the durability of the inhaler. Moreover, the performance of the machine will decrease rapidly and will fail to provide a high velocity of mist.

A machine, with a filter of high calibre and easy to clean process, should be purchased.

Two types of designs are available when it comes to a nebulizer: portable and tabletop. A tabletop model works well as long as you are going to use it at home. However, if you are a frequent traveller, a portable model should be your choice.

• Tabletop nebulizer:

The tabletop nebulizer is for home users. Once placed at a sturdy and still surface, they are rarely moved. This model of nebulizer is usually cost-effective and generally come with a more extended warranty period. These inhalers are suitable for both kids and adults. Due to being heavy, they are not feasible to take along where ever you go. And this is not a battery-operated model, so you will need an electric output.

• Handheld nebulizer:

Handheld, as the name goes, are portable and compact nebulizer. They are compatible with most of the power sources, including AC cords (12V DC auto adapter or battery). Due to being battery-operated, you need to ensure they are always fully charged.

The steam can be delivered to the mouthpiece or inhaler mask in three modes, and they are as follows:

• Continuous

Continuous mode is the most inefficient mode of delivery medication as the medicine is supplied non-stop, whether the patient is breathing or not. In this system, the drug is not consumed fully. In fact, only 20-30% of mist reaches the lungs.

• Manual control

In this also, the vaporisation process happens continuously; however, you can block the flow of aerosol by pressing a button designed for the same. This ensures no wastage of medication.

• Automatic

This is the best delivery system. The inhaler creates a medicinal cloud, only at the time of inhaling. While exhaling, the flow is automatically blocked. The automatic flow happens due to special electronic sensors and valves. In an automated medication delivery system, loss of fluid gets minimised.

Nebulizer machine does make noise especially compressor and ultrasonic. If you want to inhale the medicine peacefully, a mesh inhaler is for you. The sound produced by such a type of nebulizer is not more than 20 dB.

The sound level of ultrasonic nebulizers remains between 40-45 dB. Compressor nebulizers are the noisiest as they produce sound levels of 45-55 dB.

If you commute daily or travel often, you need a nebulizer that is small and compact and enough to be fit inside a bag or pocket. The need for a nebulizer may occur anytime. Whether or not you have severe lung-related problems, if you are not at home, you must carry an inhaler.
Besides, dimension or size, the build also includes the weight of the machine. You must take into account all the discussed factors before you opt for a nebulizer.

There are a few other add-on equipment that must be attached to the central unit of the nebulizer, including a mask, air filter, mouth valve.

Mask

Mask is necessary add-on equipment. While buying a machine, another thing to be considered is that the nebulizer allows the usage of interchangeable masks. This feature comes in handy if you have more than one person in the household using the machine.

Interchangeable masks mean one machine in the house and saving both time and money.

Filter

The filter attached to the nebulizer needs to be changed quite often for the adequate performance of the machine. Therefore, ensure that the machine comes with at least 3 to 5 additional filters, so that you can change as each of them wears out.

Different parts of the respiratory system get affected by different respiratory tract disease. The particle size of the mist is decisive for ensuring the location where they are deposited upon inhalation. Larger medicine particles get deposited in the upper respiratory tract, while smaller medicine particles reach the lower respiratory tract. Upper respiratory tract diseases include a runny nose (or rhinitis) and chronic sinusitis, while COPD, asthma, bronchitis and bronchiolitis are a few examples of lower respiratory tract diseases. Therefore, get a nebuliser supplying the correct particle size for treating the disease.

A machine with a high level of nebulized active ingredient is right for COPD and asthma. While for patients with multiple respiratory tract diseases, a nebuliser producing different particle sizes are better.

Nebulizer machine is not that simple to use. Therefore, get one whose mechanism you understand well and find easy to use. Some nebulizers come with various accessories and parts, which may be challenging to put together. If the machine is not assembled correctly, then it will not do the job.

Also, get a nebulizer machine that is easy to assemble and disassemble for cleaning purpose.

Brand name plays an important role everywhere including while buying a nebulizer. A good brand is equivalent to good after-sale service, great build and efficient mechanism to deliver the medication.

A good brand name is no less than a warranty for getting a good product. To get the best value for your money, go for a branded nebulizer.

