What are Nebulizers and How to Use Them

Nebulizers

A nebulizer is a device that helps to transport medication to your lungs, making breathing easier for you. By adding moisture to the medication, the nebulizer creates a mist which is inhaled through a mouthpiece. The method of using a nebulizer will be demonstrated to you by either your hospice nurse or respiratory therapist.

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How to Use A Nebulizer

Follow these steps for preparing and giving a nebulizer treatment:

• Wash your hands before preparing your treatment.
• Gather the equipment you will need, including:
  o Nebulizer machine
  o T piece
  o Medication cup
  o Corrugated tubing
  o Mouthpiece
  o Medication (The medication is usually delivered to you in premeasured doses.)
• Unscrew the medication cup. Pour the medication into the bottom of the medication cup.
• Screw the top of the medication cup on.
• Attach the “T” piece to the top of the medication cup.
• Place the mouthpiece on one end of the T piece and the corrugated tubing on the other end of the T piece.
• Attach the long, thin tubing to the machine and the other end to the bottom or side of the medication cup.
• Place yourself in an upright position, by sitting at the head of your bed.
• Turn the machine on.
• Breathe normally until all the medicine in the medication cup is gone. You may need to shake it periodically to get all the medicine nebulized.

Care of the Nebulizer

• Wash the medication cup daily in hot, soapy water and rinse thoroughly
• Replace the T piece, medication cup, and tubing every 2 weeks

Please call your Hospice team anytime for more information or support.

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