The different types of albuterol nebulizers have various features to work for all kinds of patients with respiratory distress. Some albuterol nebulizers are designed to work at home while others are for hospital use. Most patients want a nebulizer that works quickly, fits well, and is easy to clean. Doctors will help their patients find the type of nebulizer that will work best for them.
Albuterol nebulizers that are created for home use come with a small motor that connects to a tube. The other end of the tube is hooked to the medicine reservoir and the face mask. The motor pushes out air which allows the liquid albuterol to be dispersed as vapor. The patient uses the mask to breathe in the medicine. A children's nebulizer often comes with a smaller face mask for a better fit.
Various medical companies develop and sell albuterol nebulizers, so each brand can be a bit different. Some take a long time to administer the medication while others have a bigger motor and will take much less time. Many at-home nebulizers come with a car kit. This kit allows the nebulizer machine to be plugged into a vehicle outlet so that albuterol can be given on the road.
If an albuterol nebulizer does not come with a car kit, it can be quite difficult for asthma patients to travel. In this case, an asthma inhaler is often used in place of a nebulizer. These inhalers usually come with a metered-dose of albuterol so that the patient knows exactly how much medication he or she is taking. Dry powder inhalers are also used in lieu of a nebulizer. They also contain a set dose of albuterol.
Hospital-grade nebulizers are often much bigger in size. They have large motors and are usually mounted to the wall in the patient rooms. The medical staff that uses albuterol will change the tubing and the face mask for each patient. Since the albuterol nebulizers are so big, they administer all the medication much quicker than a home machine.
These nebulizers are often paid for by medical insurance. If a patient does not have health insurance, these machines can be very expensive. Some medical companies that sell nebulizers may be willing to help patients who have trouble paying for a nebulizer out of pocket.