Which inhaler is better, compressor or ultrasonic?

Therapeutic inhalations are a useful procedure for a number of diseases. Not so long ago, everything was clear about the type of device used - either a steam medical device, or a saucepan or thermos. Today, in addition to steam, there are also electronic devices. Great variety is great and tempting, but it can also be confusing. Which inhaler should you choose?

The appearance of the device as a criterion is not very effective, you need to dig deeper - the principle of operation and efficiency do not depend on the design. It all depends on the type of disease that is supposed to be treated, the age and condition of the patients, as well as the composition of the medicinal mixture.

Steam inhalers have a number of medical contraindications, but what about compressor and ultrasonic inhalers? What is the range of their applications and the restrictions imposed on them? Are there any contraindications? Their advantages and disadvantages will be discussed in the article.

Compression inhaler

Design and principle of operation of a compression inhaler

The operating principle and design of the device are as follows: air is pumped under pressure into the nebulizer chamber with a medicinal product using a piston in a mini-compressor. Next, the resulting aerosol mixture enters the dispenser and is inhaled by the patient through the nozzle. There is a particle size regulator, depending on what disease is intended to be treated. This device is usually used to treat chronic diseases of the upper and lower respiratory tract.

Advantages of compression inhalers

The main advantages of the device include:

• Versatility - you can use the device with any medications, including herbal tinctures.
• As a rule, the nebulizer mount is located on the mask, which allows bedridden patients to use the device.
• The devices are equipped with an inhalation-exhalation valve, which allows you to save expensive medications by consuming them only during the inhalation phase.
• Relatively low price, in addition, the compressor does not affect the chemical composition of the medicinal mixture.
• Easy to use.

Disadvantages of household inhalers

The disadvantages of this design are:

• Large weight and dimensions due to the presence of a compressor.
• Noise produced during operation, which makes it difficult to use the device for treating sleeping infants.
• Mains powered.
• Dependence of the force of the supplied air stream on the force of inspiration.

Ultrasonic nebulizer

Design and principle of operation of ultrasonic inhalers

The operation of the device is based on the splitting of drug molecules through an ultrasonic signal obtained by vibrating the emitter plate.The result is a composition with very small particles (up to 5 microns), which allows it to easily penetrate the lungs and bronchi. The design operates silently, since ultrasound is not perceived by the human ear.

Advantages of ultrasonic inhalers

Design advantages:

• Herbal infusions, alkaline solutions (for example, Borjomi without gas), and essential oils dissolved in water are suitable for inhalation.
• Small dimensions and weight of the device.
• The power supply does not require connection to the network - there are batteries.
• Relatively low cost of the product.
• It is possible that additional masks and attachments are included in the package.
• Can be used for air humidification and aromatherapy.
• Small size of the resulting mixture particles.

Disadvantages of ultrasonic inhalers

Along with the advantages, there are also disadvantages:

• Some drugs are sensitive to ultrasound and are destroyed under its influence - a limited range of drugs used.
• The need to periodically purchase consumables - cups for gel and medicine.
• The distance for supplying the aerosol mixture does not exceed 15 cm; at a greater distance, the aerosol begins to lose its healing properties.
• As a result, it is inconvenient to use for infants and young children.

So which inhaler is better: compression or ultrasonic?

There is no clear answer to this question. The use of one or another type of device depends on the patient’s age, his condition, and the type of disease. Both types of devices have advantages over a conventional steam device, which has a number of medical contraindications.When treating chronic diseases, it is more reasonable to use the compressor version of the device due to the lack of impact on the chemical composition of the mixture.

When treating acute respiratory infections, as well as for the elderly and children, and also where there is no 220 volt network, an ultrasonic inhaler is unconditionally preferable. If you start from the price, there is not much difference, it all depends on the model and manufacturer, you will have to prepare from 2 to 5 thousand rubles for a decent model of any kind.