How to Change a Nebulizer Mask

A nebulizer is a machine that uses compressed air to turn liquid medication into a breathable aerosol. This method of medication delivery is used to treat a variety of respiratory ailments because the aerosol can rapidly reach the lungs. To prevent infection and poor medication delivery, the mask and tubing should be replaced at least every 100 uses. The mask should be replaced sooner, if you notice cloudy build-up within the tubing or mask.

Instructions

• 1

  Unplug the nebulizer machine. Unplugging the machine while you are performing maintenance will prevent inadvertent electrical shock.

• 2

  Disconnect the air tubing from the nebulizer machine. The air tubing should be replaced each time you replace the nebulizer mask.

• 3

  Discard the used nebulizer and air tubing.

• 4

  Remove a replacement mask, medication cup and air tubing from the packaging.

• 5

  Inspect the medication cup, looking for cracks in the surface. Damaged cups should be discarded. Assemble the medication cup by placing the two halves together and twisting them.

• 6

  Insert the top of the medication cup into the cutout in the face mask. The top of the cup will have a wider opening that will fit snugly into the opening of the face mask. Connect the air tubing to the bottom of the medication cup. The bottom of the cup will have a narrow connector port which will slide into the air tubing.

• 7

  Unravel the air tubing, making sure there are no kinks or tangles in the line. Insert the end of the tubing into the nebulizer machine.