Nebulisers – differences and uses

The nebuliser is part of an inhalation device that disperses the inhalation solution. Depending on its use, a nebuliser can generate either fine or very large aerosol particles. Find out here which is needed when and when to use a PARI nebuliser.

For an inhalation solution to be transported to the desired part of the airways, a fine mist needs to be generated from the inhalation solution. This mist is also called an aerosol. Aerosols generated by a nebuliser are not the same as bio-aerosols that we breathe out.

Aerosols can have different particle sizes. Depending on their size, they reach different parts of the airways. While large droplets are deposited in the nose and throat where they can act, very fine droplets can also be transported down to the fine branches of the lungs.

The nasal sinuses – a special case: Essentially, larger particles are trapped in the upper airways. If the aerosol is to reach the sinuses, fine droplets are required, as only these can pass through the fine openings (ostia). The actual key is, however, to use a pulsating aerosol.

Read more about it here: Inhalation therapy for sinusitis.

The nebuliser generates the aerosol from the inhalation solution. It is therefore the heart of the inhalation device, which in the case of a compressor-nozzle nebuliser such as the PARI BOY or the PARI COMPACT2. consists of a compressor and a nebuliser.

Nebulisers are very versatile. Any medication approved for nebuliser use can be inhaled with a nebuliser. Caution is advised if using ultrasound nebulisers, as they can damage certain medications and impair their effect. PARI supplies jet nebulisers and vibrating membrane nebulisers. The soothing inhalation of saline solutions is actually only achieved with a nebuliser. The inhalation of saline solutions with steam belongs to the mythical realms of fiction.

A nebuliser is the heart of the inhalation device, as it is the unit that turns the inhalation solution into the fine mist – the aerosol. PARI offers various nebulisers depending on which region of the airways are to be targeted. The different colours of the nebuliser inserts for PARI devices help to distinguish between the various particle sizes.