A nebuliser is a medical device that converts liquid medication into a fine, inhalable mist. You breathe this mist in through a mouthpiece or face mask, delivering the medication directly into your lungs. Treatments typically take 10 to 15 minutes per session.
Unlike a standard inhaler, which releases a single puff of medication, a nebuliser delivers a continuous stream of aerosolised medicine. This makes it particularly useful for people who struggle with the coordination required to use a handheld inhaler, or who need higher doses of respiratory medication.
The device works by breaking liquid medication into aerosol droplets roughly 2 to 5 micrometres in diameter. Particles in this size range are small enough to travel deep into the lower airways and lungs, where they can have the greatest effect. Larger particles tend to settle in the mouth and throat, while smaller ones may be exhaled without being absorbed.
Nebulisers are prescribed by healthcare professionals for a range of respiratory conditions. In the UK, you should only use a nebuliser with medication prescribed by your doctor, respiratory nurse, or specialist. The most common conditions treated with nebulised therapy include:
Asthma (severe or difficult to control): Patients who cannot use a standard metered-dose inhaler effectively, or who experience frequent severe attacks, may be prescribed nebulised salbutamol or corticosteroids.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Nebulisers can deliver bronchodilators and saline solutions during flare-ups or for ongoing home management when inhalers alone are insufficient.
Bronchiectasis: Hypertonic saline solutions help thin and clear thick mucus from damaged airways. Nebulised antibiotics may also be prescribed to treat or prevent lung infections.
Cystic Fibrosis: Regular nebulised treatments form a core part of daily management, delivering mucolytics, bronchodilators, and inhaled antibiotics.
Pulmonary Fibrosis: Saline nebulisation can help manage phlegm and improve comfort in some patients with fibrotic lung conditions.
Nebulisers are also used in clinical settings such as hospitals, GP surgeries, and ambulances for acute respiratory emergencies.
Compact, lightweight compressor nebuliser for home use. Comes with adult mask, mouthpiece, and carry bag.
There are three main types of nebuliser, each using a different mechanism to create the aerosol mist. The right choice depends on your medication, lifestyle, and budget.
Compressor nebulisers use a flow of compressed air that passes through a chamber containing the liquid medication. The air stream breaks the liquid into a fine mist of inhalable droplets. These are the most widely used type in the UK and are compatible with virtually all nebulised medications, including suspensions, antibiotics, and corticosteroids.
The trade-off is noise and size. Compressor nebulisers are louder than other types (typically 50 to 65 dB) and tend to be larger, making them best suited for stationary home use.
Mesh nebulisers pass the medication through a vibrating membrane perforated with thousands of microscopic holes. This creates an extremely fine, consistent mist without the need for compressed air. They are near-silent, highly portable, and often battery or USB powered, making them ideal for travel and on-the-go treatments.
The mesh membrane requires careful cleaning to prevent clogging, and not all mesh devices are compatible with every medication. Always check the manufacturer's guidance before use.
Ultrasonic nebulisers use high-frequency vibrations to turn the liquid medication into a mist. They operate quietly and are generally compact. However, the vibration process can heat the medication solution, which may degrade certain drugs. Ultrasonic models are not suitable for suspensions, some antibiotics, or corticosteroid preparations. They work best with simple saline solutions and certain bronchodilators.
| Feature | Compressor (Jet) | Mesh | Ultrasonic |
|---|---|---|---|
| How it works | Compressed air through liquid | Vibrating mesh membrane | High-frequency vibrations |
| Noise level | Medium to high (50 to 65 dB) | Very low (under 30 dB) | Low (30 to 40 dB) |
| Portability | Low (mains powered, larger) | High (battery/USB, pocket-sized) | Medium (compact, some battery) |
| Medication compatibility | All types (suspensions, antibiotics, steroids) | Most (check manufacturer guidance) | Limited (not suspensions or some antibiotics) |
| Treatment speed | 10 to 15 minutes | 5 to 10 minutes | 5 to 10 minutes |
| Price range | £30 to £155 | £40 to £150 | £50 to £200 |
| Best for | Home use, clinical settings, all medications | Travel, on-the-go, quiet treatments | Saline therapy, simple bronchodilators |
Both nebulisers and inhalers deliver medication to the lungs, but they work in fundamentally different ways and suit different situations.
A metered-dose inhaler (MDI) or dry powder inhaler (DPI) delivers a single, measured dose of medication in one or two puffs. It requires coordination: you must press the canister and breathe in at the right moment. Inhalers are small, portable, quick to use, and suitable for most people with asthma or COPD as a first-line treatment.
A nebuliser, by contrast, delivers a continuous mist of medication over 10 to 15 minutes. You simply breathe normally through the mask or mouthpiece. This makes nebulisers better suited for:
People who struggle with inhaler technique, including very young children, elderly patients, and those with severe breathlessness or reduced dexterity.