Although the nebulizers have a long life. However, because of lack of maintenance and cleaning, some parts can get degrade, especially the mouthpiece and the mask. Therefore, the spare parts should be readily available in the market for the machine you intend to buy.

You can get the spare parts either online or at a local medical store.

When it comes to health, never make any compromise. The nebulizer rate varies as per its type. Compressor or jet type is cheaper than mesh or membrane nebulizer type. Beside, nebulisers are available at several rates. You can get a decent, branded inhaler for approximately ₹ 2,000. Moreover, this is a matter of health; price should be of the least importance.

While buying a technical product, it is essential to check the warranty provided for the same. A nebulizer coming with at least six months warranty period should be preferred. A longer period is more convenient to demand a replacement or to get the machine fixed if there is any problem.

You commute daily, so you must get yourself a portable nebulizer, and compressor nebulizers are anything but portable. You can buy a mesh nebulizer and no worries about money as you can get a mesh nebulizer at almost the same price as a compressor nebulizer (Check our product 6).

You can experience the effects of a nebulizer in 5 minutes if not immediately. This effect remains for about 4-6 hours at most. However, it can vary from medication to medication and individual to individual.

If you will put water in the chamber and then inhale the water vapours, that includes oxygen. However, that can potentially fill up your lungs with water vapour. Hence, never do that.

Typically, a nebuliser can be used 3 to 4 times a day. If you are using it under a doctor’s supervision, then you can use the machine as per the doctor’s recommendation.

Don’t forget to read the safety instructions before using a nebulizer as it varies from product to product.

The standard rules you must follow while using a nebulizer are as given below:

• Wash your hands properly with soap before using the machine.

• Make sure that the nebulizer and all the accessories are clean before you use it.

• Pour the medicine into the nebulizer cup. Connect the tube to both the compressor and the cup. They should be further connected to the mouthpiece or nebulizer mask to the cup’s top.

• Switch on the device. Wear the face mask properly. Hold the mouthpiece cautiously.

• Start by taking slow and deep breaths. Hold your breath for minimum 2-3 seconds before exhaling. Continue the process until the medicine is finished. Take a few deep breaths. You can even cough so that the secretions are cleared.

• Turn off the device.

• Properly clean the mouthpiece and medication cup before putting the machine back to its place.

Clean the device after every use to ensure there is no growth of bacteria. Lack of cleanliness can even clog up the tube and increase the risk of infection. You can refer to following pointers to clean the machine properly:

After each use:

• Disassemble the unit by removing the mouthpiece/mask and T-shaped connector from the nebulizer cup. Keep the tube aside (never put it in water), no need to clean it Since only clean air passes through it.

• Rinse the mouthpiece/mask, cup, top piece, and T-shaped connector using warm water. You can soak these parts in warm water for 30 seconds.

• After drying them, reassemble the entire kit and connect to the compressor. Run it for around 10-20 seconds to dry the nebulizer completely.

• Disconnect the tubing, keep the nebulizer in a sealed cover, and the compressor back in the storage bag.

Note: If you use a nebulizer more than once a day, wash the nebulizer kit at the end as per the above-mentioned steps. As far as mask or mouthpiece is concerned, wash it using a mild soap.

Weekly:

Clean the nebulizer thoroughly a minimum of once a week.

• Clean the mouthpiece/mask, medicine cup, and T-shaped connector, as mentioned above regularly.

• Soak all these parts in a cleaning solution (made of two parts of sterile water with one part of white vinegar) for half an hour.

• Throw this solution. Rinse all these parts in warm running water for a minute or so.

• Dry all the parts.

• Once dry, reassemble the entire kit and connect it to the compressor. Run it for around 10-20 seconds to dry the nebulizer completely.

• Never wash the compressor and clean it using only a damp cloth.

• Cover the compressor with a dry cloth or store it in a bag.

Nebulizer calls for proper maintenance for long life. The filters get dirty, and the channels get clogged over a while. The mask, mouthpiece, and tubing also degrade. Here are some quick and essential maintenance tips to keep the nebulizer functional.

• Refer to the manufacturer’s instruction on cleaning the device.

• Do not use one mask for an extended period, even if it looks fine. Disposable masks are made for using only 5-7 times. The masks can be used for a maximum of 6 months.

• Clean tubing from outside and replace it as and when required.

