A nebuliser turns liquid medication into a mist the patient breathes in, which is useful when someone is too breathless, too young or too weak to use an inhaler properly. What goes into it is entirely the doctor’s decision. What we supply is the device, the demonstration, and the part everyone underestimates — the cleaning routine. Where oxygen has also been prescribed, we rent oxygen concentrators as well.
When a nebuliser is used
- Asthma — during an exacerbation, where prescribed.
- COPD — for prescribed bronchodilators, particularly during flare-ups.
- Chest infections — where the doctor has prescribed nebulised medication.
- Elderly and very young patients who cannot coordinate an inhaler.
- Patients too breathless to take a deep coordinated inhaler breath.
Using it properly
- Add only the medication and volume the doctor has prescribed — do not top up with anything.
- Sit the patient upright; lying down reduces how much medication reaches the lungs.
- Use a mouthpiece where the patient can manage one; a mask for children and very breathless patients.
- Breathe normally and steadily rather than gasping — slow breaths deposit more.
- Run it until misting stops, usually a few minutes, and tap the cup to bring down droplets.
- Rinse the mouth afterwards where the prescribed drug requires it.
Cleaning, which actually matters
An uncleaned nebuliser cup grows bacteria and delivers them straight into the lungs of someone with an existing respiratory problem. This is not a minor housekeeping point.
- Rinse the cup and mouthpiece after every single use and air dry them completely.
- Wash with warm soapy water daily, rinse thoroughly and dry.
- Disinfect as the manufacturer specifies, typically weekly.
- Never reassemble it wet, and never share a cup or mask between patients.
- Check and change the air filter on schedule.
Frequently asked questions
What is a nebulizer used for?
It converts liquid medication into a mist the patient breathes in, used for prescribed medication in asthma, COPD and chest infections, and for patients — often elderly or very young — who cannot coordinate an inhaler.
Do I need a prescription for nebulizer medication?
Yes. The medication and dose are decided entirely by the treating doctor. We supply and demonstrate the device; we do not advise on what to put in it.
How do I clean a nebulizer?
Rinse the cup and mouthpiece after every use and air dry completely. Wash with warm soapy water daily, disinfect as the manufacturer specifies (usually weekly), never reassemble wet, and change the air filter on schedule. An uncleaned cup delivers bacteria straight to the lungs.
Can a nebulizer treat severe breathlessness?
No. It delivers prescribed medication, but it is not a rescue treatment. If the patient is struggling to breathe, cannot speak in sentences, or is turning blue around the lips, call 108 or go to hospital immediately.
Should I rent or buy a nebulizer?
For a short course during an illness, renting makes sense. For a patient with ongoing asthma or COPD who will use it regularly, buying a personal unit is usually more practical since nebuliser cups should never be shared. The same rent-or-buy question applies to the rest of the medical equipment on rent.
Need a nebulizer at home in Bangalore?
Tell us how long it is needed for and we will advise whether renting or buying makes more sense.