The 6 Best Portable Nebulizers - [Updated for 2022]

For a person with a respiratory illness, a nebulizer is used to turn liquid medicine into a fine mist that is inhaled through a mask or mouthpiece, quickly delivering medication straight to the lungs.

These medications could be bronchodilators to open airways for easier breathing, sterile saline solution to open airways and thin mucus secretions, or antibiotics for someone with a severe infection.

A doctor will prescribe a nebulizer to treat asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis, and sometimes bronchitis or other respiratory infection. 

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#6 Lumiscope Portable Ultrasonic Nebulizer Kit

Coming in at #6 on our list is the Lumiscope Portable Ultrasonic Nebulizer Kit, an economical and travel-friendly option. Designed for both adult and pediatric use, this nebulizer comes equipped with a mask to fit each, as well as 20 medication cups, 5 replacement filters, a mouthpiece, an AC/DC adapter, and a carrying bag. This lightweight machine offers effective, safe, and reliable treatment at whisper-quiet levels.

Nebulizers turn liquid medication into a mist fine enough for inhalation therapy, and this particular nebulizer by Graham Field is suited to give therapy for asthma, chronic bronchitis, and other respiratory disorders upon a physician’s prescription. It features a unique, two-valve system that maximizes inhalation efficiency and minimizes medication waste. During exhalation, the mouthpiece valve will open, allowing the exhaled breath to pass into the air and avoid contaminating the instrument. When inhaling, this valve closes for a no-waste system. Delivering particles as small as 3-4 microns, the Lumiscope ensures utmost absorption even in smaller airways. It also has an adjustable flow volume with an average rate of .7 mL per minute for unrivaled performance.

This 7 oz nebulizer is effortless to maintain and has built-in safety features for reliable usage. A low battery indicator establishes on-time battery changes and the integrated overheat protection certifies years of dependability. Between its size, performance, and value, the Lumiscope Portable Ultrasonic Nebulizer Kit is one of the best portable nebulizers on the market.

Please note that this nebulizer is powered by the included AC/DC power cord. A battery is available as an upgrade for it to be powered cord-free.

Features and Benefits

  • Delivers particles as small as 3-4 microns that reach into small airways
  • Extremely quiet operation with noise levels below 40 dBA
  • Lightweight and easy to travel with
  • The two-valve system decreases cross-contamination 
  •  Designed for minimal medication waste

Customer Feedback

Pros

  • Comes with a mask for both adults and children
  • Great value for the money with a large replacement filter and cup supply
  • Adjustable flow rate allows for personalization 

Cons

  • A portable battery does not come included in the kit (sold separately)

#5 nebGo Ultrasonic Travel Nebulizer System

nebgo-ultrasonic-travel-nebulizer-system

The nebGo Ultrasonic Travel Nebulizer System from Roscoe Medical is designed to meet on-the-go respiratory illness treatment needs and has earned the #4 spot on our list.

Its quiet operation and compact design means you can discreetly take your treatment wherever you need to. It comes complete with a long list of accessories, including a lanyard, medication cup, adult mask, child’s mask, mouthpiece, and USB cord and power plug. It also works on battery power, requiring only two easy-to-find AA batteries.

Even with the batteries, it weighs less than 4 ounces, so it’s easy to carry on the lanyard or in a pocket. It also has a hard-shell carrying case to keep it protected between treatments. It has the capacity to hold 6 ml of liquid medication, and its operating cycle is 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off. It uses vibrating mesh technology to deliver medicine whenever and wherever it’s needed.

An extremely portable model that can even be worn around your neck on its lanyard for quick access, this lightweight nebulizer is user-friendly and will suit you well if you want to be able to take a treatment anywhere at any time. 

Features and Benefits

  • Comes with adult and pediatric-sized masks
  • Uses ultrasonic technology to effectively deliver aerosolized medicine
  • Compact lightweight design makes it super portable
  • Delivers very precise treatment
  • User friendly and very easy to operate

Customer Feedback

Pros

  • Security when wearing it on a lanyard and knowing it’s close if needed
  • Very easy to use 
  • Uses common sized batteries
  • Great asthma machine for kids

Cons

  • Not the biggest medication bowl
  • Not a lot of leeway in treatment duration

#4 PARI TREK S Compact Nebulizer Compressor Combination Pack

pari-trek-s-compact-compressor-combination-pack

The innovative portable PARI TREK S Compact Nebulizer Compressor Combination Pack from Independence Medical has been picked as our # entry. It delivers faster treatment from a small lightweight nebulizer so you can benefit from a treatment wherever you are.

With three power options of universal AC 100 to 240V, 12-volt car adapter, or battery power, you can take your treatment anywhere, including in the car. The rechargeable battery has a 50-minute charge and can be recharged within 2 hours. Weighing less than a pound, and less than 2 pounds with the battery, the compressor comes with 2 reusable nebulizers and can deliver a treatment in as few as 5 minutes. 

Although designed for portability, the compressor packs a lot into its compact design. It delivers the power of a tabletop model in the design of a portable unit, bringing together the best each of these designs has to offer.

