Copyright 2005 Childrens Hospital Los Angeles

How To Use A Nebulizer

  • Turn the machine on
    (make sure it is plugged in or that the batteries are good).

  • Put the mouthpiece in your child’s mouth, or place the mask over the face of the child. Have your child take slow, deep breaths in and out inhaling the mist. You should see the mist disappear every time your child takes a breath.

  • Have the child hold each breath 1-2 seconds before breathing out.

  • Continue inhaling until the mist starts to “sputter” then shake the medication cup and inhale the mist until it sputters again. All the medication has been inhaled by this time (it takes 5-10 minutes). [Note: there will always be some liquid left over in the medication cup after you are done. Breathing it in for more than 5-10 minutes will not deliver any more medicine.]



    After each use, take apart all the parts and rinse the mouthpiece/mask, T-connector and medication cup. Let these air dry or dry with a clean cloth. (Do not rinse the tubing). Then reconnect the parts and run the nebulizer for 20-30 seconds to dry the parts and nebulizer. After completely dry, store the parts in a dust-proof bag and cover the nebulizer with a dust cover.

    Once or twice a week, after rinsing the parts with water, soak them (not the tubing) in a solution that is one part distilled white vinegar and two parts distilled water for 30 minutes (throw out this vinegar-water solution after finished). Rinse the parts with warm running water for 1-2 minutes, then dry and store as above.

    Clean the surface of the nebulizer machine with a damp cloth or sponge. You could also use an alcohol or disinfectant wipe. Never put the nebulizer machine in water.

    Replace the medication cup, mouthpiece/mask, T-connector or tubing right away if there is any visible dirt or mildew that does not come off with cleaning.

    Replace the air filter in the machine every 3-6 months. Clean and replace the filter sooner if the mist looks weaker.