Higher-dose treatments that cannot be delivered effectively through a standard inhaler, such as nebulised antibiotics or hypertonic saline for bronchiectasis.
Acute episodes in clinical settings, where rapid delivery of a bronchodilator is needed during a severe asthma attack or COPD exacerbation.
In most cases, a well-used inhaler with a spacer delivers medication just as effectively as a nebuliser. Your doctor will recommend a nebuliser only when an inhaler is not suitable or sufficient for your needs.
Advanced Valve Technology for precise medication delivery. Compatible with all standard nebulised medications. Includes adult and child masks.
Choosing the right nebuliser depends on four key factors: your prescribed medication, where you will use it, how often you need treatments, and your budget.
This is the single most important factor. If your medication is a suspension (such as budesonide), you need a compressor nebuliser. Mesh and ultrasonic devices cannot reliably nebulise suspensions. If you use saline solutions or standard bronchodilators, all three types will work.
For home use only, a compressor nebuliser offers the best value and widest medication compatibility. If you travel frequently or need treatments at work or school, a mesh nebuliser's small size, quiet operation, and battery power make it far more practical.
If you nebulise multiple times per day, look for a device with a durable compressor and readily available replacement parts. The Omron C28P and Medix AC2000 are designed for frequent home use. For occasional use during flare-ups, a simpler, less expensive model may be sufficient.
The nebuliser unit is a one-time purchase, but you will need to replace the nebuliser chamber, tubing, masks, and filters at regular intervals (typically every 3 to 6 months). Check that replacement parts are available and affordable for the model you choose.
A good nebuliser should produce particles in the 2 to 5 micrometre range for effective lower-airway delivery. Other useful features include a clear, graduated medication cup so you can see how much solution remains, an adjustable flow rate for comfort, and both mask and mouthpiece options.
Always follow the specific instructions provided by your healthcare professional and the device manufacturer. The general steps for most compressor nebulisers are:
Step 1: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling any nebuliser components or medication.
Step 2: Assemble the nebuliser by connecting the air tubing from the compressor unit to the nebuliser chamber. Attach the mouthpiece or face mask to the top of the chamber.
Step 3: Add the medication by opening the nebuliser cup and pouring in the prescribed dose. Do not mix medications unless your doctor has specifically told you to. Replace the lid securely.
Step 4: Sit upright in a comfortable position. Hold the nebuliser chamber upright to prevent spills. If using a mask, position it firmly over your nose and mouth. If using a mouthpiece, place it between your teeth and close your lips around it.
Step 5: Switch on the compressor and breathe normally through the mouthpiece or mask. You should see a fine mist flowing. Continue until the medication cup is empty or the mist stops, which usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.
Step 6: Switch off the compressor, remove the mask or mouthpiece, and rinse your mouth with water if you have been using a corticosteroid medication. This helps prevent oral thrush.
Professional-grade 2-in-1 compressor nebuliser for upper and lower respiratory tract treatment. Suitable for clinical and home use.
Proper cleaning is essential to prevent bacterial contamination and keep your nebuliser working effectively. A poorly maintained nebuliser can harbour bacteria and deliver medication less efficiently.
Disassemble the nebuliser cup, mask or mouthpiece, and any removable parts (but not the tubing or compressor unit). Wash them in warm water with a mild washing-up liquid. Rinse thoroughly under running water and shake off excess moisture. Leave all parts to air-dry on a clean towel or drying rack. Never dry nebuliser parts with a cloth or tissue, as fibres can enter the device.
Soak the nebuliser cup, mask, and mouthpiece in a solution of one part white vinegar to three parts warm water for 20 to 30 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and air-dry completely. Some manufacturers recommend using a sterilising solution or steam steriliser instead of vinegar. Check your device manual.
| Component | Replace every |
|---|---|
| Nebuliser chamber (cup) | 3 to 6 months |
| Face mask or mouthpiece | 3 to 6 months |
| Air tubing | 6 to 12 months |
| Air filter | Every 3 months (or when discoloured) |
| Mesh membrane (mesh nebulisers) | 6 to 12 months (or when output drops) |
Never wash the compressor unit itself or the air tubing. The tubing should be replaced rather than cleaned. Wipe the outside of the compressor with a damp cloth only.
Yes, nebulisers are commonly used for children with respiratory conditions such as asthma, croup, and cystic fibrosis. In fact, nebulisers are often the preferred method for very young children (under 3 to 4 years old) who cannot coordinate the press-and-breathe technique required by a standard inhaler, even with a spacer.