• Replace the worn or cracked down part.

• Never keep the compressor on the floor neither at the time of treatment nor while storing.

• Do not keep the parts of the nebulizer unprotected, especially when you have pets or kids at home. 

• Keep the compressor away from liquid.

• Keep parts in a zipper bag.

• Wash your hands properly before and after using a nebulizer.

Filter change is essential to inhale clean air and effective treatment procedure. Moreover, clean filters add to the life of the entire unit. Here are some quick pointers for buying new filters.

• Buy filters made specifically for your nebulizer.

• Prepare a regular schedule for replacing the filters. If the filter looks dirty even before the recommended time, feel free to replace it. Check the manual for changing instructions.

• Keep extra filters handy as you get a pack of 3, 5, or 10 filters.

Dr. Trust is a well-known name in the market of healthcare devices. Healthcare professionals often recommend products manufactured by the brand as they are of supreme quality.

Our comparison winner is a compressor nebulizer, designed as a tabletop machine. It is compact, and, therefore, it can be easily packed in your bag and carried along as per your need. Further, the comfortable grip makes it easier to take almost anywhere.

The nebulizer machine has a chamber capacity of 8ml, and the nebulization rate lies between, 0.5 ml/min to 5 ml/min. It has been designed using RespiRight technology, providing a powerful air discharge.

The compressor nebulizer comes with five air filters, making it a smooth process to use a new one after the old filter is worn out. Also, it comes with two masks, one for adult and one for the child.

The atomiser ensures that the medicine is delivered in size as small as 0.5 microns to provide instant relief. Not only this, but such tiny particles also control the wastage of medication at the time of breathing out. Interestingly, this nebulizer can be rotated in 360 ̊, making it more convenient to use.

Your medicine goes under three layers of filtration, ensuring you get a complete dosage in superfine particles. You get the medication into a cold mist that directly reaches the lungs without any difficulty. Moreover, oil-less pumping also makes the machine easy to use.

The machine is fit for both adults and child, mainly when it produces the minimal sound of less than 55dB. Furthermore, it requires very minimal maintenance and comes with six months warranty.

Handynab is another renowned brand for medical equipment and related products, and its Nulife Pistontype Compressor Nebulizer has bagged the second position on our list of top seven nebulizers.

As mentioned in the name, it is a piston-type compressor nebulizer that delivers medicine at high pressure. Its chamber capacity is a little less than our winner and stands at 5ml. Another crucial feature is the nebulization rate which is impressive for this machine as it delivers 0.2ml medicine per minute.

The nebulizer machine offers a maximum pressure of 2.5 bar, and with that level of pressure, it is capable of providing up to 8 LPM airflow for easy inhalation. Its powerful piston-type compressor offers fine particle size ranging between 0.5 to 5 um. Being a compressor type nebulizer it does make noise, although as low as 55dB.

The nebulizer has a fantastic running capacity. You can use it for up to 60 mins at once, making it an excellent choice for those with significant respiratory distress.

The machine is backed with safety features as well. It has a safety fuse to avoid unnecessary usage. Also, there is an anti-shock bag with a handle that helps you in carrying the kit quickly and anywhere.

The brand provides a complete nebulizer kit consisting of a nebulizer, carry bag, warranty card, user manual, mask kit, and pump. The machine is backed by a one year warranty period. Speaking of accessories and spare parts, you can easily get that both online and offline.

Omron is a brand with a history of 80 years. With that number, you can be sure that the manufacturers have a tremendous amount of awareness in this domain. Their products are popular and very much preferred by both doctors and the public at large.

We have chosen two nebulizers from the brand; another one is a mesh nebulizer ranked seventh.

Our first choice from the brand is a NE C28 Compressor Nebulizer which is suitable for all, be it, kids, children, or adults.

The nebulizer has been made using Virtual Valve technology which is known for highly efficient nebulization. It has a 7 ml medication capacity and a nebulization rate of 0.4-millilitre per minute.

This powerful nebulizer from Omron runs on 138 VA power and gives MMD of 5 um, ensuring minimum residual of medication.

The nebulizer is best suited for both kids and adults. And it is a machine which is easy to use and clean. The best thing doesn’t end here, NE C28 comes with whopping three years of warranty.