If a powerful nebulizer that can deliver treatments quickly from pretty much anywhere is what you’re seeking, this combination pack will keep your treatment close at hand no matter where you are. Being able to charge it in the car makes it especially appealing if you spend a lot of time on the road. Its fast treatment time means you can address your respiratory illness efficiently no matter where you are, allowing you to quickly get back to your daily activities.

Features and Benefits

  • Multiple power source options
  • As powerful as much bigger units
  • Efficiently delivers on-the-go aerosol treatments
  • Treatment times as low as 5 minutes
  • Lightweight for easy transport

Customer Feedback

Pros

  • Size is great to take along while traveling
  • Big bonus to be able to charge on long car trips
  • Short treatment times
  • Just as comfortable using at home as a tabletop model

Cons

  • A bit louder than I expected
  • I have to use 2 vials at a time in my asthma machine and am afraid it will eventually overheat

#3 Sunset Healthcare Mini Portable Mesh Nebulizer

 

Nebulized therapy makes medication easier to intake and is often prescribed for patients with asthma. It turns liquid medicine into a very mine mist for faster inhalation and absorption. However, nebulizers can be large, heavy, and clunky, making medication inaccessible at times. With Sunset Healthcare’s Mini Portable Mesh Nebulizer, users can quickly and easily receive medication no matter where they are. It is powered by either two AA batteries or by the included USB cord for all-day access!

Weighing only half a pound, this mini nebulizer by Sunset Healthcare can fit in the palm of your hand and into any bag for travel. It is ultra-quiet for discreet use and comes with everything you need for operation: an 8 mL medication cup, adult mask, pediatric mask, mouthpiece, carry bag, and user manual. Impressively, this device nebulizes at a rate of .25 mL a minute or faster for effective and rapid treatment. It also produces particles as fine as 3 microns, certifying maximum absorption even in smaller airways. For reference, microns lower than 1 will remain suspended in the air and not deposit into the bronchial tree, and microns greater than 5 tend to deposit only in the upper respiratory tract. Fit for adults and children, this nebulizer offers constant access to medication with great efficacy.

This economical nebulizer is reliable and features safety lights to indicate when the unit is powered on and ready and when the batteries are low for a replacement. This ensures easy upkeep and preparedness. Designed for convenience and what separates this nebulizer from the rest is the nebulizing mesh disk that is integrated into the medicine cup. Simply nebulize water through the device for a thorough clean and you’re good to go for your next use! Tiny yet mighty, the Mini Portable Mesh Nebulizer from Sunset Healthcare is perfect for everyday use and all your traveling needs!

Features and Benefits

  • Comes in a kit with an adult and pediatric mask
  • Lightweight and compact for easy traveling
  • Produces particles as fine as 3 microns to reach into smaller airways
  • Economical and easy to maintain
  • Whisper-quiet operations

Customer Feedback

Pros

  • Can be used discreetly
  • Suitable for children and adults
  • Low power consumption
  • Constant access

Cons

  • Batteries do not last a long time
  • Intended to be used with Albuterol and not Hypertonic Saline

#2 PulmoMate Compressor Nebulizer System

pulmomate-compressor-nebulizer-system

Our #2 choice for best nebulizers is the small and durable PulmoMate Compressor Nebulizer System by Drive Medical

This nebulizer can be angled up to 45 degrees to ensure the most comfortable treatment. It’s easy to take along on a trip, with a storage compartment for attachments and a sleek design to fit easily into a travel bag. 

It has a high-capacity medicine bowl that can deliver almost 20 percent more medication, and it seals securely to prevent spills. It can be cleaned in the dishwasher and its universal connector fits masks of all sizes, including a pediatric pacifier mouthpiece. This system comes with 7 inches of kink-resistant tubing and includes a VixOne disposable nebulizer. 

If you want a nebulizer that is convenient to take anywhere, easy to keep clean, and durable enough to count on for years to come, this system is a great choice. The manufacturer builds this nebulizer to last and backs it with a 5-year limited warranty.

Features and Benefits

  • Built-in storage compartment
  • Large capacity medication reservoir
  • Integrated handle for easy transport
  • Designed for years of service
  • Uses latest compressor technology
  • Uses latest robust quality and durability

Customer Feedback

Pros

  • Comes with a disposable nebulizer
  • One of the easiest asthma nebulizers to travel with
  • Connector works with pacifier attachment to treat babies
  • Choice of angle for most comfortable treatment
  • Good value for an asthma nebulizer

Cons

  • Being battery operated would make it even more attractive for travel
  • It weighs more than 5 pounds, so adds a lot of weight to a suitcase

#1 Intelligent Mesh Handheld Portable Nebulizer

 intelligent-mesh-handheld-portable-nebulizer

Using the latest technology and claiming the top spot on our list with its smartphone app and interactive games is the Intelligent Mesh Handheld Portable Nebulizer from Briutcare

Adults like being able to transport this cell-phone-sized nebulizer in a purse or bag in a carry case that keeps all components protected and they appreciate the quiet operation that doesn’t disturb others no matter where you take your treatment. Kids like the choice of pink, gray, or green colors, and the interactive smartphone games that encourage compliance during a breathing treatment. In addition to fun games for kids, the app can adjust the nebulization rates to suit individual treatment needs.