When choosing a nebuliser for a child, look for a paediatric face mask that fits snugly over the nose and mouth. A poorly fitting mask allows medication to escape and reduces the dose delivered to the lungs. Many nebuliser models, including the Omron C28P, come with both adult and child masks in the box.
Keep sessions calm and positive. Younger children may find it easier to nebulise while watching a favourite programme or being read to. Treatment times are the same as for adults (10 to 15 minutes), but children may need a smaller medication dose as prescribed by their paediatrician.
Nebuliser prices in the UK range from around £35 for a basic portable compressor to over £150 for a travel-ready or professional-grade model. Here is what to expect at each price point:
Under £50 (entry-level): Basic compressor nebulisers such as the A&D Medical UN-014 (£36.99), Rossmax NI60 Qutie (£37.99), and Kinetik Wellbeing Compressor (£42.99). These are suitable for occasional home use and come with essential accessories.
£50 to £70 (mid-range): Models like the Omron C28P (£55.99) and Microlife NEBPRO (£64.99) offer features such as Advanced Valve Technology, faster treatment times, and suitability for more frequent use.
£70 to £155 (advanced/travel): The Medix AC2000 (£142.99) and Airmed Travel-Air (£154.99) are designed for daily clinical or home use, or for patients who need a portable, battery-powered solution for travel.
Beyond the unit itself, budget for replacement nebuliser kits (£1.30 to £9 each, replaced every 3 to 6 months), air filters (£2.50 to £4 per pack), and tubing (£0.70 to £5.50, replaced every 6 to 12 months). Over a year of regular use, replacement consumables typically add £15 to £40 to the total cost.
The NHS may provide a nebuliser on loan if your consultant prescribes one as part of your ongoing treatment plan. In that case, the medication is available on NHS prescription. However, many patients choose to purchase their own nebuliser privately for convenience.
Advanced nebuliser compatible with all standard respiratory medications. Designed for frequent home and clinical use with durable compressor.
The nebuliser itself does not cause side effects. However, the medication delivered through the nebuliser can. Common side effects depend on the type of medication you are using:
Bronchodilators (salbutamol, ipratropium bromide): May cause a temporarily increased heart rate, slight tremor or shakiness in the hands, headache, or a dry mouth. These effects usually settle within 30 to 60 minutes.
Corticosteroids (budesonide, beclometasone): Can cause oral thrush (a white coating or sore patches in the mouth) and hoarseness. Rinsing your mouth with water immediately after each treatment significantly reduces this risk.
Hypertonic saline: May cause throat irritation, coughing, or a slightly salty taste during the treatment. These are typically mild and short-lived.
Nebulised antibiotics: Can occasionally cause a wheeze or tightness during the first few treatments. Your prescriber will usually give the first dose in a supervised clinical setting.
If you experience persistent breathlessness, chest tightness, or an allergic reaction (rash, swelling, difficulty breathing) during or after nebulisation, stop the treatment immediately and seek medical attention.
No, the nebuliser device itself can be purchased without a prescription. However, the medications used in a nebuliser (such as salbutamol nebules, budesonide, or nebulised antibiotics) are prescription-only medicines. You should only use a nebuliser with medication prescribed by your GP or respiratory specialist.
A typical nebuliser session takes 10 to 15 minutes with a compressor nebuliser. Mesh and ultrasonic models can sometimes complete a treatment in 5 to 10 minutes due to faster aerosol generation. The session is finished when the medication cup is empty or the device stops producing mist.
No. Only use sterile saline solution or the medication prescribed by your doctor. Tap water is not sterile and can contain minerals and microorganisms that may damage the nebuliser or cause a lung infection. If your doctor has prescribed normal saline (0.9% sodium chloride), use pre-packaged sterile saline ampoules.
The compressor unit itself can last several years with proper care. The consumable parts (nebuliser chamber, mask, mouthpiece, tubing, filters) should be replaced on the schedule outlined in the cleaning section above. Replace any part immediately if it becomes cracked, discoloured, or visibly damaged.
Yes, portable nebulisers are allowed in hand luggage. Battery-powered mesh models such as the Rossmax NI60 Qutie are the most practical for air travel. If you carry nebulised medication, bring a letter from your prescriber confirming that you need the device and medication. Airlines may require advance notice, so check with your carrier before you fly.
Neither is universally better. For most people with asthma or COPD, a properly used inhaler with a spacer delivers medication just as effectively as a nebuliser. Nebulisers are recommended when an inhaler is difficult to use (for very young children, elderly patients, or during severe breathlessness), when higher medication doses are needed, or for certain therapies like nebulised antibiotics and hypertonic saline that are not available in inhaler form.
Browse our full range of nebulisers, replacement kits, masks, filters, and accessories.
Shop Nebulisers →Free UK delivery on orders over £100. Expert advice from our London-based team.
