Nebulizer Mouthpiece Styles

Nebulizers are most often used by children and elderly people who can't hold their breath long enough for an inhaler to be effective. A nebulizer turns liquid medication into a mist form for easy inhalation. The medicine, typically an asthma medication, is poured into the chamber of the mouthpiece and a tube is connected from the mouthpiece to the nebulizer machine. Nebulizers are available in a variety of sizes and styles to fit your needs. There are options for mouthpieces as well to maximize comfort and effectiveness of the treatment.

Traditional

• Traditional nebulizers come with a plastic mouthpiece shaped like a mouthpiece you would find on a clarinet or recorder. They are flat and rounded on the end to fit the shape of the mouth. The end of the mouthpiece fits just inside the lips and pushes mist into the mouth. Traditional mouthpieces typically come with a universal nebulizer system. These include a nebulizer cup, mouthpiece and tubing to connect it to the machine. The mouthpiece is removable from the nebulizer cup for easy clean-up and sanitizing. Disposable mouthpieces are also usually available with traditional nebulizers.

Anti-Drool

• Anti-drool mouthpieces are similar to traditional mouthpieces in that they connect to the nebulizer cup and dispense mist. The difference is that they are more "T" shaped than round. The edge that goes into the mouth is wider and longer to allow a more custom fit inside the lips. This style forces the user to wrap their lips around the mouthpiece securely to keep it in place. This helps keep drool from spilling onto the chin.

Portable

• A portable nebulizer is a nebulizer that is hand-held and easy to transport. Some are as small as a wallet and fit easily in your pocket. They operate on battery power or plug into the cigarette lighter in a car. The mouthpiece and the mechanism to dispense medication is built directly into the machine, so there isn't a need for tubing and a medicine cup. The shape of the mouthpiece is similar to the traditional style that fits just inside the mouth. A valve opens and closes as the user breathes to keep air flow moving.

Pediatric

• Children are most commonly given a pediatric mask for a nebulizer. Incapacitated adults also will receive a nebulizer treatment this way if needed. The mask is much like a mask worn with an oxygen system. It has an elastic band that fits around the head, securing the mask over the nose and mouth. The tubing connects to the bottom of the mask and pushes the mist into the mask chamber. Pediatric masks come in animal and insect designs to encourage the children to cooperate with the treatment.