Medicine container
The nebuliser's built-in medicine reservoir volume is a crucial consideration. It's important to align this parameter with medical guidelines for the prescribed treatment. A too-small capacity may require frequent refilling, disrupting the treatment process.
Also, knowing the volume of the reservoir and the nebulization rate (see below), it is possible to estimate the operating time of the nebuliser on a single refill.
Nebulization rate
The nebuliser's nebulization capacity per minute.
The ideal nebulization rate can differ based on factors such as the patient's health condition, the type of disease, and the composition of the inhaled medication, as outlined in medical guidelines. This rate is crucial in assessing the inhaler's effectiveness for specific situations and also influences how long the device operates on a single medication refill.
Some models have a nebulization speed control — in such cases, the maximum value is usually indicated in the characteristics.
Particle size
The aerosol generated by a nebuliser contains droplets of varying sizes. Smaller droplets have an easier time reaching the narrow passages of the bronchi, delivering the medicinal substance deeper into the respiratory system. For optimal therapeutic effects, it is recommended that droplet sizes do not surpass 5 microns. It's worth noting that during the atomization process, particles may vary in size, and their values are often expressed as a range.
Medium particle size (MMAD)
Since not all particles have the same size, this paragraph indicates exactly the average, most common particle size when splitting in this inhaler. Accordingly, lower values allow easier and deeper penetration into the bronchi.
Noise level
The nebuliser's maximum noise level during normal operation is a crucial factor for user comfort, especially in situations where loud sounds are undesirable, such as when treating children or during nighttime use. It's important to note that the relationship between decibel levels and actual perceived noise is not linear. For instance, a 3 dB increase corresponds to a doubling of noise, and a 20 dB increase equals a 100 — fold increase in noise. Comparative tables are often used to assess the actual loudness of inhalers, and here are some relevant values for modern devices:
30 dB — comparable to a whisper, the maximum permissible noise level in residential premises at night according to sanitary standards;
35 dB — talking in an undertone;
40 dB — normal speech at a distance of about 10 m;
45 dB — conversation in a normal voice;
50 dB — a conversation is slightly louder than usual, it is considered the maximum noise level that does not cause noticeable inconvenience;
55 dB — car engine;
60 dB — TV at medium volume;
65 dB — loud conversations at a distance of up to 1 m.
