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What is an aerosol compressor?
An aerosol compressor machine is a type of inhaler therapy that converts liquid medicine into a fine mist. It is then easily inhaled into the lungs through a mouthpiece or a face mask of the device. They are also known as “breathing treatments” or “breathing therapy.” Breathing treatments help you breathe better by treating wheezing, shortness of breath, respiratory infections, chronic lung diseases, asthma attacks, pneumonia, cystic fibrosis, severe allergic reactions and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). They are used by infants, children and adults. Since it delivers the medication directly into the lungs so it is more effectively absorbed, it is a favored asthma treatment. Both short-acting and long-acting medications can be delivered.
An aerosol compressor machine uses pressurized oxygen or air from an air compressor, a device that forces air into a smaller volume and thus increasing its pressure, to deliver medicine through a tube to a mouthpiece or face mask. The compressed air can also be stored while the air remains pressurized. Aerosol compressors power the compressed air to the nebulizer, pushing the mist through the mouth piece or face mask, delivering the aerosol medication. The medicine container on the nebulizer is either made in small or large volume containers, to hold the medication solution that is simply poured into the nebulizer container.
How does an aerosol compressor work?
The nebulizer is essentially a cup with a mouthpiece or face mask on the top, and oxygen tubing on the bottom. The tubing is connected to an air compressor, and when turned on, the air compressor provides a flow of air through a tiny hole in the cup so that liquid inside the cup is drawn into the flow, resulting in a fine, white mist.
The aerosol nebulizer changes the medication from a liquid to a mist so it can be more easily inhaled into the lungs. The machine or container has a valve so you can increase or decrease the amount of mist you receive, depending on your needs. This process of changing a liquid into a mist is called atomization, and that is why nebulizers used to be called atomizers.
How often and when you should use your aerosol compressor should be determined by you and your doctor. Some people take it at regular intervals, such as every four hours if their asthma is severe enough, although most asthmatics only need to use it when their asthma is acting up and/ or their inhaler is not working effectively. The medicine used in nebulizers is premixed with water and inserted into tiny plastic ampules, therefore, all you have to do is twist open the top and pour the contents into the cup.
A mask or a mouthpiece can be used on top of the nebulizer, whichever you prefer. Older kids and adults can use a mouthpiece just fine, but younger kids and some adults may prefer or require the face mask. To operate the nebulizer, simply turn on the flow source and the air compressor, and a fine, white mist will be seen coming out of the mouthpiece or inside the mask. If you use a mask it should be securely placed on your face with the strap, and you should breathe normally through your mouth or nose. If you use a mouthpiece, it should be clipped between your teeth with your mouth closed, and you should breathe normally through your mouth. The duration of the treatment is usually 4-10 minutes, depending on the flow generated from your flow source, the air compressor and the amount of medication being used. The reason the medications are inhaled instead of ingested is to target their effect to the respiratory tract, which speeds up the onset of the action of the medicine.
What are the different types of aerosol compressors?
Aerosol compressors come in several different styles. There are home models, for tabletop use and portable models, conveniently allowing you to receive fast, effective, on-the-go medication treatments. Home aerosol compressors are larger and must be plugged into an electrical outlet, while portable aerosol compressors run on batteries, either disposable or rechargeable, or can be plugged into a car's cigarette lighter. Smaller portable units are slightly larger than a deck of cards, so they can be carried in a briefcase, purse or backpack to be used whenever and wherever you need them.
Special aerosol compressors are also available for pediatrics. The differences make it important for you to select the correct compressor nebulizer for your specific purposes. You can talk to your doctor when deciding which style of compressor you need for your aerosol medications.
You can utilize portable aerosol compressors for use in the car, when on a vacation, anytime you need lung therapy away from home, when you want a smaller unit to deliver aerosol medication, or when you require a compressor that is battery powered. Portable aerosol compressors are unique in that they are small, easy and lightweight to carry with you wherever you go. That way you can use them at will since they are completely battery powered. You can use stationary aerosol compressors when at home, or when you are in a place where you can plug your machine into an outlet.
You need a prescription from your doctor to obtain an aerosol compressor, or it can be dispensed from your pediatrician’s office.
Rehabmart is proud to carry a variety of quality aerosol compressors from esteemed vendors that include Mada Medical, Drive Medical, Karman Healthcare, Independence Medical, Precision Medical, Mabis and Invacare.
Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Co-Founder & CEO
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