With patented vibration mesh technology, medication reaches the lower respiratory tract, making breathing treatments shorter and more effective. The cough feeling is eliminated since the patented delivery system senses when you exhale and only delivers medicine when you inhale.

This handheld nebulizer made the top spot on our list because of its use of technology to personalize the treatment experience, and the adjustability the accompanying smartphone app provides. With benefits for kids and adults, this compact nebulizer doesn’t tie you to any one place for your treatment, makes the treatment quick and efficient, and makes the whole experience more enjoyable. For a powerful yet compact interactive unit, the Intelligent Mesh Handheld Portable Nebulizer stands out, delivering you a quick and comfortable treatment anywhere.

Features and Benefits

  • Rechargeable battery and automatic shut off feature
  • Adjustable nebulization rate
  • Compact and lightweight with a carry case to take along anywhere
  • Accompanying smartphone app
  • Senses breathing to deliver medicine only on inhalation

Customer Feedback

Pros

  • Reliable even when put to heavy use
  • Charges quickly
  • Perfect size to easily carry in a purse
  • Best asthma machine ever used

Cons

  • Can’t use hypertonic saline solution or other medications designed to be used with specific delivery devices
  • App is finicky and doesn’t always connect 

Things to Consider When Purchasing a Nebulizer

When choosing the right nebulizer, there are several factors to keep in mind while deciding which is the best option for your treatment needs.

Who Will Be Using It

If the nebulizer is for a child, there are pediatric models designed to fit smaller patients and be more attractive and engaging to kids through the use of colorful equipment or child-friendly themes.

Where It Will Be Used

Tabletop models are for indoor use on stable surfaces, and they often require close proximity to an electrical outlet for power. Lightweight handheld models allow for more mobility and usually have batteries so they are not tethered to an electrical outlet. Asthma patients who might need frequent treatments often benefit from smaller portable models that can be easily taken along anywhere.

Accessories and Compatibility

There are a lot of nebulizer accessories on the market, so it’s important to determine if your nebulizer will be a good fit for additional parts you might need.

Storage and Cleaning

Be sure the nebulizer is easy for you to clean and reset, and that you understand how to store it correctly. 

System Design

Tabletop System - For indoor use, it’s placed on a sturdy surface and is suitable for children who need a stationary unit. A tabletop unit is usually less expensive than a handheld model.

Handheld System - Providing the user with more mobility, small and lightweight handheld models usually have batteries.

Method of Nebulization

Jet/Aerosol (Piston Pump Compressor)

A piston-powered compressor forces air through the liquid medication using tubing and a nebulizer cup, creating a breathable mist. They are less expensive than ultrasonic nebulizers.

Ultrasonic

An ultrasonic model uses high frequency sound vibrations to turn liquid medication into an aerosol mist with particles that are smaller and more uniform in size than piston pump models create. They are usually quieter and deliver the medicine more quickly than other models.

Vibrating Mesh

This design has a screen with laser-drilled holes. The screen is placed across the medicine reservoir, creating a cool mist to be inhaled. It is an efficient delivery system without the waste seen in atomizer models.

FAQ

Who needs a nebulizer?

Nebulizers are usually prescribed by doctors to treat asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis, and sometimes respiratory infections like bronchitis.

What does a nebulizer do for your lungs?

A nebulizer can deliver life-saving medications when it is hard to breathe in. It turns liquid medications into a breathable mist, delivering it via mouthpiece or facemask. Pediatric nebulizers are also a good choice for children who may not be able to work an inhaler.

Is a nebulizer better than an inhaler?

Not better, but definitely different. An inhaler requires you to squeeze the device and inhale deeply at the right moment, a nebulizer automatically turns your medication into an aerosol for ingestion through breathing.

How do you use a nebulizer machine?

The basic steps to set up and use a nebulizer are:

  • Wash your hands 
  • Connect hose to air compressor
  • Fill medicine reservoir
  • Attach hose and mouthpiece to medicine cup
  • Place mouthpiece in your mouth with lips firm around it
  • Breathe through mouth until all the medicine is gone
  • Turn off machine
  • Wash the medical cup and mouthpiece 

What medication is used in a nebulizer for asthma?

Corticosteroids are used to open constricted airways. Examples of these medicines are Albuteral, Xopenex, and Pulmicort.

Final Thoughts

No matter what features you’re looking for or what kind of nebulizer will work best for you, you’ll find a model on our top 5 list that will effectively deliver treatment and relief. Our #1 choice is the Intelligent Mesh Handheld Portable Nebulizer. If you haven't found what you are looking for, then we encourage you to browse our entire selection of full list of nebulizers

Be sure to check out our free blog, Caregiver University, for more informative articles!

Author:

Co-Founder of Rehabmart and an Occupational Therapist since 1993. Mike has spent his professional career working in multiple areas of Occupational Therapy, including pediatrics, geriatrics, hand therapy, ergonomics and inpatient / outpatient rehabilitation. Mike enjoys writing articles that help people solve complex therapeutic problems and make better product choices.

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