How to Test a Heated Nebulizer

Test a nebulizer to ensure the heating mechanism is working properly.

Nebulizers are a type of medical equipment that turn liquid medication into a vapor. The patient wears a mask that's connected to the nebulizer and inhales the vapor during breathing treatment sessions. Nebulizers are used to treat breathing- and lung-related ailments like asthma. Many nebulizers are equipped with a heating mechanism that warms the mist. To test the heated nebulizer, use a small amount of water instead of medication. If it works properly, it will produce a warm steam.

Things You'll Need

• Nebulizer
• Teaspoon
• Water
• Sterile gauze

Instructions

1. Plug in the nebulizer.

2. Attach the nebulizer tubing to the compressor and attach the mouthpiece. Ensure that all of the tube connections are secure.

3. Open the nebulizer's lid and access the bowl region where you place the medication prior to a treatment.

4. Place 2 tsp. of water inside the nebulizer bowl.

5. Turn on the heating mechanism. There will be a dial or switch on the side of the nebulizer labeled with "Heat" or similar.

6. Turn on the nebulizer's compressor.

7. Feel the mist that's emerging from the nebulizer mouthpiece. If it's working properly, the mist will be warm.

8. Turn off the nebulizer heater and compressor. Use a bit of sterile gauze to absorb the water in the nebulizer bowl. Insert your medication and perform a breathing treatment, or store the nebulizer until you're ready to perform a treatment.

Tips & Warnings

• If the mist is not immediately warm, wait a minute or two. It may take a few seconds for the heating to occur.

• Always test the nebulizer before administering a treatment on a young, non-verbal child or pet. The child or animal cannot tell you that the mist is not warm as it should be, so you must ensure that it's working properly prior to every treatment.

• If you're about to perform a breathing treatment, load the nebulizer with your medication instead of water.

• Do not test the nebulizer with medication in the bowl unless you're planning to perform a breathing treatment.

• Do not attempt to repair the nebulizer if it appears to be broken. Consult the owner's manual to ensure that you're using the specific model properly. If it's still not working, bring it to a medical supply shop for repairs or replacement.

• Always wash your hands before handling the nebulizer bowl. Contamination must be avoided, as the patient could fall ill if he inhales bacteria.

References

• National Jewish Health: Using a Nebulizer