If you are looking for a nebulizer at the least price possible, then Pulmo-Elite CN 500 from HealthSense is the right fit for you.

HealthSense is known for making healthcare products that are used at home daily for a regular health check-up. The brand is preferred by most for providing the right quality products at a reasonable rate. The device is small and compact due to which it easier to keep it in a place with less space. However, the machine is slightly higher on the weight side, which can be a difficulty in carrying it around.

Kudos to the efficient compressor air technology, you will attain relief in no time even during the severe condition. The particle size is diminished to as small as 1 µm and 5 µm, ensuring the maximum amount of liquid is converted into the mist. Further, the rapid nebulization rate of more than 0.25 ml/min helps medicine in reaching it deep within the lungs in no time. The polymer filters of the machine further enhance its ability in regulating the flow of the drug.

Another essential feature of a nebulizer remains chamber capacity, and this one lived up to our expectations even in that area as the medicine holder has an 8 ml of capacity. The capacity is certainly enough for one dosage.

The machine is easy to use. Additionally, a built-in nebulizer holder, one-button operation, and oil-less pumping make the whole process even smoother. On top of it, the valve of the device can be rotated, making the machine convenient to use.

Last but not least, the CN 500 is a low maintenance nebulizer and doesn’t make much noise.

Agaro is a professional brand with a unique space in the medical industry. It offers products in various categories that come with extremely prominent features. And to continue the trend, AGARO NB-21 Compressor Nebulizer comes with 5 Air filters, Adult & Child Mask and gets featured on our top seven nebulizer list.

For starters, it has been made using aerosol technology which judiciously utilises the medicine and drastically minimises wastage. It delivers a particle size of 0.5 microns to 8 microns which quickly penetrates through the respiratory tract smoothly. The pressure in which mist is given is also relatively high, lying between 10 to 40 PSI. Moreover, the nebulization rate is about 0.2 ml/min.

A third and most important feature for a nebulizer is its chamber capacity, and with a 6 ml capacity, AGARO NB-21 made us happy in that area as well.

One of the unique features of the nebulizer is that it has an in-built storage case where you can store a 2 m long cord comfortably. The oil-less pumping technology further reduces your maintenance burden.

We were pretty impressed by the five air filters that come with the machine as each one can be used 160 times! A single touch can switch on the machine, and it operates at a negligible noise of less than 60 dB.  Moreover, NB-21 comes with a warranty period of 1 year.

Mesh nebulizers have occupied the last two spots. Amongst the two, the first spot again goes to Dr. Trust. So, clearly, when we talk about medical appliances, Dr. Trust is hard to beat.

Mesh nebulizers are famous for being lightweight, portable and noiseless. Dr. Trust’s this mesh nebulizer has all three features (and much more) in it.

We like the portable ultrasonic mesh nebulizer as it gets full marks on our scoreboard consisting of the top three features- nebulization rate, chamber capacity, and particle size. The average nebulization rate of 0.25ml/min and 0.5 microns particle size ensures maximum medicine reaches your lungs in no time. Moreover, with 10ml medication capacity, it is better than our other top nebulizers.

Dr. Trust portable nebulizer is a battery-operated machine that either needs 2x AA batteries or a USB cable to operate. The nebulizer has a power indicator as well as a low-power indicator which keeps you alert and ensure you get the medicine right away at the time of emergency.

The last nebulizer on the list comes from the already and most talked brand- Omron. The NE-U100 is a portable mesh nebulizer. It comes with three years warranty period, which is more than enough, for starters. However, this is not the only area where the product wins our heart. This pocket-size, battery-operated nebulizer also have a 10ml chamber capacity. Moreover, the particle size of 4.5µm and nebulization rate of more than 0.25 ml/min is right for anyone suffering from severe respiratory problems and need instant relief.

NE-U100 is a nebulizer that is easy to use due to its one-button and 360° operation.

It is an ultra-light, portable device made especially for respiratory problems like lower airways, asthma, bronchitis, bronchiolitis, and COPD. The device is almost noiseless as it produces a 20dB sound. Moreover, it comes with a complete kit consisting of MicroAir U100 Nebuliser, unit cover, medication container, mesh cap, mask adapter, mouthpiece, adult mask (PVC), child mask (PVC), pouch, instruction manual, and 2x Batteries (AA/LR6).